Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title
J. Phys. Chem.
Publication Date
1-1-2014
Volume
118
First Page
3835
Last Page
3845
Abstract
The SO2 molecule is paired with a number of carbonyl-containing molecules, and the properties of the resulting complexes are calculated by high-level ab initio theory. The global minimum of each pair is held together primarily by a S···O chalcogen bond wherein the lone pairs of the carbonyl O transfer charge to the π* antibonding SO orbital, supplemented by smaller contributions from weak CH···O H-bonds. The binding energies vary between 4.2 and 8.6 kcal/mol, competitive with even some of the stronger noncovalent forces such as H-bonds and halogen bonds. The geometrical arrangement places the carbonyl O atom above the plane of the SO2 molecule, consistent with the disposition of the molecular electrostatic potentials of the two monomers. This S···O bond differs from the more commonly observed chalcogen bond in both geometry and origin. Substituents exert their influence via inductive effects that change the availability of the carbonyl O lone pairs as well as the intensity of the negative electrostatic potential surrounding this atom.
Recommended Citation
Substituent Effects in the Noncovalent Bonding of SO2 to Molecules containing a Carbonyl Group. The Dominating Role of the Chalcogen Bond L. M. Azofra, S. Scheiner J. Phys. Chem. A 2014 118 3835–3845
