Substituent effect on structure and surface activity of N‐methylpyridinium salts studied by FT‐IR,FT‐RS,SERS and DFT calculations

The substituent effect on structure and surface activity of mono‐ and disubstituted N‐methylpyridinium salts was investigated by means of Raman, infrared and surface‐enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS). The significant differences observed in Raman and infrared spectra have been correlated with marker bands assigned to in‐plane and out‐of‐plane vibrations, respectively. This vibrational analysis, complemented by quantum chemical calculations (B3LYP/6‐311++G(d,p)) was a basis for investigation of the surface activity of the studied compounds. Significant differences in their SERS spectra related to the enhancement mechanism and adsorbate orientation have been observed and analyzed. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Betulin and its natural resource as potential anticancer drug candidate seen by FT‐Raman and FT‐IR spectroscopy

The Fourier transform Raman and IR spectra of betulin (lup‐20(29)‐ene‐3β,28‐diol) crystalline powder were recorded and analyzed. The vibrational wavenumbers and the corresponding vibrational assignments were theoretically studied using the Gaussian 03 package. The calculated vibrational wavenumbers with the B3LYP density functionals are generally consistent with the observed spectra. A complete vibrational characterization of betulin modes has been proposed here for the first time. Based on the vibrational analysis, two direct applications of the results have been described. It was shown that the outer bark of Betula Pendula Roth (the birch tree) contains betulin as a major component along with minor amounts of betulinic acid (BA), lupeol and other pentacyclic triterpenes derivatives. Since the major disadvantage of betulin is its low solubility, giving rise to serious problems in making pharmaceutical formulations, several guest–host type of complexes of betulin–cyclodextrins have been prepared and analyzed using FT‐Raman spectroscopy. Based on the vibrational analysis, it was concluded that the OH and CH₂OH functional groups are free from chemical interactions with the cyclodextrin cavity. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of an aliphatic spacer group on the adsorption mechanism on the colloidal silver surface of L‐proline phosphonodipeptides

A comparative study of molecular structures of five L ‐proline (L ‐Pro) phosphonodipeptides: L ‐Pro‐NH‐C(Me,Me)‐PO₃H₂ (P1), L ‐Pro‐NH‐C(Me,iPr)‐PO₃H₂ (P2), L ‐Pro‐L ‐NH‐CH(iBu)‐PO₃H₂ (P3), L ‐Pro‐L ‐NH‐CH(PA)‐PO₃H₂ (P4) and L ‐Pro‐L ‐NH‐CH(BA)‐PO₃H₂ (P5) has been carried out using Raman and absorption infrared techniques of molecular spectroscopy. The interpretation of the obtained spectra has been supported by density functional theory calculations (DFT) at the B3LYP; 6–31 + + G** level using Gaussian 2003 software. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) on Ag‐sol in aqueous solutions of these phosphonopeptides has also been investigated. The surface geometry of these molecules on a silver colloidal surface has been determined by observing the position and relative intensity changes of the Pro ring, amide, phosphonate and so‐called spacer (−R) groups vibrations of the enhanced bands in their SERS spectra. Results show that P4 and P5 adsorb onto the silver as anionic molecules mainly via the amide bond (∼1630, ∼1533, ∼1248, ∼800 and ∼565 cm⁻¹), Pro ring (∼956, ∼907 and ∼876 cm⁻¹) and carboxylate group (∼1395 and ∼909 cm⁻¹). Coadsorption of the imine nitrogen atom and PO group with the silver surface, possibly by formation of a weaker interaction with the metal, is also suggested by the enhancement of the bands at 1158 and 1248 cm⁻¹. P1, P2 and P3 show two orientations of their main chain on the silver surface resulting from different interactions of the  C CH₃,  NH and  CONH fragments with this surface. Bonding to the Ag surface occurs mainly through the imino atom (1166 cm⁻¹) for P2, while for P1 and P3 it occurs via the methyl group(s) (1194–1208 cm⁻¹). The amide group functionality (CONH) is practically not involved in the adsorption process for P1 and P2, whereas the C_s P bonds do assist in the adsorption. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vibrational and reorientational dynamics,crystal structure and solid–solid phase transition studies in [Ca(H2O)6]Cl2 supported by theoretical (DFT) calculations

