Determination of absolute configuration using density functional theory calculations of optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism: chiral alkenes

In principle, the absolute configuration (AC) of a chiral molecule can be deduced from its optical rotation (OR) and/or its electronic circular dichroism (ECD). In practice, this requires reliable methodologies for predicting OR and ECD. The recent application of ab initio time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) to the calculation of transparent spectral region OR and ECD has greatly enhanced the reliability with which these phenomena can be predicted. TDDFT calculations of OR and ECD are being increasingly utilized in determining ACs. Nevertheless, such calculations are not perfect, and as a result, ACs determined are not 100% reliable. In this paper, we examine the reliability of the TDDFT methods in the case of chiral alkenes. Sodium d line specific rotations, [alpha]D, are predicted for 26 conformationally rigid alkenes of known AC, ranging in size from 5 to 20 C atoms, and with [alpha]D values in the range of 0-500. The mean absolute deviation of predicted [alpha]D values from experimental values is 28.7. With one exception, beta-pinene, the signs of [alpha]D are correctly predicted. Errors in calculated [alpha]D values are approximately random. Our results define a "zone of indeterminacy" within which calculated [alpha]D values cannot be used to determine ACs with >95% confidence. TDDFT ECD spectra are predicted for eight of the alkenes and compared to experimental spectra. Agreement ranges from modestly good to poor, leading to the conclusion that TDDFT calculations of ECD spectra are not yet of sufficient accuracy to routinely provide highly reliable ACs. TDDFT OR calculations for two conformationally flexible alkenes, 3-tert-butylcyclohexene and trans-4-carene, are also reported. For the former, predicted rotations are incorrect in sign over the range 589-365 nm. It is possible that the AC of this molecule has been incorrectly assigned.     

Determination of the absolute configuration of chiral molecules via density functional theory calculations of vibrational circular dichroism and optical rotation: The chiral alkane D3-anti-trans-anti-trans-anti-trans-perhydrotriphenylene

The Absolute configuration (AC) of the chiral alkane D₃-anti-trans-anti-trans-anti-trans-perhydrotriphenylene (PHTP), 1, is determined by comparison of density functional theory (DFT) calculations of its vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and optical rotation (OR) to the experimental VCD and OR of (+)−1, obtained in high enantiomeric excess using chiral gas chromatography. Conformational analysis of 1 demonstrates that the all-chair (CCCC) conformation is the lowest in energy and that other conformations are too high in energy to be significantly populated at room temperature. The B3PW91/TZ2P calculated IR spectrum of the CCCC conformation of 1 is in excellent agreement with the experimental IR spectrum, confirming the conformational analysis and demonstrating the excellent accuracy of the B3PW91 functional and the TZ2P basis set. The B3PW91/TZ2P calculated VCD spectrum of the CCCC conformation of S-1 is in excellent agreement with the experimental VCD spectrum of (+)−1, unambiguously defining the AC of 1 to be S(+)/R(−). The B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculated OR of S-1 over the range 589–365 nm has the same sign and dispersion as the experimental OR of (+)−1, further supporting the AC S(+)/R(−). Our results confirm the AC proposed earlier by Farina and Audisio. This study provides a further demonstration of the excellent accuracy of VCD spectra predicted using Stephens’ equation for vibrational rotational strengths together with the ab initio DFT methodology, and further documents the utility of VCD spectroscopy in determining the ACs of chiral molecules.     

Determination of the absolute configurations of natural products via density functional theory calculations of vibrational circular dichroism, electronic circular dichroism and optical rotation: the schizozygane alkaloid schizozygine

The development of density functional theory (DFT) methods for the calculation of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and transparent spectral region optical rotation (OR) has revolutionized the determination of the absolute configurations (ACs) of chiral molecules using these chiroptical properties. We report the first concerted application of DFT calculations of VCD, ECD, and OR to the determination of the AC of a natural product whose AC was previously undetermined. The natural product is the alkaloid schizozygine, isolated from Schizozygia caffaeoides. Comparison of DFT calculations of the VCD, ECD, and OR of schizozygine to experimental data leads, for each chiroptical technique, to the AC 2R,7S,20S,21S for the naturally occurring (+)-schizozygine. Three other alkaloids, schizogaline, schizogamine, and 6,7-dehydro-19beta-hydroxyschizozygine, have also been isolated from S. caffaeoides and shown to have structures closely related to schizozygine. Assuming a common biosynthetic pathway, their ACs are defined by that of schizozygine.     

Determination of the absolute configurations of natural products via density functional theory calculations of vibrational circular dichroism, electronic circular dichroism, and optical rotation: the iridoids plumericin and isoplumericin

The absolute configurations (ACs) of the iridoid natural products, plumericin (1) and isoplumericin (2), have been re-investigated using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy, electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopy, and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD). Comparison of DFT calculations of the VCD spectra of 1 and 2 to the experimental VCD spectra of the natural products, (+)-1 and (+)-2, leads unambiguously to the AC (1R,5S,8S,9S,10S)-(+) for both 1 and 2. In contrast, comparison of time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations of the ECD spectra of 1 and 2 to the experimental spectra of (+)-1 and (+)-2 does not permit definitive assignment of their ACs. On the other hand, TDDFT calculations of the ORD of (1R,5S,8S,9S,10S)-1 and -2 over the range of 365-589 nm are in excellent agreement with the experimental data of (+)-1 and (+)-2, confirming the ACs derived from the VCD spectra. Thus, the ACs initially proposed by Albers-Sch?nberg and Schmid are shown to be correct, and the opposite ACs recently derived from the ECD spectra of 1 and 2 by Els?sser et al. are shown to be incorrect. As a result, the ACs of other iridoid natural products obtained by chemical correlation with 1 and 2 are not in need of revision.     

Determination of the absolute configuration of [3(2)](1,4)barrelenophanedicarbonitrile using concerted time-dependent density functional theory calculations of optical rotation and electronic circular dichroism

The technique of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) has very recently been applied to the calculation of both transparent spectral region optical rotations and electronic circular dichroism (CD). Here, we report the concerted application of the new methodologies to the determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of [3(2)](1,4)barrelenophanedicarbonitrile, 1, the first optically active barrelenophane. 1 is conformationally flexible: the two three-carbon bridges of 1 can each exhibit two conformations, leading to three inequivalent conformations of 1: a, b, and c. Conformational structures and energies are predicted using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G level. Comparison of the calculated structures to structures obtained via X-ray crystallography of (+)-1 shows that (remarkably) all three conformations a-c are simultaneously present in crystalline (+)-1. The sodium D line specific rotations, [alpha](D), and CD spectra of a-c are calculated using TDDFT at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Comparison of the conformationally averaged specific rotation and CD spectrum to the experimental data of Matsuda-Sentou and Shinmyozu leads to the AC 9S,12S(+)/9R,12R(-). The same AC is obtained both from [alpha](D) and from the CD, strongly supporting its reliability.     

Determination of absolute configuration using density functional theory calculation of optical rotation: chiral alkanes

The recently developed Gauge-Invariant (Including) Atomic Orbital (GIAO) based Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) methodology for the calculation of transparent spectral region optical rotations of chiral molecules provides a new approach to the determination of absolute configurations. Here, we discuss the application of the TDDFT/GIAO methodology to chiral alkanes. We report B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations of the specific rotations of the 22 chiral alkanes, 2-23, of well-established Absolute Configuration. The average absolute deviation of calculated and experimental [alpha](D) values for molecules 2-22 is 24.8. In two of the molecules 2-23, trans-pinane, 10, and endo-isocamphane, 13, the sign of [alpha](D) is incorrectly predicted. Our results demonstrate that absolute configurations of alkanes can be reliably assigned by using B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ TDDFT/GIAO calculations if, but only if, [alpha](D) is significantly greater than 25. In the case of (-)-anti-trans-anti-trans-anti-trans-perhydrotriphenylene, 1, [alpha](D) is -93 and TDDFT/GIAO calculations reliably lead to the absolute configuration R(-).     

Determination of absolute configuration using concerted ab Initio DFT calculations of electronic circular dichroism and optical rotation: bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane diones

The concerted use of ab initio time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations of transparent spectral region optical rotation and of circular dichroism has recently become practicable, permitting the concerted use of transparent spectral region optical rotation and circular dichroism in determining the absolute configurations of chiral molecules. Here, we report concerted TDDFT calculations of the transparent spectral region specific rotations and of the circular dichroism spectra originating in n --> pi C=O group excitations of four bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane diones, 1-4. Comparison to experiment yields absolute configurations for 1-4. For each dione, specific rotations and circular dichroism spectra give identical absolute configurations. Our results are consistent with previous work, with the exception of the Octant Rule-derived absolute configuration of the 2,9-dione.     

