Theoretical and Computational Chemistry


Book Description

This book explores the applications of computational chemistry ranging from the pharmaceutical industry and molecular structure determination to spectroscopy and astrophysics. The authors detail how calculations can be used to solve a wide range of practical challenges encountered in research and industry.




Energetic Materials


Book Description

This volume provides an overview of current research and recent advances in the area of energetic materials, focusing on decomposition, crystal and molecular properties. The contents and format reflect the fact that theory, experiment and computation are closely linked in this field. Since chemical decomposition is of fundamental importance in energetic performance, this volume begins with a survey of the decomposition processes of a variety of energetic compounds. This is followed by detailed studies of certain compounds and specific mechanisms, such as nitro/aci-nitro tautomerism. Chapter 6 covers the transition from decomposition to crystal properties, with molecular dynamics being the primary analytical tool. The next several chapters deal with different aspects of the crystalline state, again moving from the general to particular. There is also a discussion of methods for computing gas, liquid and solid phase heats of formation. Finally, the last portion of this volume looks at the potential of high-nitrogen molecules as energetic systems; this has been of considerable interest in recent years.Overall, this volume illustrates the progress that has been made in the field of energetic materials and some of the areas of current activity. It also indicates the challenges involved in characterizing and understanding the properties and behaviour of these compounds. The work is a unique state-of-the-art treatment of the subject, written by pre-eminent researchers in the field. - Overall emphasis is on theory and computation, presented in the context of relevant experimental work- Presents a unique state-of-the-art treatment of the subject- Contributors are preeminent researchers in the field




Recent Developments and Applications of Modern Density Functional Theory


Book Description

The present status of Density Functional Theory (DFT), which has evolved as the main technique for the study of matter at the atomistic level, is described in this volume. Knowing the behavior of atoms and molecules provides a sure avenue for the design of new materials with specific features and properties in many areas of science and technology. A technique based on purely first principles allowing large savings in time and money greatly benefits the specialist or designer of new materials. The range of areas where DFT is applied has expanded and continues to do so. Any area where a molecular system is the center of attention can be studied using DFT.The scope of the 22 chapters in this book amply testifies to this.




The Basics of Theoretical and Computational Chemistry


Book Description

This textbook does away with the classic, unimaginative approach and comes straight to the point with a bare minimum of mathematics -- emphasizing the understanding of concepts rather than presenting endless strings of formulae. It nonetheless covers all important aspects of computational chemistry, such as - vector space theory - quantum mechanics - approximation methods - theoretical models - and computational methods. Throughout the chapters, mathematics are differentiated by necessity for understanding - fundamental formulae, and all the others. All formulae are explained step by step without omission, but the non-vital ones are marked and can be skipped by those who do not relish complex mathematics. The reader will find the text a lucid and innovative introduction to theoretical and computational chemistry, with food for thought given at the end of each chapter in the shape of several questions that help develop understanding of the concepts. What the reader will not find in this book are condescending sentences such as, 'From (formula A) and (formula M) it is obvious that (formula Z).'




Theory and Applications of Computational Chemistry


Book Description

Computational chemistry is a means of applying theoretical ideas using computers and a set of techniques for investigating chemical problems within which common questions vary from molecular geometry to the physical properties of substances. Theory and Applications of Computational Chemistry: The First Forty Years is a collection of articles on the emergence of computational chemistry. It shows the enormous breadth of theoretical and computational chemistry today and establishes how theory and computation have become increasingly linked as methodologies and technologies have advanced. Written by the pioneers in the field, the book presents historical perspectives and insights into the subject, and addresses new and current methods, as well as problems and applications in theoretical and computational chemistry. Easy to read and packed with personal insights, technical and classical information, this book provides the perfect introduction for graduate students beginning research in this area. It also provides very readable and useful reviews for theoretical chemists. * Written by well-known leading experts * Combines history, personal accounts, and theory to explain much of the field of theoretical and compuational chemistry * Is the perfect introduction to the field