[Ca(H₂O)₆]Cl₂ between 93 and 300 K possesses two solid phases. One phase transition (PT) of the first‐order type at = 218.0 K (on heating) and = 208.0 K (on cooling) was determined by differential scanning calorimetry. Thermal hysteresis of this PT (10 K), as well as the heat flow anomaly sharpness, suggests that the detected PT is a first‐order one. The entropy change value [ΔS ≈ 8.5 J mol⁻¹ K⁻¹ ≈ Rln(2.8)] associated with the observed PT suggests a moderate degree of molecular dynamical disorder of the high‐temperature phase. The temperature dependencies of the full width at half maximum values of the infrared band are due to ρ(H₂O)A₂ mode (at 205 cm⁻¹), and two Raman bands are arising from τ(H₂O)E and τ(H₂O)A₁ modes (at ca. 410 and 682 cm⁻¹, respectively), suggesting that the observed PT is associated with a sudden change of speed of the H₂O reorientational motions. The estimated mean value of activation energy for the reorientation of the H₂O ligands in the high‐temperature phase is ca. 11.4 kJ mol⁻¹ from Raman spectroscopy and 11.9 kJ mol⁻¹ from infrared spectroscopy. X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction measurement and spectroscopic studies (infrared, Raman and inelastic neutron scattering) also confirm that [Ca(H₂O)₆]Cl₂ includes two sets of differently bonded H₂O molecules. Ab initio calculations of the complete unit cell of one molecule of calcium chloride with a different number of water molecules (2, 4 and 6) have also been carried out. A comparison of Fourier Transform Infrared (FT‐IR), Fourier Transform Raman Scattering (FT‐RS) and inelastic neutron scattering spectroscopies results with periodic density functional theory calculations was used to provide a complete assignment of the vibrational spectra of [Ca(H₂O)₆]Cl₂. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐IR,FT‐Raman and SERS spectra of anilinium sulfate

The FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of anilinium sulfate were recorded and analyzed. The surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) was recorded from a silver electrode. The vibrational wavenumbers of the compound have been computed using the Hartree‐Fock/6‐31G* basis and compared with the experimental values. The molecule is adsorbed on the silver surface with the benzene ring in a tilted orientation. The presence of amino and sulfate group vibrations in the SERS spectrum reveal the interaction between amino and sulfate groups with the silver surface. The direction of the charge transfer contribution to SERS has been discussed from the frontier orbital theory. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐IR,FT‐Raman,SERS spectra and computational calculations of 4‐ethyl‐N‐(2′‐hydroxy‐5′‐nitrophenyl)benzamide

Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and FT‐Raman spectra of 4‐ethyl‐N‐(2′‐hydroxy‐5′‐nitrophenyl)benzamide were recorded and analyzed. A surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectrum was recorded in silver colloid. The vibrational wavenumbers and corresponding vibrational assignments were examined theoretically using the Gaussian03 set of quantum chemistry codes. The red shift of the NH stretching wavenumber in the infrared spectrum from the computational wavenumber indicates the weakening of the NH bond resulting in proton transfer to the neighboring oxygen atom. The simultaneous IR and Raman activation of the CO stretching mode gives the charge transfer interaction through a π‐conjugated path. The presence of methyl modes in the SERS spectrum indicates the nearness of the methyl group to the metal surface, which affects the orientation and metal molecule interaction. The first hyperpolarizability and predicted infrared intensities are reported. The calculated first hyperpolarizability is comparable with the reported values of similar derivatives and is an attractive subject for future studies of nonlinear optics. Optimized geometrical parameters of the title compound are in agreement with reported structures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐IR,FT‐Raman and DFT calculations of the salicylanilide derivate 4‐chloro‐2‐(4‐bromophenylcarbamoyl)phenyl acetate

FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of 4‐chloro‐2‐(4‐bromophenylcarbamoyl)phenyl acetate were recorded and analyzed. The vibrational wavenumbers and corresponding vibrational assignments were examined theoretically using the Gaussian03 set of quantum chemistry codes. The red shift of the NH stretching wavenumber in the infrared (IR) spectrum from the computed wavenumber indicates the weakening of the NH bond resulting in proton transfer to the neighbouring oxygen atom. The simultaneous IR and Raman activations of the CO stretching mode give the charge transfer interaction through a π‐conjugated path. Optimized geometrical parameters of the title compound are in agreement with similar reported structures. From the optimized structure, it is clear that the hydrogen bonding decreases the double bond character of CO bond and increases the double bond character of the C N bonds. The first hyperpolarizability, predicted infrared intensities and Raman activities are reported. The calculated first hyperpolarizability is comparable with the reported values of similar derivatives and is an attractive object for future studies of non‐linear optics. The assignments of the normal modes are done by potential energy distribution (PED) calculations. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐IR and FT‐Raman investigations of the chemosensing material para‐hexafluoroisopropanol aniline

As an important chemosensing material involving hexafluoroisopropanol (HFIP) for detecting nerve agents, para‐HFIP aniline (p‐HFIPA) has been firstly synthesized through a new reaction approach and then characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry experiments. Fourier transform infrared absorption spectroscopy (FT‐IR) and FT‐Raman spectra of p‐HFIPA have been obtained in the regions of 4000–500 and 4000–200 cm⁻¹, respectively. Detailed identifications of its fundamental vibrational bands have been given for the first time. Moreover, p‐HFIPA has been optimized and vibrational wavenumber analysis can be subsequently performed via density functional theory (DFT) approach in order to assist these identifications in the experimental FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra. The present experimental FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of p‐HFIPA are in good agreement with theoretical FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Density functional and experimental studies on the FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra and structure of benzoic acid and 3,5‐dichloro salicylic acid

FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of benzoic acid (BA) and 3,5‐dichloro salicylic acid (SA) have been recorded in the regions of 4000–400 and 4000–50 cm⁻¹ respectively. The spectra were interpreted with the aid of normal coordinate analysis following the full structure optimizations and force field calculations based on density functional theory (DFT) using standard B3LYP6‐31G** method and basis set combinations. The DFT force field transformed to natural internal coordinates was corrected by a well‐established set of scale factors that were found to be transferable to the title compounds. The infrared and Raman spectra were also predicted from the calculated intensities. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibrational modes. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Comparison of adsorption mechanism on colloidal silver surface of alafosfalin and its analogs

This study reports the Raman (FT‐RS) and absorption infrared (FT‐IR) spectra, based on calculated wavenumbers and normal modes of vibrations, of the following compounds: L ‐Ala‐L ‐NH‐CH(Me)‐PO₃H₂ (alafosfalin, A1), L ‐Ala‐D ‐NH‐CH(Me)‐PO₃H₂ (A2), L ‐Ala‐L ‐NH‐CH(Et)‐PO₃H₂ (A3), D ,L ‐Ala‐D,L ‐NH‐CH(Et)‐PO₃H₂ (A4), L ‐Ala‐D ‐NH‐CH(iPr)‐PO₃H₂ (A5), L ‐Ala‐D,L ‐NH‐CH(iPr)‐PO₃H₂ (A6), L ‐Ala‐D,L ‐NH‐CH(tBu)‐PO₃H₂ (A7), L ‐Ala‐D,L ‐NH‐CH(iBu)‐PO₃H₂ (A8), L ‐Ala‐D,L ‐NH‐CH(cBu)‐PO₃H₂ (A9), L ‐Ala‐D,L ‐NH‐CH(nPA)‐PO₃H₂ (A10), β‐Ala‐D ‐NH‐CH(Me)‐PO₃H₂ (A11), and D,L ‐Ala‐NH‐C(Me,Me)‐PO₃H₂ (A12). The equilibrium geometries and vibrational wavenumbers are calculated using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP; 6–31 + + G** level of theory using Gaussian'03, GaussSum 0.8, and GAR2PED software. We briefly compare and analyze the experimental and calculated vibrational wavenumbers in the range of 3600–400 cm⁻¹. In addition, Raman wavenumbers are compared to those from surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) for the phosphonodipeptides of alanine (Ala) adsorbed on a colloidal silver surface. The geometry of these molecules etched on the silver surface is deduce from the observed changes in both the intensity and breadth of Raman bands in the spectra of the bound vs free species. For example, A7, A8, A1, A3, and A4 appear to adsorb onto the colloidal silver particles mainly through the phosphonate terminus, and for A3 and A4, through the  C‐NH₂ and  CONH fragments. The most dominant SERS bands of A5, A6, A9, A10, and A11 are due to the amide bond vibrations, as well as to the vibrations of the  C‐NH₂ group (A9 and A10) and the C C group (A6 and A11). The differences recorded for the A5, A6, A9, A10, and A11 and those of A2 and A12 are due to interactions between the amine and methyl groups with the silver surface, and they reflect vibrational characteristic of these groups. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Density functional theory study and vibrational analysis of FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of N‐hydroxyphthalimide

The Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) spectrum of N‐hydroxyphthalimide has been recorded in the range of 4000–400 cm⁻¹, and the Fourier transform Raman (FT‐Raman) spectrum of N‐hydroxyphthalimide has been recorded in the range of 4000–50 cm⁻¹. With the hope of providing more and effective information on the fundamental vibrations, the Density Functional Theory (DFT)‐Becke3‐Lee‐Yang‐Parr (B3LYP) level with 6‐31G* basis set has been employed in quantum chemical analysis, and normal coordinate analysis has been performed on N‐hydroxyphthalimide by assuming C_s symmetry. The computational wavenumbers are in good agreement with the observed results. The theoretical spectra obtained along with intensity data agree well with the observed spectra. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Raman and surface‐enhanced Raman studies of α‐aminophosphinic inhibitors of metalloenzymes

Here, we report the nature of new di‐α‐amino (L¹–L³) and α‐amino‐α‐hydroxyphosphinic (L⁴–L⁶) acids, which are considered potential inhibitors of the aminopeptidase N, adsorbed on a colloidal silver surface by means of surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy. In order to reveal the adsorption mechanism of these species from their SERS spectra, Fourier‐transform Raman (FT‐RS) spectra of these nonadsorbed molecules were measured. By examining the enhancement, shift in wavenumbers, and changes in breadth of the SERS bands due to the adsorption process, we revealed that the tilted compounds interact with the colloidal silver substrate mainly through the benzene ring, amino group, and phosphinic moiety in the following way. The benzene ring of L² and L³ is ‘standing up’ on the colloidal silver surface, and the C N bond is almost vertical to it, while the tilt angle between the O PO bond and this surface is greater than 45°. On the other hand, for L¹, L⁴, and L⁵, the aromatic ring and C N bond are arranged more or less tilted, and the tilt angle between the O PO bond and the silver substrate is smaller than 45°. The elongation of the bond to the benzene ring, the L⁶ case, produces an almost horizontal orientation of the benzene ring and the O PO bond on the silver nanoparticles. For these ligands, the complement inhibition IC₅₀ tested in vitro using porcine kidney leucine aminopeptidase was correlated mainly with the behavior of the O PO and C CH N fragments on the silver surface. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐Raman,FT‐IR spectral and DFT studies on 6, 8‐dichloroflavone and 6, 8‐dibromoflavone

In this study, experimental and theoretical vibrational spectral results of the molecular structures of 6,8‐dichloroflavone (6,8‐dcf) and 6,8‐dibromoflavone (6,8‐dbf) are presented. The FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of the compounds have been recorded together between 4000 and 400 cm⁻¹ and 3500–5 cm⁻¹ regions, respectively. The molecular geometry and vibrational wavenumbers of 6,8‐dcf and 6,8‐dbf in their ground state have been calculated by using DFT/B3LYP functional, with 6‐31 + + G(d,p) basis set used in calculations. All calculations were performed with Gaussian03 software. The obtained vibrational wavenumbers and optimized geometric parameters were seen to be in good agreement with the experimental data. Scale factors have been used in order to compare how the calculated and experimental data are in agreement. Theoretical infrared intensities are also reported. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vibrational spectroscopy and DFT calculations of N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide

Infrared (IR) and Raman spectra were obtained for N,N′‐dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC) in the solid state and in CHCl₃ solution. Structures and vibrational spectra of isolated, gas‐phase DCC molecules with C₂ and C_i symmetries, computed at the B3‐LYP/cc‐pVTZ level, show that the IR and Raman spectra provide convincing evidence for a C₂ structure in both the solid state and in CHCl₃ solution. Using a scaled quantum‐chemical force field, these density functional theory calculations have provided detailed assignments of the observed IR and Raman bands in terms of potential energy distributions. Comparison of solid‐state and solution spectra, together with a Raman study of the melting behaviour of DCC, revealed that no solid‐state effects were evident in the spectra. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Vibrational spectroscopic studies and DFT calculations of 4‐fluoro‐N‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)benzamide

