Energy decomposition analysis of single bonds within Kohn–Sham density functional theory

Abstract

An energy decomposition analysis (EDA) for single chemical bonds is presented within the framework of Kohn–Sham density functional theory based on spin projection equations that are exact within wave function theory. Chemical bond energies can then be understood in terms of stabilization caused by spin-coupling augmented by dispersion, polarization, and charge transfer in competition with destabilizing Pauli repulsions. The EDA reveals distinguishing features of chemical bonds ranging across nonpolar, polar, ionic, and charge-shift bonds. The effect of electron correlation is assessed by comparison with Hartree–Fock results. Substituent effects are illustrated by comparing the C–C bond in ethane against that in bis(diamantane), and dispersion stabilization in the latter is quantified. Finally, three metal–metal bonds in experimentally characterized compounds are examined: a MgI–MgI dimer, the ZnI–ZnI bond in dizincocene, and the Mn–Mn bond in dimanganese decacarbonyl.