Invited review: Relativistic wave-function based electron correlation methods

Recent developments in molecular relativistic electronic-structure theory are reviewed, with a particular emphasis on post-Hartree-Fock electron correlation methodology. The approaches discussed encompass methods devised for the treatment of small molecules, such as four-component coupled cluster of general excitation rank, ranging to two-component methods based on perturbation theory which are applicable to larger molecules. A critique of the merits and shortcomings of the available methodology is put forward, including a comparison where appropriate. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.