A series of computational investigations on MoSin (n = 1-6) clusters is rep
orted. For each unit, geometry optimizations are performed at the B3LYP/Lan
L2DZ level, subsequently, electronic and bonding features of the resulting
equilibrium structure are discussed. The emphasis of this study is placed o
n the magnetic properties of the MOSiN (N = 1-6) systems and, more specific
ally, the impact of their spin on the internal electron transfer between th
e Si. subsystem and the Mo atom. As a general trend for MOSiN clusters with
N > 1, we record a change of the natural charge on the Mo atom from negati
ve to positive as the spin constraint on the system increases from S = 0 to
S = 3. This feature is shown to be associated with a pronounced drop in th
e stability of the cluster as one goes from the singlet to the septet spin
configuration. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.