Sever Sternhell

28: Bonding and Non-Bonding (1992)

Introduction

28: bonding and non-bonding (1992). Key physical-organic chemistry research on bonding & non-bonding. Explores a new parameter for π-bond order in carbon-carbon double bonds, electronic structures, and non-bonded interactions.

Abstract

Liversidge Research Lecture, delivered before the Royal Society of New South Wales, 14 October, 1992. Reproduced by permission of the Royal Society of New South Wales from J. Proc. Roy. Soc. N.S.W., 1993, 126, 1354-143."Over the last 10 years our group has carried out two parallel experimental investigations in physical-organic chemistry. The first one dealt with the development of a new experimental parameter for the determination of the π-bond order of the carbon-carbon double bond and the utilisation of this new parameter in the determination of the ground-state electronic structures of some unsaturated systems.""The second investigation dealt with the limitations of a previously proposed (Bott, Field and Sternhell, 1980) semi-quantitative treatment for predicting the severity (energy penalty) of repulsive non-bonded interactions from purely structural parameters."

Review

This document presents a valuable overview of a decade of research from a prominent group in physical-organic chemistry, delivered as the Liversidge Research Lecture in 1992. Titled simply "28: Bonding and Non-Bonding," the abstract clearly delineates two parallel investigative streams that have significantly contributed to the understanding of molecular structure and energetics. Its publication as a reproduction from the *J. Proc. Roy. Soc. N.S.W.* signifies its recognition as an important contribution to the scientific discourse of the time. The first major thrust of the research focused on developing a novel experimental parameter for determining the π-bond order of carbon-carbon double bonds. This advancement is crucial for accurately elucidating the ground-state electronic structures of various unsaturated systems, providing fundamental insights into their reactivity and properties. The second investigation, running concurrently, addressed the critical evaluation of an existing semi-quantitative treatment (Bott, Field and Sternhell, 1980) for predicting the energy penalties associated with repulsive non-bonded interactions. By identifying limitations in established methodologies based purely on structural parameters, this work underscored the importance of rigorous assessment and refinement in theoretical and predictive models. As a summary of a prestigious lecture, the abstract effectively communicates the breadth and depth of the group's sustained research efforts in foundational areas of physical-organic chemistry. While it does not delve into the specific details of the experimental parameter developed or the precise nature of the limitations identified, it successfully highlights the overarching contributions: the refinement of tools for structural analysis and the critical evaluation of models for understanding molecular interactions. This work represents a significant body of knowledge that advanced the field in the early 1990s and provides a valuable retrospective on a productive research program.

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