Contributor

Elfi Kraka, Marek Freindorf, Niraj Verma, Kapil Dev Sayala, Nicolay V. Tsarevsky, Daniel Sethio, Vytor Oliveira, Yunwen Tao, Wenli Zou,

Abstract

Theoretical/computational methods have been utilized to investigate a diverse array of questions currently at the forefront of modern chemistry research. The focus of this work is Local Vibrational Mode (LVM) Theory, originally formulated by Konkoli and Cremer, and under continuous development by the CaTcO research group. Derived from LVM theory, local stretching force constants (ka) represent physically meaningful measurements of chem- ical bond strength. Decomposition of normal vibrational modes into LVM contributions, also called characterization of normal modes (CNM), is another powerful manifestation of LVM theory; most notably when applied to the analysis of theoretical/experimental IR/Ra- man spectra. Recent developments in LVM theory aim to reveal new insights on the nature of noncovalent interactions (NCIs) and weak chemical bonds, including but not limited to: hypervalent iodine, halogen–metal bonds, halogen bonds in periodic systems, influence of intramolecular hydrogen bonds (IMHBs) on structure–stability relationships, ⇡–hole interac- tions involving aromatic centers, and breaking/forming bonds at transition states. The finer points of this work include important new chemical insights, such as: a better understand- ing of substituent and solvent effects, locating weak/strong points in molecular complexes to identify so–called ’trigger’ bonds in energetic materials, and assessing the performance of various HB donor/acceptor pairs. Much of this information can be further applied to the design of materials with specific properties, lowering/raising of reaction barriers, and catalytic control of chemical reactions.

Degree Date

Summer 8-1-2021

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Ph.D.

Department

Chemistry

Advisor

Elfi Kraka

Second Advisor

Nicolay V. Tsarevsky

Third Advisor

Michael Lattman

Fourth Advisor

Kevin Brenner

Subject Area

Chemistry

Number of Pages

61

Format

.pdf

Creative Commons License

Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 License

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