February 10, 2008
Journal Article

Visualization of Molecular Orbitals and the Related Electron Densities

Abstract

When plotting different orbitals with consistent contour values, one can create illusions about the relative extension of charge distributions. We suggest that the comparison is not biased when plots reproduce the same fraction of the total charge. We have developed an algorithm and software that facilitate this type of visualization. We propose superimposing molecules and associated orbitals, and creating cross-sections by selecting a particular part of the orbital limited by pre-defined planes.

Revised: April 7, 2011 | Published: February 10, 2008

Citation

Haranczyk M., and M.S. Gutowski. 2008. Visualization of Molecular Orbitals and the Related Electron Densities. Journal of Chemical Theory and Computation 4, no. 5:689-693. doi:10.1021/ct800043a