Fourier transform infrared (FT‐IR) and FT‐Raman spectra of 4‐fluoro‐N‐(2‐hydroxy‐4‐nitrophenyl)benzamide were recorded and analyzed. The vibrational wavenumbers and corresponding vibrational assignments were examined theoretically using the Gaussian03 set of quantum chemistry codes. The red‐shift of the NH‐stretching wavenumber in the infrared (IR) spectrum from the computed wavenumber indicates the weakening of the NH bond resulting in proton transfer to the neighboring oxygen atom. The simultaneous IR and Raman activation of the CO‐stretching mode gives the charge transfer interaction through a π‐conjugated path. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Effect of amino acid modifications on the molecular structure of adsorbed and nonadsorbed bombesin 6–14 fragments on an electrochemically roughened silver surface

This work used infrared absorption and Raman spectroscopy to determine the structure of seven modified fragments (residues 6–14 of the polypeptide chain) of bombesin (BN^6–14). The peptides studied are cyclo[D ‐Phe⁶, His⁷, Leu¹⁴]BN^6–14, [D ‐Phe⁶, Leu‐NHEt¹³, des‐Met¹⁴]BN^6–14, [D ‐Phe⁶, Leu¹³‐®‐p‐chloro‐Phe¹⁴]BN^6–14, [D ‐Phe⁶, β‐Ala¹¹, Phe¹³, Nle¹⁴]BN^6–14, [D ‐Tyr⁶, β‐Ala¹¹, Phe¹³, Nle¹⁴]BN^6–14, [D ‐Tyr⁶, β‐Phe¹¹, Phe¹³, Nle¹⁴OH]BN^6–14 and [D ‐Cys⁶, Asn⁷, D ‐Ala¹¹, Cys¹⁴]BN^6–14. These peptides are potent bombesin agonists useful in the treatment of tumors. Surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy was also used to examine the behavior of these molecules on an electrochemically roughened silver surface. The SERS spectra reveal that substituting native amino acids in these molecules with synthetic ones changes their adsorption state slightly on an electrochemically roughened surface of silver. The peptides [D ‐Tyr⁶, β‐Ala¹¹, Phe¹³, Nle¹⁴]BN^6–14 and [D ‐Tyr⁶, β‐Phe¹¹, Phe¹³, Nle¹⁴OH]BN^6–14 tend to adsorb strongly on this surface via C fragment (∼1400 cm⁻¹). The observed medium enhancement of the Trp⁸ residue and amide bond Raman signals indicate further interactions between these fragments and the surface. [D ‐Phe⁶, Leu‐NHEt¹³, des‐Met¹⁴]BN^6–14 and [D ‐Cys⁶, Asn⁷, D ‐Ala¹¹, Cys¹⁴]BN^6–14 are shown to be coordinated to the silver through  CONH , CO, and the indole ring. The strongest SERS bands (∼1506, ∼1275, ∼1149, and ∼1007 cm⁻¹) of [D ‐Phe⁶, Leu¹³‐®‐p‐chloro‐Phe¹⁴]BN^6–14 and [D ‐Phe⁶, β‐Ala¹¹, Phe¹³, Nle¹⁴]BN^6–14 suggest that these two peptides bind to the silver via Trp⁸ and  CONH . In the case of cyclo[D ‐Phe⁶, His⁷, Leu¹⁴]BN^6–14, the formation of a peptide/Ag complex is confirmed by the strong SERS bands involving Trp⁸ and  CONH vibrations, which are accompanied by a SERS signal due to the CO vibrations. For these analogs, the relative potency for inhibition of binding of ¹²⁵I‐[Tyr⁴]BN to rat pancreas acini cells was correlated with the behavior of the amide bond on the silver surface, while the contribution of the structural components to the ability to interact with the rGRP‐R was correlated with the SERS patterns. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

FT‐IR,FT‐Raman,and computational calculations of 4‐chloro‐2‐(3‐chlorophenyl carbamoyl)phenyl acetate

