Optimization of auxiliary basis sets for RI-MP2 and RI-CC2 calculations: Core–valence and quintuple-ζ basis sets for H to Ar and QZVPP basis sets for Li to Kr

Abstract

An implementation of analytic basis set gradients is reported for the optimization of auxiliary basis sets in resolution-of-the-identity second-order Moller–Plesset perturbation theory (RI-MP2) and approximate coupled-cluster singles-and-doubles (RI-CC2) calculations. The analytic basis set gradients are applied in the optimization of auxiliary basis sets for a number of large one-electron orbital basis sets which provide correlation energies close to the basis set limit: the core–valence basis sets cc-pwCVXZ (B–Ne, Al–Ar) with X = D, T, Q, 5, the quintuple-ζ basis sets cc-pV5Z (H–Ar) and cc-pV(5 + d)Z (Al–Ar) and the doubly-polarized valence quadruple-ζ basis sets QZVPP for Li–Kr. The quality of the optimized auxiliary basis sets is evaluated for several test sets with small and medium sized molecules.