Computational Photochemistry


Book Description

Computational Photochemistry, Volume 16 provides an overview of general strategies currently used to investigate photochemical processes. Whilst contributing to establishing a branch of computational chemistry that deals with the properties and reactivity of photoexcited molecules, the book also provides insight into the conceptual and methodological research lines in computational photochemistry. Packed with examples of applications of modelling of basic photochemical reactions and the computer-aided development of novel materials in the field of photodegradation (paints), photoprotection (sunscreens), color regulation (photochromic devices) and fluorescent probes, this book is particularly useful to anyone interested in the effect of light on molecules and materials. * Provides an overview of computational photochemistry, dealing with principles and applications* Demonstrates techniques that can be used in the computer-aided design of novel photo responsive materials* Written by experts in computational photochemistry




Relativistic Electronic Structure Theory - Fundamentals


Book Description

The first volume of this two part series is concerned with the fundamental aspects of relativistic quantum theory, outlining the enormous progress made in the last twenty years in this field. The aim was to create a book such that researchers who become interested in this exciting new field find it useful as a textbook, and do not have to rely on a rather large number of specialized papers published in this area. · No title is currently available that deals with new developments in relativistic quantum electronic structure theory · Interesting and relevant to graduate students in chemistry and physics as well as to all researchers in the field of quantum chemistry · As treatment of heavy elements becomes more important, there will be a constant demand for this title




Molecular Electrostatic Potentials


Book Description

Over the past 25 years, the molecular electrostatic potential has become firmly established as an effective guide to molecular interactions. With the recent advances in computational technology, it is currently being applied to a variety of important chemical and biological systems. Its range of applicability has expanded from primarily a focus on sites for electrophilic and nucleophilic attack to now include solvent effects, studies of zeolite, molecular cluster and crystal behavior, and the correlation and prediction of a wide range of macroscopic properties. Moreover, the increasing prominence of density functional theory has raised the molecular electrostatic potential to a new stature on a more fundamental conceptual level. It is rigorously defined in terms of the electron density, and has very interesting topological characteristics since it explicitly reflects opposing contributions from the nuclei and the electrons. This volume opens with a survey chapter by one of the original pioneers of the use of the electrostatic potential in studies of chemical reactivity, Jacopo Tomasi. Though the flow of the succeeding chapters is not stringently defined, the overall trend is that the emphasis changes gradually from methodology to applications. Chapters discussing more theoretical topics are placed near the end. Readers will find the wide variety of topics provided by an international group of authors both convincing and useful.




Computational Quantum Chemistry


Book Description

Computational Quantum Chemistry presents computational electronic structure theory as practised in terms of ab initio waveform methods and density functional approaches. Getting a full grasp of the field can often prove difficult, since essential topics fall outside of the scope of conventional chemistry education. This professional reference book provides a comprehensive introduction to the field. Postgraduate students and experienced researchers alike will appreciate Joseph McDouall's engaging writing style. The book is divided into five chapters, each providing a major aspect of the field. Electronic structure methods, the computation of molecular properties, methods for analysing the output from computations and the importance of relativistic effects on molecular properties are also discussed. Links to the websites of widely used software packages are provided so that the reader can gain first hand experience of using the techniques described in the book.




Valence Bond Theory


Book Description

Valence bond (VB) theory, which builds the descriptions of molecules from those of its constituent parts, provided the first successful quantum mechanical treatments of chemical bonding. Its language and concepts permeate much of chemistry, at all levels. Various modern formulations of VB theory represent serious tools for quantum chemical studies of molecular electronic structure and reactivity. In physics, there is much VB-based work (particularly in semi-empirical form) on larger systems. Importance of TopicThe last decade has seen significant advances in methodology and a vast increase in the range of applications, with many new researchers entering the field.Why This TitleValence Bond Theory succeeds in presenting a comprehensive selection of contributions from leading valence bond (VB) theory researchers throughout the world. It focuses on the vast increase in the range of applications of methodology based on VB theory during the last decade and especially emphasizes recent advances.