Bond separation energies uniqueness

A bond separation reaction takes any molecule comprising three or more heavy (non-hydrogen) atoms into the set of simplest (two-heavy-atom) molecules containing the same bonds. The only requirement is that bonding must be defined in terms of a single valence (Lewis) structure or set of equivalent valence structures. This in turn guarantees that the bond separation energy is unique. ... 

A bond separation reaction is uniquely defined. Therefore, a bond separation energy is a molecular property . Given that a bond separation reaction leads to products, the heats of formation of which are either known experimentally or can be determined from calculations, combining a calculated bond separation energy with experimental (or calculated) heats of formation, gives rise to a unique value for the heat of formation. For example, a heat of formation for methylhydrazine may be obtained from the thermochemical cycle. 

These definitions apply to any atomic system, molecule or crystal. Fig. 7.3 a illustrates their application to the charge distribution of the guanine-cytosine base-pair. Fig. 7.3 b shows the molecular structure defined by the bond paths and the associated CPs that clearly and uniquely define the three hydrogen bonds that link the two bases. Fig. 7.3 c shows the atomic boundaries and bond paths overlaid on the electron density in the plane of the nuclei. All properties of the atoms can be determined, enabling one, for example, to determine separately the energy of formation of each of the three hydrogen bonds. 

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