Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 4, 2026

Using Cyclic Voltammetry, UV-Vis-NIR, and EPR Spectroelectrochemistry to Analyze Organic Compounds
Published on: October 18, 2018
An investigation of the interrelationships between linear and nonlinear polarizabilities and bond-length alternation
1Jet Propulsion Laboratory, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA 91109, USA.
Abstract:
A computational method was devised to explore the relationship of charge separation, geometry, molecular dipole moment (mu), polarizability (alpha), and hyperpolariz-abilities (beta, gamma) in conjugated organic molecules. We show that bond-length alternation (the average difference in length between single and double bonds in the molecule) is a key structurally observable parameter that can be correlated with hyperpolarizabilities and is thus relevant to the optimization of molecules and materials. By using this method, the relationship of bond-length alternation, mu, alpha, beta, and gamma for linear conjugated molecules is illustrated, and those molecules with maximized alpha, beta, and gamma are described.
Related Concept Videos
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.
MO Theory and Covalent Bonding
Molecular Shape and Polarity
π Molecular Orbitals of 1,3-Butadiene
The simplest conjugated diene is 1,3-butadiene: a four-carbon system where each carbon is sp2-hybridized and has an unhybridized p orbital that contains an unpaired electron. According to molecular orbital theory, atomic orbitals combine to form molecular orbitals such that the number...
Bond Polarity, Dipole Moment, and Percent Ionic Character
Molecular Orbital Theory II

