Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Vol.102, No.38, 7525-7534, 1998
d -> d spectrum and high-spin/low-spin competition in d(6) octahedral coordination compounds : ab initio study of potential energy curves
Ab initio calculations were performed, using the CASPT2 method and moderate-size basis sets, on several d(6) octahedral coordination compounds, Fe(CN)(6)(4-), Fe(NCH)(6)(2+), cis- and trans-Fe(CN)(2)(NCH)(4), and Cr(CO)(6). The study concentrates on the six lowest states of the d --> d spectrum (three singlets, one quintet, and two triplets states), and on the dependence of their energy on the metal-ligand equilibrium distance. It has been exended to a d(5) compound, Fe(CN)(6)(3-). The spin multiplicity of the ground states is correctly reproduced, and the metal-ligand distances and the Vertical transitions energies, and dissociation energies are in good agreement with experiment. From the potential energy curves, it is possible to extract Racah's parameters, B and C, and the crystal field parameter Delta as a function of the metal-ligand distance. The dependence of Delta on this distance is rationalized in terms of ligand field theory. Finally, the role of the triplet states in the spin transition is discussed.
Keywords:SEQUENTIAL BOND-ENERGIES, PERTURBATION-THEORY, IRON(II)COMPLEXES, CRYSTAL-STRUCTURE, CROSSOVER, PSEUDOPOTENTIALS;DISSOCIATION, CR(CO)(6), ELEMENTS, PRESSURE