Orthogonalization corrections for semiempirical methods

Abstract.

Based on a general discussion of orthogonalization effects, two new one-electron orthogonalization corrections are derived to improve existing semiempirical models at the neglect of diatomic differential overlap level. The first one accounts for valence-shell orthogonalization effects on the resonance integrals, while the second one includes the dominant repulsive core–valence interactions through an effective core potential. The corrections for the resonance integrals consist of three-center terms which incorporate stereodiscriminating properties into the two-center matrix elements of the core Hamiltonian. They provide a better description of conformational properties, which is rationalized qualitatively and demonstrated through numerical calculations on small model systems. The proposed corrections are part of a new general-purpose semiempirical method which will be described elsewhere.