Localized-orbital locator (LOL) profiles of chemical bonding

Abstract

We examine a recently introduced descriptor of chemical bonding, the localized-orbital locator (LOL), which is based on the kinetic-energy density (τ). Examples are presented for prototypical chemical bonds, such as single, double, and triple bonds, for bonding in transition metal complexes, for three-center two-electron bonds, as well as for hypervalent molecules. The topology of LOL is analyzed in terms of (3,–3) attractors (Γ). The influence of core electrons for chemical bonding is investigated, and a LOL-VSEPR (valence shell electron pair repulstion) relationship is established. Further, we compare LOL to the related electron localization function (ELF).Key words: chemical bonding, kinetic-energy density, localized-electron locator, VSEPR theory.