The geometries of ZrX2−6 (X=F,Cl,Br,I) were optimized at the ab initio Hartree–Fock SCF level using all-electron MIDI and effective core potential valence basis sets of double-zeta quality, supplemented with diffuse functions. In addition, geometries and energies of X2, as well as energies of gaseous Zr were determined in order to predict energies of formation of ZrX2−6. Effects of electron correlation were taken into account at the second order Mo/ller–Plesset level of theory. Vibrational frequencies were determined in the harmonic approximation and compared with available experimental data. Standard routines were employed to evaluate entropies, heat capacities, heats of formation and free enthalpies of formation of gaseous ZrX2−6. Electrostatic cohesive energies in hexahalogenozirconates were evaluated by the extended Ewald method. It was assumed that each ion gathers a formal charge +1, +2, or −2. Net atomic charges in complex ions were determined either from various population analyses or fitted to the ab initio quantum mechanical electrostatic potential. The Coulombic energies decrease gradually with the increase in volume of the simplest structural unit. A similar tendency is noted as regards distances between interacting centers. Theoretically determined properties are in a good agreement with available data, mostly of experimental origin.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.