Majorana, Pauling and the quantum theory of the chemical bond

DOI10.1002/ANDP.201400154zbMATH Open1323.81006arXiv1306.6153OpenAlexW2962684477MaRDI QIDQ2950360FDOQ2950360

Authors: S. Esposito, Adele Naddeo 

Publication date: 8 October 2015

Published in: Annalen der Physik (Search for Journal in Brave)

Abstract: We discuss in detail very little known results obtained by Majorana as early as 1931, regarding the quantum theory of the chemical bond in homopolar molecules, based on the key concept of exchange interaction. After a brief historical overview of the quantum homopolar valence theory, we address the intriguing issues of the formation of the helium molecular ion, He2+, and of the accurate description of the hydrogen molecule, H2. For the first case, the group theory-inspired approach used by Majorana is contrasted with that more known followed by Pauling (and published few months after that of Majorana), while for the second case we focus on his proposal concerning the possible existence of ionic structures in homopolar compounds, just as in the hydrogen molecule. The novelty and relevance of Majorana's results in the modern research on molecular and chemical physics is emphasized as well.

Full work available at URL: https://arxiv.org/abs/1306.6153

Mathematics Subject Classification ID

History of mathematics in the 20th century (01A60) Molecular physics (81V55) History of quantum theory (81-03)

Cites Work

• Ettore Majorana and his heritage seventy years later
• Neither physics nor chemistry. A history of quantum chemistry
• Sulla formazione dello ione molecolare di elio
• The peculiar notion of exchange forces. II: From nuclear forces to QED, 1929-1950
• Introducing groups into quantum theory (1926--1930)
• On the making of quantum chemistry in Germany
• Following Weyl on quantum mechanics: the contribution of Ettore Majorana
• Majorana solutions to the two-electron problem

Cited In (1)

• Manifestations of Pauli exclusion principle in communication theory of the chemical bond

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