Electronic Molecular Structure, Reactivity and Intermolecular Forces: An Euristic Interpretation by Means of Electrostatic Molecular Potentials

Abstract

This chapter discusses a model that relies on the knowledge of the molecular electrostatic potential, which is derived from a molecular wavefunction by using the usual methods for calculating the mean expectation value of an operator. In its basic premises the model employs quantum mechanics, with only the approximations necessary in molecular quantal calculations. The model is also discussed regarding its relationships with the Hellmann–Feynman theorem. The electrostatic potential V itself is examined in order to show how the electrostatic potential reflects the characteristics of the electronic distribution of a molecule and then the reliability of V is discussed as a reactivity index. The shape of the electrostatic potential and its relationship to the electronic molecular structure is discussed with the aid of various examples. One of them includes the glycine tautomers and the corresponding anion example. The chapter also discusses the electrostatic molecular potential in terms of local group contributions.