Abstract
Ab initio molecular orbital calculations have been performed in an effort to determine which types of chemical interactions play essential roles for the system, , $H_2O+CH_2SH^+$, and $H_2O+ CH_2S$. The most important contribution to the interaction energy in controlling reaction path is the exchange repulsion energy, EX, which is largely responsible for the shape of the total interaction energy curve. In the ion-molecule reaction, prior protonation of thioformaldehyde or prior deprotonation of water leads to formation of the corresponding ionic adducts ($H_2O+CH_2SH$ and $HOCH_2S^-$), with no barrier to reaction, simulating specific acid and base catalysis, respectively, as in the case of formaldehyde. Otherwise, approach of water to thioformaldehyde gives rise to a completely repulsive interaction.
