A theoretical study of the structures and energetics of O−Arn (n=1–6) clusters

A theoretical study of the O− anion shellvated by n=1 to 6 argon atoms is presented. Due to the Jahn–Teller forces, the determined structures possess molecular symmetry that is lower than would be possible based on pure geometrical factors. The calculated values of stabilization energies and vertical electron affinities agree well with the experimental data. The most stable bonding interactions are formed with the important contribution of the electron transfer interaction energy. Other bonds are stabilized mainly by dispersion energy.