Determination of absolute configuration using optical rotation calculated using density functional theory

[structure: see text] We report the first determinations of the absolute configurations (ACs) of chiral molecules using discrete frequency, transparent spectral region optical rotations calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The ACs of 2H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophene 1-oxide (3), naphtho[1,8-cd]-1,2-dithiole 1-oxide (4), and 9-phenanthryl methyl sulfoxide (5) are determined by comparison of their specific rotations to values calculated via the time-dependent DFT/gauge-invariant atomic orbital (TDDFT/GIAO) methodology using the B3LYP functional and the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set.     

Determination of the absolute configurations of pharmacological natural products via density functional theory calculations of vibrational circular dichroism: the new cytotoxic iridoid prismatomerin

A new highly cytotoxic iridoid has very recently been isolated from Prismatomeris tetrandra and shown to have the structure 3, similar to that of the iridoid oruwacin, 2. We report the determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of the new iridoid, prismatomerin, using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The VCD spectrum of the acetate derivative of 3, 4, is analyzed using the Stephens theory of VCD and density functional theory (DFT). The AC of the naturally occurring 3 is shown to be 1R,5S,8S,9S,10S, identical to that of the naturally occurring iridoid plumericin, 1, also determined using VCD spectroscopy. The [alpha]D values of the natural products 3 and 1 are negative and positive, respectively. Since the ACs of 3 and 1 are identical, it follows that the AC of 3 cannot be correctly determined by empirical comparison of the signs of the [alpha]D values of 3 and 1.     

Time dependent density functional theory calculations for electronic circular dichroism spectra and optical rotations of conformationally flexible chiral donor-acceptor dyad

Twelve conformations of a chiral donor-acceptor (charge-transfer) dyad and six conformations of its dimer complex were structurally optimized by using the Kohn-Sham density functional theory (BLYP/TZV2P) incorporating a recently developed empirical correction scheme that uses C6/R6 potentials for van der Waals interactions (DFT-D). Subsequent time-dependent DFT calculations with BH-LYP and B3-LYP functionals (with triple-zeta basis set) were performed to obtain theoretical circular dichroism (CD) spectra. The experimental CD spectra obtained independently were properly reproduced by averaging the calculated spectra of individual conformers according to a Boltzmann population derived from single-point SCS-MP2 energies. The optical rotations of the monomer were also calculated by using the same functionals with an aug-cc-pVDZ basis set. Dielectric continuum solvation models (COSMO) applied to correct the relative energies from the isolated molecule calculations resulted in conformer distributions that piled the same or even poorer level of agreement with the experimental CD spectrum. Our results clearly show the advantage of the DFT-D method for the geometry optimization of large systems with donor-acceptor interactions and the TD-DFT/BH-LYP calculations for reproducing the experimental CD spectra. As compared with the calculated optical rotations, the wealthy information embedded in the experimental/calculated CD spectra is requisite for the configurational and/or conformational analyses of relatively large and flexible chiral organic molecules in solution.     

Elucidation of the absolute configuration of rhizopine by chiral supercritical fluid chromatography and vibrational circular dichroism

The absolute configuration of rhizopine, an opine‐like natural product present in nitrogen‐fixing nodules of alfalfa infected by rhizobia, is elucidated using a combination of state‐of‐the‐art analytical and semi‐preparative supercritical fluid chromatography and vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy. A synthetic peracetylated racemate was fractionated into its enantiomers and subjected to absolute configuration analysis revealing that natural rhizopine exists as a single enantiomer. The stereochemistry of non‐derivatized natural rhizopine corresponds to (1R,2S,3R,4R,5S,6R)‐4‐amino‐6‐methoxycyclohexane‐1,2,3,5‐tetraol.     

Determination of absolute configuration using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy: the chiral sulfoxide 1-thiochroman S-oxide

We have determined the absolute configuration of the chiral sulfoxide 1-thiochroman S-oxide 1 using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The VCD spectrum of a CCl₄ solution of 1 was analyzed using density functional theory (DFT), which predicts three stable conformations of 1, separated by <1 kcal/mol. The VCD spectrum predicted using the DFT/GIAO methodology for the equilibrium mixture of the three conformations of (S)-1 is in excellent agreement with the experimental spectrum of (+)-1. The absolute configuration of 1 is therefore (R)-(−)/(S)-(+). (+)-1 and (−)-1 of high enantiomeric excess (e.e.) were synthesized in high yields via asymmetric oxidation of 1-thiochroman 2 using Ti(iso-PrO)₄/(R,R)-1,2-diphenylethane-1,2-diol/H₂O/tert-butyl hydroperoxide and Ti(iso-PrO)₄/l-diethyl tartrate/H₂O/cumene hydroperoxide, respectively.     

