ULYSSES: An Efficient and Easy to Use Semiempirical Library for C+.

Abstract

We introduce ULYSSES, a user-friendly and robust C++ library for semiempirical quantum chemical calculations. In its current version, ULYSSES is equipped with a large set of different semiempirical models, most of which are based on the Neglect of Diatomic Differential Overlap (NDDO) approximation. Empirical corrections for dispersion and hydrogen bonding are available for most methods, so that higher quality is achieved in the calculation of energies of nonbonded complexes. The library is furthermore equipped with geometry optimization, as well as modules for calculating molecular properties of general interest. Ideal gas thermodynamics is available and allows single structure as well as conformer (multistructure) averaged properties to be calculated. We offer the possibility to use several vibrational partition functions according to the nature of interactions being studied: for covalent systems, the traditional harmonic oscillator approximation is available; for nonbonded complexes, we systematically extended the partition function proposed by Grimme for all thermodynamic functions. The library is also capable of running Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics.