Computer simulation of molecular complexes H3O+(H2O)n under conditions of thermal fluctuations: II. Work of formation and structure

The free energy, entropy, and work of formation of H3O+(H2O)n clusters (n=1–27) in water vapor (300 K) were calculated by the Monte Carlo method. Binary correlation functions were calculated. The calculations are based on the nonpair interaction model presented in the previous publication. The hydration shell of the ion is thermally stable in the size range under study. Nonpair interactions exert an essential effect on the structure of the cluster. Fitting the cluster behavior to its experimental thermodynamic characteristics shows that the excess charge of the ion is spatially delocalized at room temperature, and the role of hydrogen bonds is strengthened on this background. Clusters formed on electric charges have such a fundamental characteristic as transition size. The transition size is independent of vapor pressure and demarcates two qualitatively different mechanisms of holding molecules in a cluster. A change in the holding mode is reflected on the mechanism of vapor nucleation.