Theory of Molecular Vibrational Zeeman Effects as Measured with Circular Dichroism

We present a general theory that enables the first non-empirical computation of molecular vibrational Zeeman effects as are detectable with magnetic vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy (MVCD). In this method, the second derivatives of the molecular magnetic moment appear to be essential to determine the observable MVCD intensities. Using a quasi-harmonic approximation, computations based on our method allowed a band-to-band comparison of simulated to measured spectra. Given this new possibility of its reliable interpretation, MVCD spectroscopy may develop as a useful tool to yield detailed information on molecular vibrational states and structure, including achiral systems.