Quantum theory of exchange reactions: Use of nonorthogonal bases and coordinates

A general approach to quantum scattering theory of exchange reactions utilizing nonorthogonal ("over-complete") basis sets and nonorthogonal coordinates is presented. The method is shown to resolve many of the formal and practical difficulties attending earlier theories. Although the inspiration came from the early and accurate work on the collinear H + H₂ reaction by Diestler possible applications include electron transfer processes as well as chemical exchange reactions. The mathematics is formulated in detail and the solution is presented in terms of the R -matrix propagation method preserving all the symmetries of the physical process, i.e., conservation of flux and microscopic reversibility.