Interaction of moderately reactive molecules with organic superhalogens: a theoretical perspective

The interaction of four moderately reactive molecules (MRMs), benzene (BZ), water, ammonia and silicon dioxide, with three aromatic organic superhalogens (OSHs) has been investigated at the density functional theory (DFT) level. The strength of the interaction is analysed from the distortions in the structures of both the MRMs and OSHs after complexation and the calculated binding energy (BE) values between the two interacting moieties. The interaction becomes stronger as we move from BZ to H₂O to NH₃ and strongest for SiO₂ molecule. Contributions from different terms in total interaction energy have been examined by energy decomposition analysis (EDA). The charge flow values between MRMs and OSHs, and Mulliken spin density localised on the moderately reactive molecules have been evaluated to ensure whether the interaction is ionic or not. Atoms in Molecules (AIM) analysis has been performed to characterise the bonds formed between the two. Overall, our study gives a comprehensive account of the interaction between the moderately reactive molecules and three theoretically designed aromatic organic superhalogens, which will further motivate researchers in the field of superhalogen chemistry.