Configuration interaction calculations on the propane radical cation, C₃H ⁺₈

Summary

Proton isotropic hyperfine coupling constants have been calculated for three low-energy nuclear conformations on the ground state potential surface of the propane cation, using a multireference singles and doubles configuration interaction (MR-SDCI) wave function. The lowest point found on the potential surface hadC _2v symmetry and the electronic wave function at this point had²B₂ symmetry. At this point, the largest isotropic coupling constant is calculated to be 88.6 G, which is in fair agreement with the experimental value of 98 G obtained in an SF₆ matrix at 4 K. No support is found for a “long-bond” ground state of lower symmetry thanC _2v . AnotherC _2v minimum on the ground state potential energy surface was found at which the wave function had² B ₁ symmetry. At this point, two large coupling constants of 198 G and 35 G were calculated. AC _2v stationary point was also found on the ground state potential surface at which the wave function had² A ₁ symmetry. At this point, couplings of 86 G and 25 G were obtained. None of these agree closely with the other experimental result of couplings at both 100–110 G and 50–52.5 G which was obtained in freon matrices. It is suggested that the latter spectra might correspond to a dynamical average of two distorted² A' states inC _s symmetry.