MO-LCAO Calculations of Polymethines

Abstract

Idealized polymethines are defined as conjugated chain molecules with complete bond equilization and charge alternation. A constant π-bond order along the chain with N atoms has been derived for three types of polymethines which differ by the nature of the heteroatomic end groups. Corresponding to the number of π-electrons they are termined (N + 1)π-, Nπ- or (N − 1)π-polymethines. This classification embraces closed shell as well as open shell systems. The relations for the energy eigenvalues, coefficients and derived quantities have been obtained in closed form. The results for the different classes of polymethines are strongly related. Their molecular properties should be similar.