arXiv · 1510.06015
On the illusory connection between cross-conjugation and quantum interference
Abstract
Quantum interference, be it destructive or constructive, has a substantial influence on the magnitude of molecular conductance and consequently there is significant interest in predicting these effects. It is commonly thought that cross-conjugated paths result in suppressed conductance due to destructive quantum interference. Using Hückel theory and DFT calculations we investigate systems that break this cross-conjugation rule of thumb. We predict and rationalize how a class of conjugated molecules containing closed loops can exhibit destructive interference despite being linearly conjugated and exhibit constructive interference despite being cross-conjugated. The arguments build on the graphical rules derived by Markussen et al. [1] and the hitherto neglected effects of closed loops in the molecular structure. Finally, we identify the 1,3 connected Azulene molecule as belonging to the closed-loop class and argue that this explains recent measurements of its electrical conductance.
Explore related subjects
Keep this discovery
Kim G. L. Pedersen, Anders Borges, Per Hedegård, Gemma C. Solomon, Mikkel Strange. 2015-10-20. On the illusory connection between cross-conjugation and quantum interference. https://arxiv.org/abs/1510.06015
Cite the original work for its findings. Save a collection to share your selection of sources.