In the past, basis sets for use in correlated molecular calculations have largely been taken from single configuration calculations. Recently, Almlof, Taylor, and co‐workers have found that basis sets of natural orbitals derived from correlated atomic calculations (ANOs) provide an excellent description of molecular correlation effects. We report here a careful study of correlation effects in the oxygen atom, establishing that compact sets of primitive Gaussian functions effectively and efficiently describe correlation effects i f the exponents of the functions are optimized in atomic correlated calculations, although the primitive (s p) functions for describing correlation effects can be taken from atomic Hartree–Fock calculations i f the appropriate primitive set is used. Test calculations on oxygen‐containing molecules indicate that these primitive basis sets describe molecular correlation effects as well as the ANO sets of Almlof and Taylor. Guided by the calculations on oxygen, basis sets for use in correlated atomic and molecular calculations were developed for all of the first row atoms from boron through neon and for hydrogen. As in the oxygen atom calculations, it was found that the incremental energy lowerings due to the addition of correlating functions fall into distinct groups. This leads to the concept of c o r r e l a t i o n c o n s i s t e n t b a s i s s e t s, i.e., sets which include all functions in a given group as well as all functions in any higher groups. Correlation consistent sets are given for all of the atoms considered. The most accurate sets determined in this way, [5s4p3d2f1g], consistently yield 99% of the correlation energy obtained with the corresponding ANO sets, even though the latter contains 50% more primitive functions and twice as many primitive polarization functions. It is estimated that this set yields 94%–97% of the total (HF+1+2) correlation energy for the atoms neon through boron.

Gaussian basis sets for use in correlated molecular calculations. I. The atoms boron through neon and hydrogen

A description of the ab initio quantum chemistry package GAMESS is presented. Chemical systems containing atoms through radon can be treated with wave functions ranging from the simplest closed-shell case up to a general MCSCF case, permitting calculations at the necessary level of sophistication. Emphasis is given to novel features of the program. The parallelization strategy used in the RHF, ROHF, UHF, and GVB sections of the program is described, and detailed speecup results are given. Parallel calculations can be run on ordinary workstations as well as dedicated parallel machines. © John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

General atomic and molecular electronic structure system

Multiwfn is a multifunctional program for wavefunction analysis. Its main functions are: (1) Calculating and visualizing real space function, such as electrostatic potential and electron localization function at point, in a line, in a plane or in a spatial scope. (2) Population analysis. (3) Bond order analysis. (4) Orbital composition analysis. (5) Plot density-of-states and spectrum. (6) Topology analysis for electron density. Some other useful utilities involved in quantum chemistry studies are also provided. The built-in graph module enables the results of wavefunction analysis to be plotted directly or exported to high-quality graphic file. The program interface is very user-friendly and suitable for both research and teaching purpose. The code of Multiwfn is substantially optimized and parallelized. Its efficiency is demonstrated to be significantly higher than related programs with the same functions. Five practical examples involving a wide variety of systems and analysis methods are given to illustrate the usefulness of Multiwfn. The program is free of charge and open-source. Its precompiled file and source codes are available from http://multiwfn.codeplex.com.

Multiwfn: a multifunctional wavefunction analyzer.

A contracted Gaussian basis set (6‐311G**) is developed by optimizing exponents and coefficients at the Mo/ller–Plesset (MP) second‐order level for the ground states of first‐row atoms. This has a triple split in the valence s and p shells together with a single set of uncontracted polarization functions on each atom. The basis is tested by computing structures and energies for some simple molecules at various levels of MP theory and comparing with experiment.

Self‐consistent molecular orbital methods. XX. A basis set for correlated wave functions

We present an analysis of the performances of a parameter free density functional model (PBE0) obtained combining the so called PBE generalized gradient functional with a predefined amount of exact exchange. The results obtained for structural, thermodynamic, kinetic and spectroscopic (magnetic, infrared and electronic) properties are satisfactory and not far from those delivered by the most reliable functionals including heavy parameterization. The way in which the functional is derived and the lack of empirical parameters fitted to specific properties make the PBE0 model a widely applicable method for both quantum chemistry and condensed matter physics.

Toward reliable density functional methods without adjustable parameters: The PBE0 model

Some methods of describing electron correlation are compared from the point of view of requirements for theoretical chemical models. The perturbation approach originally introduced by Moller and Plesset, terminated at finite order, is found to satisfy most of these requirements. It is size consistent, that is, applicable to an ensemble of isolated systems in an additive manner. On the other hand, it does not provide an upper bound for the electronic energy. The independent electron-pair approximation is accurate to second order in a Moller-Plesset expansion, but inaccurate in third order. A series of variational methods is discussed which gives upper bounds for the energy, but which lacks size consistency. Finally, calculations on some small molecules using a moderately large Gaussian basis are presented to illustrate these points. Equilibrium geometries, dissociation energies, and energy separations between electronic states of different spin multiplicities are describe substantially better by Moller--Plesset theory to second or third order than by Hartree--Fock theory.

Theoretical models incorporating electron correlation

Constraints that may be applied to the spin orbitals used in Hartree–Fock theory are classified and discussed. Once a constrained stationary wavefunction has been obtained by a self‐consistent procedure, it may be tested for stability both internally (with constraints remaining) and externally (with some constraints removed). Methods for carrying out these tests are presented. In addition, a general technique is described for further energy minimization following detection of an instability.

Self‐consistent molecular orbital methods. XVIII. Constraints and stability in Hartree–Fock theory

The energies of planar vs. tetrahedral geometries of tetracoordinate organic molecules have been surveyed by ab ini- tio molecular orbital calculations. Because of their 7~ acceptor and u donor character, electropositive substituents, especially lithium, are particularly effective in stabilizing the planar arrangements selectively. Multiple substitution by such metals and by three-membered rings provides further stabilization, and 1,l-dilithiocyclopropane (XVII) and 3,3-dilithiocyclopropene (XVIII), inter alia, are actually calculated (RHF/STO-3G theory) to be more stable planar than tetrahedral.

Stabilization of planar tetracoordinate carbon

A configuration interaction (Cl) procedure which includes all single and double substitutions from an unrestricted Hartree-Fock single determinant is described. This has the feature that Moller-Plesset perturbation results to second and third order are obtained in the first Cl iterative cycle. The procedure also avoids the necessity of a full two-electron integral transformation. A simple expression for correcting the final Cl energy for lack of size consistency is proposed. Finally, calculations on a series of small molecules are presented to compare these Cl methods with perturbation theory.

Rolf Seeger

Papers

Self‐consistent molecular orbital methods. XX. A basis set for correlated wave functions

Theoretical models incorporating electron correlation

Self‐consistent molecular orbital methods. XVIII. Constraints and stability in Hartree–Fock theory

Stabilization of planar tetracoordinate carbon

Variational configuration interaction methods and comparison with perturbation theory