Basis-set dependence of nuclear spin-spin coupling constants

The convergence of NMR indirect spin-spin coupling constants with the extension of the basis set is analyzed, based on calculations carried out at the multiconfigurational self-consistent-field level for the HF and H2O systems. For the dominant and difficult Fermi-contact contribution, the standard correlation-consistent basis sets of electronic-structure theory are not suitable, lacking flexibility in the core region. Improved but not satisfactory convergence of the couplings is observed when decontracting the s functions of the correlation-consistent cc-pVXZ basis sets for 2 less than or equal to X less than or equal to 6. Next, by systematically extending these basis sets with tight s functions, new sets are obtained that are sufficiently flexible for accurate calculations of indirect nuclear spin-spin couplings, without sacrificing the smooth convergence behavior of the correlation-consistent basis sets.