Basis set superposition error in MP2 and density-functional theory: a case of methane-nitric oxide association

A systematic study of basis set superposition error (BSSE) behavior in H(3)C-H[ellipsis (horizontal)][NO] complexes for both -H...N- and -H...O- orientations were carried out using MP2 and density-functional theory with Pople's [6-31G(d,p),6-311++G(nd,nd), where n=1,2,3, and 6-311++G(3df,3pd)] and Dunning's augmented correlation consistent basis sets [aug-cc-pVXZ (X=D and T)]. Corrected and uncorrected counterpoise potential-energy surfaces (PESs) were explored and differences obtained between them indicate that reliable optimizations of these molecular interactions must be carried out in a PES free of BSSE, even in the case of large basis sets and popularly used functionals such as B3LYP. Although all basis used could be always considered within a margin of approximation for representing molecular orbitals and show important values of BSSE, 6-311++G(2d,2p) basis set shows the best results in uncorrected PES with respect to the corrected ones. B3LYP functional produces erratic results: complexes appear repulsive and the intermolecular distances are always large, evidencing the lack of a correct dispersive forces treatment in the original parameterization. According to the MP2 results, the -H...N- interactions appear as slightly more stable than those of the -H...O- orientation.