The singlet and triplet state rotational potential surfaces for dihydroxycarbene

Abstract

Potential surfaces have been computed for rotation of the OH groups in C(OH)2 for both the lowest singlet and triplet state. The minima on the singlet surface occur at planar geometries, which represent maxima on the triplet surface. This result is interpreted in terms of different modes of pi electron donation from oxygen being favored in the two states. Evidence is presented that shows pi electron donation is chiefly responsible for making dihydroxycarbene a ground state singlet.