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Title

Using Extended Hückel Theory as a Platform To Introduce Jahn− Teller Distortion: The Spontaneous Distortion of 1,3,5,7- Cyclooctatetraene from a Perfect Octagon
Authors

Karl Sohlberg
Xiang Liu
Journal / Anthology

Journal of Chemical Education
Year: 2013
Volume: 90
Page range: 463−469
Description

Herein, a slightly enhanced version of extended Hückel molecular orbital theory is applied to demonstrate the spontaneous distortion of 1,3,5,7- cyclooctatetraene from a perfect octagon, a consequence of the Jahn−Teller effect. The exercise is accessible to students who have been introduced to basic quantum mechanics and extended Hückel molecular orbital theory and is easily implemented with widely available algebraic manipulation software such as Maple or Mathematica. This exercise is suitable for inclusion in the physical chemistry curriculum at the upper-level undergraduate or introductory graduate level.
Subject

*Science > Chemistry