Factors Influencing Bond Dissociation Energies

Abstract

The calculations leading to estimates of resonance energies of various molecules and radicals are analyzed and the ambiguities involved are stressed. It is suggested that an alternative approach to problems of molecular energetics may be provided by analyzing the variations in bond dissociation energies. Consideration of bond dissociation energies leads to estimates of ``experimental resonance energies'' of radicals, and to an evaluation of a ``strengthening effect'' influencing the undissociated molecule. The new approach is one of several possible variants which might be used to arrive at a better understanding of energetic relationships in molecules.