Estimating ring strain energies in small carbocycles by means of the Bader's theory of 'atoms-in-molecules'

In this Letter we report an easy way to estimate ring strain energies using the Bader's theory of 'atoms-in-molecules'. We demonstrate that the value of the Lagrange kinetic energy density at the ring critical point correlates with the ring strain energies in several three-, four-, five- and six-membered carbocycles, therefore it can be used as a measure of ring strain. Since it is easy to calculate and, in contrast to the ring strain energy calculations, it is free from other influences, as the number and type of reference molecules and type of reaction (isodesmic, homodesmotic, hyperhomodesmotic, etc.). Its use in heterocycles requires more investigation.

Graphical abstractDownload high-res image (46KB)Download full-size imageHighlights► Use of kinetic energy density as a measure of ring strain. ► Good correlation between the kinetic energy density and the ring strain. ► Prediction of ring strain energies from kinetic energy density values. ► Easy and convenient method to estimate ring strain.