Calculation of Second- and Higher-Order Force Constants Including Electron Correlation Effects and Hartree-Fock Force Constant Scaling

Abstract

A formalism suitable for practical implementation is suggested for computation of quadratic, cubic, and quartic force constants using the configuration interaction (CI) method. Expressions are compared which involve the Hartree-Fock (HF) harmonic and anharmonic force constants calculated by the HF and CI methods. Also, physical assumptions are formulated to perform scaling of the diagonal harmonic and, which is more important, of anharmonic HF force constants with a common scaling factor. This approach is consistent with the data of ab initio quantum-chemical calculations. A table is presented which compares the results of valence force constant calculations for a series of simple organic molecules.