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The nonplanar character of graphene with a single carbon vacancy defect (SV) is investigated utilizing a pyrene-SV model system by way of complete active space self-consistent field theory (CASSCF) and multi-reference configuration interaction singles and doubles (MRCISD) calculations. Planar structures were optimized with both methods showing the 3B1 state as the ground state with three energetically close states within an energy range of 1 eV. These planar structures constitute saddle-points. However, upon following the out-of-plane imaginary frequency yields more stable (by 0.22 to 0.53 eV), but non-planar structures of CS symmetry. Of these, the 1A’ structure is the lowest in energy and is strongly deformed into an L-shape. Following a further out-of-plane imaginary frequency in the non-planar structures leads to the most stable, but most deformed singlet structure of C1 symmetry. In this structure a bond is formed between the carbon atom with the dangling bond and a carbon of the cyclopentadienyl ring. This bond stabilizes the structure by more than 3 eV compared to the planar 3B1 structure. Higher excited states were calculated at MR-CISD level showing a grouping of four states low in energy and higher states starting around 3 eV. 

Abstract This work provides a detailed multi‐component analysis of aromaticity in monosubstituted (X = CH₃, C, C, NH₂, NH⁻, NH⁺, OH, O⁻, and O⁺) andpara‐homodisubstituted (X = CH₃, CH₂, NH₂, NH, OH, and O) benzene derivatives. We investigate the effects of substituents using single‐reference (B3LYP/DFT) and multireference (CASSCF/MRCI) methods, focusing on structural (HOMA), vibrational (AI(vib)), topological (ELF_π), electronic (MCI), magnetic (NICS), and stability (S₀–T₁splitting) properties. The findings reveal that appropriateπ‐electron‐donating andπ‐electron‐accepting substituents with suitable size and symmetry can interact with theπ‐system of the ring, significantly influencingπ‐electron delocalization. While the charge factor has a minimal impact onπ‐electron delocalization, the presence of ap_zorbital capable of interacting with theπ‐electron delocalization is the primary factor leading to a deviation from the typical aromaticity characteristics observed in benzene.