Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 18, 2026

Spatial Separation of Molecular Conformers and Clusters
Published on: January 9, 2014
Systematic theoretical investigation of the zero-field splitting in Gd(III) complexes: wave function and density
Shehryar Khan1, Aleksandra Kubica-Misztal2, Danuta Kruk3
1Department of Physics, Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center, S-106 91 Stockholm, Sweden.
Multiconfigurational methods accurately predict zero-field splitting (ZFS) in gadolinium(III) complexes, unlike density functional theory approximations. This advancement aids understanding of paramagnetic ion structures for diverse applications.
Area of Science:
- Physical Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Zero-field splitting (ZFS) in paramagnetic ions is crucial for understanding electronic and molecular structure.
- ZFS variations impact fields from fundamental physical chemistry to medical applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the accuracy of computational methods for ZFS calculations in Gd(III) complexes.
- To compare multiconfigurational complete-active-space self-consistent field (CASSCF) wave functions with density functional theory (DFT) calculations.
Main Methods:
- Detailed analysis of ZFS in symmetric Gd(III) complexes.
- Application of CASSCF and DFT computational schemes to various Gd(III) complexes, including Gd(III)DOTA(H2O)(-), Gd(III)DTPA(H2O)(2-), and Gd(III)(H2O)8(3+).
Main Results:
- Multiconfigurational methods provided ZFS results on the correct order of magnitude for Gd(III) complexes.
- DFT approximations failed to accurately predict the ZFS of Gd(III) complexes.
Conclusions:
- Multiconfigurational methods are more reliable for calculating ZFS in Gd(III) complexes compared to DFT.
- Accurate ZFS prediction is vital for leveraging paramagnetic ions in diverse scientific and medical fields.
Related Concept Videos
Crystal Field Theory - Octahedral Complexes
To explain the observed behavior of transition metal complexes (such as colors), a model involving electrostatic interactions between the electrons from the ligands and the electrons in the unhybridized d orbitals of the central metal atom has been developed. This electrostatic model is crystal field theory (CFT). It helps to understand, interpret, and predict the colors, magnetic behavior, and some structures of coordination compounds of transition metals.
CFT focuses on...
Crystal Field Theory - Tetrahedral and Square Planar Complexes
Crystal field theory (CFT) is applicable to molecules in geometries other than octahedral. In octahedral complexes, the lobes of the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals point directly at the ligands. For tetrahedral complexes, the d orbitals remain in place, but with only four ligands located between the axes. None of the orbitals points directly at the tetrahedral ligands. However, the dx2−y2 and dz2 orbitals (along the Cartesian axes) overlap with the ligands less than...
Valence Bond Theory
¹H NMR: Complex Splitting
Splitting diagrams or splitting tree diagrams are routinely used to depict such complex couplings. While drawing splitting diagrams, the splitting with the larger coupling constant is usually applied...
Interpreting ¹H NMR Signal Splitting: The (n + 1) Rule
Colors and Magnetism
When atoms or molecules absorb light at the proper frequency, their electrons are excited to higher-energy orbitals. For many main group atoms and molecules, the absorbed photons are in the ultraviolet range of the electromagnetic spectrum, which cannot be detected by the human eye. For coordination compounds, the energy difference between the d orbitals often allows photons in the visible range to be absorbed and emitted, which is seen as colors by the human...

