Eigenvalues of saturated hydrocarbons

摘要

A simplified Hückel-type molecular-orbital (MO) model for the valence electrons of saturated hydrocarbons is proposed and the consequent eigenvalue spectrum considered. A first foundational result is obtained, which every chemist "knows", namely that: alkanes are stable, with half their (Hückel-type MO) eigenvalues positive and half negative.