Structure, epr parameters, and reactivity of organic free radicals from a density functional approach

Abstract

A recently introduced density functional incorporating gradient corrections and some Hartree-Fock exchange has been used to study the structures, properties, and reactivity of representative organic free radicals. A general theoretical model has been introduced, in which standardized grid, functional, and orbital basis set are used to compute geometrical parameters, vibrational frequencies, and one-electron properties. The results are compared with available experimental data from diatomic to polyatomic radicals. All the geometric and electronic parameters compare favourably with available experimental data and with the results of refined post Hartree-Fock computations. Also the thermodynamics and kinetics of a representative unimolecular reaction (isomerization of formaldehyde radical cation) are well reproduced. These findings together with the very favourable scaling of the computations with the number of electrons suggest that the density functional approach is a promising theoretical tool for the study of relationships between structure and properties of large free radicals.