Localized-orbital locator (LOL) profiles of chemical bonding

We examine a recently introduced descriptor of chemical bonding, the localized-orbital locator (LOL), which is based on the kinetic-energy density (tau). Examples are presented for prototypical chemical bonds, such as single, double, and triple bonds, for bonding in transition metal complexes, for three-center two-electron bonds, as well as for hypervalent molecules. The topology of LOL is analyzed in terms of (3,-3) attractors (Gamma). The influence of core electrons for chemical bonding is investigated, and a LOL-VSEPR (valence shell electron pair repulstion) relationship is established. Further, we compare LOL to the related electron localization function (ELF).