Compounds of the f-elements. Chemical bonding and electronic structure

Abstract

Recent data from experimental and theoretical studies of the nature of the chemical bonding in f-element compounds and their electronic structure are reviewed. Implicit and explicit methods of accounting for relativistic effects in quantum-chemical calculations are briefly examined. Results of quantum-chemical calculations of lanthanide trihalides, lanthanide and actinide cyclopentadienides, and other f-element compounds are analysed. Questions about the electronic and geometric structure, the nature of the π- and σ-bonding, and the role of d- and f-orbitals in forming chemical bonds are discussed. The bibliography includes 95 references.