Theoretical modeling of the symmetric (C-2v) electrophilic attachment of chlorine to ethylene in aqueous solution

The electrophilic attachment of chlorine to ethylene in aqueous solution is studied using the complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) met hod combined with the polarizable continuum model in a version which includ es electrostatic, repulsion, and dispersion solute-solvent interactions. Th e C-2v symmetry is maintained for all the geometries considered, and the ac tive space is generated distributing six electrons in five orbitals. After the CASSCF calculation a valence bond (VB) analysis has been performed alon g an approximate reaction coordinate by projecting the wave function onto a set of four classical structures; a reliable explanatory model of the rear rangement of the electronic structure for this process is then derived. (C) 1999 John Wiley & Sons, inc. Int J Quant Chem 74: 59-67, 1999.