H. U. Suter, V. Pleß, M. Ernzerhof, Bernd Engels

• Density functional theory is applied to the calculation ofthe isotropic byperfine coupJing constants in some small molecules. Various functionals are tested. The agreement of the calculated values to experimental data and values obtained from sophisticated ab initio methods depends on the functionals used and the system under consideration. With respect to spin density calculations the functional of Lee, Yang and Parr with Becke's excbange functional (BLYP) is found to give good results for tbe heavier center of the CH and the NH molecule,Density functional theory is applied to the calculation ofthe isotropic byperfine coupJing constants in some small molecules. Various functionals are tested. The agreement of the calculated values to experimental data and values obtained from sophisticated ab initio methods depends on the functionals used and the system under consideration. With respect to spin density calculations the functional of Lee, Yang and Parr with Becke's excbange functional (BLYP) is found to give good results for tbe heavier center of the CH and the NH molecule, while the spin densities of other molecules such as OH, H\(_2\)CN, H\(_2\)CO\(^+\), NO and O\(_2\) deviate considerably from experimental and/or other theoretical results (30%-60%). In cases where the singly occupied orbital can contribute to the isotropic hyperfine coupling constants, accurate results are obtained. The reason fortbis is analyzed.…