A quantum informational approach for dissecting chemical reactions

We present a conceptionally different approach to dissect bond-formation processes in metal-driven catalysis using concepts from quantum information theory. Our method uses the entanglement and correlation among molecular orbitals to analyze changes in electronic structure that accompany chemical processes. As a proof-of-principle example, the evolution of nickel–ethene bond-formation is dissected, which allows us to monitor the interplay of back-bonding and π-donation along the reaction coordinate. Furthermore, the reaction pathway of nickel–ethene complexation is analyzed using quantum chemistry methods, revealing the presence of a transition state. Our study supports the crucial role of metal-to-ligand back-donation in the bond-forming process of nickel–ethene.