Evaluating the Role of π-Donor Ligands in Transition Metal Chemistry. Applications of Fenske-Hall Molecular Orbital Calculations and Mulliken Population Analyses

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Abstract
Fenske-Hall molecular orbital calculations are used to probe the electronic structure and bonding of amide and alkoxide ligands bound to a transition metal. A “frozen π-orbital” method is introduced and used to separate σ and π-bonding effects of these ligands to the metal. Mulliken population analyses are used as a relative measure of π-donor ability of the alkoxide ligand with varying M-O distance, M-O-C(H) angle, and dn electron count. Population analyses are also used to gauge the effect of π-donor ligands on the π-acceptor role of ancillary ligands such as carbonyl and isocyanide.