Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 20, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Test of molecular mode coupling theory for general rigid molecules
1Fakultat fur Physik, Albert-Ludwigs-Universitat, Hermann-Herder-Strasse 3, D-79104 Freiburg, Germany.
Abstract:
We report recent progress on the test of mode coupling theory for molecular liquids (MMCT) for molecules of arbitrary shape. The MMCT equations in the long time limit are solved for supercooled water including all molecular degrees of freedom. In contrast to our earlier treatment of water as a linear molecule, we find that the glass-transition temperature T(c) is overestimated by the theory as was found in the case of simple liquids. The nonergodicity parameters are calculated from the "full" set of MMCT equations truncated at l(co)=2. These results are compared (i) with the nonergodicity parameters from MMCT with l(co)=2 in the "dipole" approximation n=n(')=0 and the diagonalization approximation n=n(')=0, l=l(') and (ii) with the corresponding results from a MD simulation. This work supports the possibility that a reduction to the most prominent correlators may constitute a valid approximation for solving the MMCT equations for rigid molecules.
Related Concept Videos
MO Theory and Covalent Bonding
Spin–Spin Coupling Constant: Overview
Qualitatively, any spin plus-half nucleus polarizes the spins of its electrons to the minus-half state. Consequently, the paired electron in the hydrogen–carbon bond must have a...
Spin–Spin Coupling: One-Bond Coupling
Spin–Spin Coupling: Two-Bond Coupling (Geminal Coupling)
The central atom need not be NMR-active because its electrons are affected by the electron polarization of the spin-active atoms. However, spin information is transmitted less effectively than in one-bond coupling, and 2J values are usually weaker than 1J values. The energy of...
Spin–Spin Coupling: Three-Bond Coupling (Vicinal Coupling)
The extent of coupling depends on the C‑C bond length, the two H‑C‑C angles, any electron-withdrawing substituents, and the dihedral angle between the involved orbitals. The...
¹H NMR: Long-Range Coupling
In alkenes, spin information is communicated via σ–π overlap, as seen in allylic (four-bond) and homoallylic (five-bond) couplings. These coupling interactions are stronger when the σ bond is parallel to the alkene π orbitals.

