Quantum theory and molecular structure

1976/01/01 by R.G. Woolley, R. Guy Woolley · 5 citations
Chemistry · Physics and Astronomy · #Photochemistry and Electron Transfer Studies #Advanced Chemical Physics Studies #History and advancements in chemistry

paper · doi:10.1080/00018737600101352

Abstract

Abstract An attempt is made to refine the classical concept of molecular structure in the light of quantum theory. It is argued that a definite molecular structure can only be associated with quantum states that are intrinsically time-dependent and therefore need not manifest the full symmetry implied by the relativity principle; conversely if a molecule is definitely observed in an eigenstate of its associated molecular Schrödinger equation, a molecular structure description is inappropriate. The theme of the article is illustrated with examples drawn from spectroscopy, dielectric phenomena, electron scattering, stereoisomerism and optical activity.

Cited by

• Enantiodetection in a cavity QED setup with finite chiral molecules
• Chemical graphs
• Spatiotemporal Order and Parametric Instabilities from First-Principles
• The role of idealisations in describing an isolated molecule. [europepmc]
• Quantum Definition of Molecular Structure. [europepmc]

Related

• The Problem of Molecular Structure Just Is the Measurement Problem
• Molecular quantum mechanical observers, symmetry, and string theory
• On the Quantum Theory of Molecules: Rigour, Idealization, and Uncertainty
• Overview of "Structure behind Mechanics"
• Electrons as an environment for nuclei within molecules: a quantitative assessment of their contribution to a classical-like molecular structure