Maximum hardness principle

{
  "id": "MLC-T-CHM-007050",
  "term": "Maximum hardness principle",
  "field": "Chemistry",
  "definition": "A principle in conceptual density functional theory stating that systems tend to arrange themselves to have maximum chemical hardness. Chemical hardness is a measure of resistance to charge transfer or deformation of the electron cloud. This principle suggests that molecules with higher hardness are more stable.",
  "synonyms": [
    "principle of maximum hardness"
  ],
  "subject": "Organic and Biomolecular Chemistry",
  "see_also": [
    "electronic chemical potential",
    "electronic stability",
    "molecular orbital",
    "structural stability"
  ],
  "references": [
    "PAC, 1999, 71, 1919. 'Glossary of terms used in theoretical organic chemistry' on page 1950 (https://doi.org/10.1351/pac199971101919)"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/chemistry/maximum-hardness-principle/"
}