Computation of the Isotropic Hyperfine Coupling Constant: Efficiency and Insights from a New Approach Based on Wave Function Theory

The present paper reports an original computational strategy for the computation of the isotropic hyperfine coupling constants (hcc). The algorithm proposed here is based on an approach recently introduced by some of the authors, namely, the first-order breathing orbital self-consistent field (FOBO-SCF). The approach is an almost parameter-free wave function method capable to accurately treat the spin delocalization together with the spin polarization effects while staying in a restricted formalism and avoiding spin contamination. The efficiency of the method is tested on a series of small radicals, among which four nitroxide radicals and the comparison with high-level ab initio methods show very encouraging results. On the basis of these results, the method is then applied to compute the hcc of a challenging system, namely, the DEPMPO-OOH radical in various conformations. The reference values obtained on such a large system allows us to validate a cheap computational method based on density functional theory (DFT). Another interesting feature of the model applied here is that it allows for the rationalization of the results according to a relatively simple scheme based on a two-step mechanism. More precisely, the results are analyzed in terms of two separated contributions: first the spin delocalization and then the spin polarization.