NMR Spin–Spin Coupling Constants Derived from Relativistic Four-Component DFT TheoryAnalysis and Visualization

An unambiguous assignment of coupling pathways plays an important role in the description and rationalization of NMR indirect spin–spin coupling constants (SSCCs). Unfortunately, the SSCC analysis and visualization tools currently available to quantum chemists are restricted to nonrelativistic theory. Here, we present the theoretical foundation for novel relativistic SSCC visualization techniques based on analysis of the SSCC densities and the first-order current densities induced by the nuclear magnetic dipole moments. Details of the implementation of these techniques in the ReSpect program package are discussed. Numerical assessments are performed on through-space SSCCs, and we choose as our examples the heavy-atom Se–Se, Se–Te, and Te–Te coupling constants in three similar molecules for which experimental data are available. SSCCs were calculated at the nonrelativistic, scalar relativistic, and four-component relativistic density functional levels of theory. Furthermore, with the aid of different visualization methods, we discuss the interpretation of the relativistic effects, which are sizable for Se–Se, very significant for Se–Te, and cannot be neglected for Te–Te couplings. A substantial improvement of the theoretical SSCC values is obtained by also considering the molecular properties of a second conformation.