Atomic interactions in the intermetallic catalyst GaPd

Abstract

Chemical bonding in the highly selective hydrogenation catalyst GaPd is analysed by means of quantum chemical calculations employing the bonding analysis techniques in real space, in particular the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, the delocalisation indices and the electron localisability approach. A three-dimensional system of predominantly two-centre electron-deficient Ga–Pd interactions is revealed, being responsible for the high stability of the compound under hydrogenation conditions.