Magneto-Structural Analysis of Hydroxido-Bridged Cu^II₂ Complexes: Density Functional Theory and Other Treatments

Abstract

A selection of dimeric Cu(II) complexes with bidentate N,N′ ligands with the general formula [Cu(L)(X)(μ-OH)]2·nH2O and [Cu(L)(μ-OH)]2X2·nH2O were magneto-structurally analyzed using the Density Functional Theory (DFT). A Broken Symmetry-Density Functional Theory (BS-DFT) study was undertaken for these complexes with relevant decomposition schemes that gave insight into the effect of the nature of the ligand and coordination environment on the DFT-predicted coupling constants (J). The impact of the spin population, which correlates well with the Cu-O-Cu bridging angles and the calculated coupling constant (J) values, was studied. The models were further refined using a complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) while expanding the active space from 2 orbitals 2 electrons (2,2) to 10 orbitals 18 electrons (18,10). These models were approximated using multireference methods (n-electron valence state perturbation theory and difference dedicated configuration interaction), and a better approximation of J values was found as expected. Orbitals involved in the superexchange pathway were also visualized.

Keywords

• magnetic coupling constant (<i>J</i>)
• superexchange
• coupling constant decomposition
• broken symmetry
• complete active space (CAS)
• hydroxido-bridged