Calculation of intramolecular force fields from second-derivative tensors

A practical procedure (FUERZA) to obtain internal force constants from Cartesian second derivatives (Hessians) is presented and discussed. It allows a systematic analysis of pair atomic interactions in a molecular system, and it is fully invariant to the choice of internal coordinates of the molecule. Force constants for bonds or for any pair of atoms in general are defined by means of the eigenanalysis of their pair interaction matrix. Force constants for the angles are obtained from their corresponding two-pair interaction matrices of the two bonds or distances forming the angle, and the dihedral force constants are similarly obtained using their corresponding three-pair interaction matrices.