FT‐IR and FT‐Raman spectra of 4‐chloro‐2‐(3‐chlorophenylcarbamoyl) phenyl acetate were studied. Vibrational wavenumbers and corresponding vibrational assignments were examined theoretically using the Gaussian03 set of quantum chemistry codes and the normal modes are assigned by potential energy distribution (PED) calculations. Simultaneous IR and Raman activation of the CO stretching mode shows the charge transfer interaction through a π‐conjugated path. Optimized geometrical parameters of the title compound are in agreement with the reported values. Analysis of the phenyl ring modes shows that C C stretching mode is equally active as strong bands in both IR and Raman, which can be interpreted as the evidence of intramolecular charge transfer via conjugated ring path and is responsible for hyperpolarizability enhancement leading to nonlinear optical activity. The red‐shift of the NH‐stretching wavenumber in the infrared spectrum from the computed wavenumber indicates the weakening of the NH bond resulting in proton transfer to the neighboring oxygen atom. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

DFT,FT‐Raman,FT‐IR and NMR studies of 2‐fluorophenylboronic acid

The experimental and theoretical vibrational spectra of 2‐fluorophenylboronic acid (2fpba) were studied. The Fourier transform Raman and Fourier transform infrared spectra of the 2fpba molecule were recorded in the solid phase. The structural and spectroscopic analysis of the molecule was carried out by using Hartree‐Fock and density functional harmonic calculations. For the title molecule, only one form was found to be the most stable structure, by using B3LYP level with the 6‐31++G(d,p) basis set. Selected experimental bands were assigned and characterized on the basis of the scaled theoretical wavenumbers by their total energy distribution (TED). The ¹H and ¹³C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) chemical shifts of the 2fpba molecule were calculated using the Gauge‐Invariant‐ atomic orbital (GIAO) method in DMSO solution using IEF‐PCM model and compared with the experimental data. Finally, geometric parameters, vibrational wavenumbers and chemical shifts were compared with available experimental data of the molecule. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

The effect of the pH on the interaction of L‐arginine with colloidal silver nanoparticles. A Raman and SERS study

Raman and surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopies were used to study the pH effect (7 to 9) on the interaction of arginine (Arg) with colloidal Ag nanoparticles (AgNps). A new methodology was implemented in order to obtain reproducible SERS spectra in solution. The dependence of the Arg concentration on the stability of the AgNps is discussed. A pH increasing of the colloidal solution to the limits of the Arg pKa₂ value induces a preferential and stable Arg–metal interaction. ξ potential measurements of the Arg–AgNps system at different pH conditions studied provide information about the Arg–AgNps interaction; the pH increasing favors the interaction. SERS spectra at pH 7 indicate that the molecule interacts with the Ag surface only through the guanidinium fragment. By increasing the pH to 9, the molecule adopts a new conformation on the surface; the metal–analyte interaction is verified through the guanidinium, carboxylate and the aliphatic moieties. In addition, theoretical calculations performed by using the extended Hückel method for a model of Arg interacting with an Ag surface support the observed SERS results. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Experimental (FT‐IR) and theoretical (DFT) studies on prototropy and H‐bond formation for pyrazine‐2‐amidoxime

The results of the first structural studies (with the use of both experimental and theoretical methods) on pyrazine‐2‐amidoxime (PAOX) were shown and discussed. FT‐IR spectra were recorded in different concentrations of the PAOX in apolar solvent to check the possibility of the inter‐ or intramolecular hydrogen‐bond formation. All possible tautomers–rotamers of PAOX were then theoretically considered at the DFT(B3LYP)/6‐311+G** level in vacuo. For selected isomers, calculations were also performed at higher levels of theory {B3LYP/6‐311+G(3df,2p) and G3B3}. Based on the results of DFT calculations, the most stable isomers were found, and their total free energies and infrared spectra were calculated. The energy variation plots for the N8?C7?N9?O10 and N1?C2?C7?N9 dihedral angles were also computed to find two energy barriers, one for E/Z isomerization around the C7?N9 double bond and the other one for rotation of the pyrazinyl ring around the C2?C7 single bond. The results show that the stability of the PAOX isomers strongly depend on their configuration and orientation of the substituents. The possibilities of inter‐ and intramolecular hydrogen bonds were also experimentally and theoretically checked. Finally, a potential of mean force was determined in CHCl₃ for a dimer of PAOX with hexamethylphosphoramide. Both, experimental and theoretical results are in agreement. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.