Does Methane Invert through Square Planar?

MCSCF calculations using a triple-t basis set augmented with diffuse and polarization functions are used to probe that part of the singlet methane potential energy surface that pertains to the inversion of CH4 from one t~trahedral structure t.o another. The true inversion transition state is found to have a distorted C, structure, quite different both ge?me.tncally ~nd energetically from the previously presumed square planar saddle point. At the secondorder configuration mte.ractl~n.level of theory, the barrier to inversion is predicted to be just 7-8 kcaljmol higher in energy than the bond diSSOCiation energy for the first C-H bond cleavage in methane