Benchmark Density Functional Theory Approach for the Calculation of Bond Dissociation Energies of the M–O(2) Bond: A Key Step in Water Splitting Reactions

[Image: see text] A very fascinating aspect in quantum chemical research is to determine the accurate and cost-effective methods for the calculation of electronic and structural properties through a benchmark study. The current study focuses on the performance evaluation of density functional theory methods for the accurate measurement of bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of chemically important M–O(2) bonds in water splitting reactions. The BDE measurement has got noteworthy attention due to its importance in all areas of chemistry. For BDE measurements of M–O(2) bonds in five metal complexes with oxygen molecules, 14 density functionals (DFs) are chosen from seven classes of DFs with two series of mixed basis sets. A combination of pseudopotential and Pople basis sets [LANL2DZ & 6-31G(d) and SDD & 6-31+G(d)] are used as a series of mixed basis sets. The B3LYP-GD3BJ functional with LANL2DZ & 6-31G(d) gives outstanding results due to low deviations, error, and the best Pearson’s correlation (R) between the experimental and theoretical data. Our study suggested an efficient, low-cost, precise, and accurate B3LYP-GD3BJ/LANL2DZ & 6-31G(d) level of theory for BDE of the M–O(2) bond, which may be useful for chemists working in the field of energy generation and utilization.