Theoretical study on the adsorption of aromatic compounds on platinum clusters

B3 LYP hybrid functional with LACVP* pseudopotential was applied for the optimization of geometries of complexes resulting from interaction of benzene, pyridine, naphthalene, and quinoline with Ptn (n = 4, 7) clusters. For benzene‐containing complexes, the most stable form corresponds to a bridge adsorption, with benzene undergoing considerable geometric distortions, assuming a boat‐like conformation. CH bonds are bended upward from the plane of the cluster. CC bonds stretch, especially when they form π‐complexes with low coordinated Pt atoms. Some arrangements for pyridine complexes involving the N atom of the organic moiety undergo further distortions, apparently preserving a formal CN π bond. Except for that distortion, the behavior of any heteroaromatic complex is similar to that of benzene in the same arrangement. The quinoline–Pt7 complex can suitably be used for simulation of the cinchonidine (CD) anchorage over Pt. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Int J Quantum Chem, 2003