Formulating Reduced Density Gradient Approaches for Noncovalent Interactions
Cristian Guerra, José Luis Burgos, Leandro Ayarde‐Henríquez, Eduardo Chamorro
Abstract
This work elucidates several forms of reduced electron density gradient (RDG) to describe noncovalent interactions (NCIs). By interpreting the RDG as a local moment function, we systematically leveraged Weizacker's and Fermi's local moments. This resulted in high-fidelity RDG representations consistent with the NCI analysis. In addition, the RDG version derived from the Lagrangian kinetic energy density is conveniently normalized. These results suggest the nonexistence of a particular RDG formulation when performing NCI analysis. Thus, an in-depth examination of the theoretical foundations connecting the RDG function with the nature of noncovalent interactions is necessary.