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How does the geometry of a molecule affect its electronic excited states and optical properties, and can these properties be calculated using quantum chemistry methods?

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The geometry of a molecule plays a crucial role in determining its electronic excited states and optical properties. The spatial arrangement of atoms and the distribution of electrons within a molecule directly influence its energy levels, transition probabilities, and absorption/emission spectra. Here are some ways in which molecular geometry affects these properties:1. Bond lengths and angles: Variations in bond lengths and angles can alter the energy levels of molecular orbitals, leading to changes in electronic transitions and optical properties. For example, a stretched or compressed bond can result in a shift in the absorption spectrum of a molecule.2. Conjugation and electronic delocalization: The extent of conjugation and electronic delocalization in a molecule can significantly influence its excited states and optical properties. Conjugated systems with alternating single and double bonds typically exhibit strong absorption in the visible region due to the delocalization of  electrons, which lowers the energy gap between the highest occupied molecular orbital  HOMO  and the lowest unoccupied molecular orbital  LUMO .3. Symmetry: The symmetry of a molecule can dictate the allowed electronic transitions and selection rules for absorption and emission processes. For instance, centrosymmetric molecules exhibit specific selection rules that forbid certain transitions, leading to unique optical properties.4. Steric effects and molecular conformation: The three-dimensional arrangement of atoms in a molecule can influence its electronic structure and optical properties. For example, the twisted conformation of a conjugated molecule can result in a reduced electronic delocalization and a higher HOMO-LUMO gap, leading to a blue shift in the absorption spectrum.Quantum chemistry methods can be employed to calculate the electronic excited states and optical properties of molecules. Some popular methods include:1. Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory  TD-DFT : This is an extension of DFT that allows for the calculation of excited state properties. TD-DFT is widely used for predicting absorption and emission spectra of molecules.2. Configuration Interaction  CI  and Multi-Configuration Self-Consistent Field  MCSCF  methods: These methods account for the electron correlation effects and can provide accurate excited state energies and transition probabilities.3. Coupled Cluster  CC  methods: These are high-level ab initio methods that provide accurate descriptions of excited states and optical properties for small to medium-sized molecules.4. Quantum Monte Carlo  QMC  methods: These are stochastic methods that can provide highly accurate excited state energies and properties for a wide range of molecular systems.By employing these quantum chemistry methods, researchers can gain insights into the relationship between molecular geometry and the electronic excited states and optical properties of molecules, enabling the design of novel materials with tailored properties for various applications.

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