Determination of the absolute configurations using electronic and vibrational circular dichroism measurements and quantum chemical calculations

The stereochemistry of products obtained via a chemical reaction may not always be obvious from the reaction scheme utilized. The identification of convenient methods to determine the stereochemistry in such cases is highly desirable. To identify these methods, we considered a substituted 4-vinyl-1-azabicyclo[3.2.0]hept-3-en-7-one that undergoes spontaneous oxidation in the atmosphere at room temperature, yielding an epoxide with unknown absolute configuration. To determine the absolute configuration of the resulting epoxide, three different approaches have been utilized: (a) experimental NOE measurements; (b) experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) spectroscopic measurements and their analysis using corresponding quantum chemical predictions at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level; (c) experimental vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopic measurements and their analysis using corresponding quantum chemical predictions at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. It was found that the NOE data could not provide enough proof for assigning the absolute configuration, while ECD data could not provide enough discrimination to distinguish between the two possible stereoisomers. On the other hand, VCD spectroscopic analysis provided enough discrimination to distinguish between the two possible stereoisomers, and the absolute configuration could be assigned with confidence.     

Density functional theory calculations and vibrational circular dichroism of aromatic foldamers

Ab initio calculations together with vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) have been used for studying the conformations of a quinoline-derived oligoamide bearing a terminal chiral residue. Three helically folded conformers of the dimer, trimer, and tetramer forms of the oligomer were optimized at the density functional theory (DFT) level using the B3LYP functional and the 6-31G* basis set. For each form, the three conformers differ in their helical handedness and in the conformation of the chiral end group. The calculated structures of the tetramer and also the proportions predicted between them based on their calculated Gibbs free energies differences match remarkably well with experimental data collected on an octamer. Specifically, a R-phenethyl terminal group gives rise to a 91:9 ratio between left handed and right handed helices. The predicted VCD spectrum calculated from the Boltzmann population of the individual conformer reproduces very well the experimental VCD spectrum of the tetramer in CDCl3 solution. The DFT calculations performed for the trimer also allow one to assess the preferred handedness of the helix and the conformation of the chiral end group, but the calculated relative populations differ slightly from experimental data. Finally, this study shows that the dimer fragment is not sufficient to obtain valuable information on the conformation of this aromatic oligoamide foldamer.     

A new chiral oxathiane: synthesis,resolution and absolute configuration determination by vibrational circular dichroism

A new oxathiane, derived from 5-hydroxy-1-tetralone has been synthesized in eight steps, fully characterized as cis-fused rings by 1D and 2D NMR and resolved by preparative chiral chromatography (CHIRALCEL OD-R). The second eluting (+, MeOH)-isomer was assigned (S,S)-configuration by VCD-ab initio simulation.     

Determination of the absolute configuration of three as-hydrindacene compounds by vibrational circular dichroism

[Structure: see text]. The absolute configurations of three compounds with a rigid 1,8-disubstituted as-hydrindacene skeleton have been determined using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Experimental spectra were compared to B3LYP/6-31G and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level predicted spectra. Based on the agreement between the predicted and experimental spectra, the stereochemistry could be assigned with high confidence. The results were found to be in agreement with ECD determinations and/or predictions based on the applied asymmetric methods in the synthetic route.     

Determination of absolute configuration of chiral hemicage metal complexes using time-dependent density functional theory

Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) is applied to the UV-vis absorption and circular dichroism (CD) spectra of a series of transition metals (M=Ru, Zn, Fe) complexed with an enantiopure hemicage ligand, (-)-(5R,5'R,5' 'R,7R,7'R,7' 'R,8S,8'S,8' 'S)-8,8',8' '-[(2,4,6-trimethyl-1,3,5-benzenetriyl)tris(methylene)]tris[5,6,7,8-tetrahydro-6,6-dimethyl-3-(2-pyridinyl)-5,7-methanoisoquinoline (1). The electronic spectra of the Ru and Fe complexes contain two regions, one featuring low-energy 1MLCT transitions and the other higher energy 1LC transitions; the Zn analog possesses only the 1LC transitions due to its filled 3d shell. TD-DFT is able to identify correctly these transitions in the spectra, as well as to reproduce experimental spectra accurately, with regard to both the transition energies and the relative intensities of the different transitions. Additionally, it is possible to use TD-DFT to assign the absolute configuration at the metal center with high confidence by matching the experimental and calculated spectra.     

Density functional calculations on electronic circular dichroism spectra of chiral transition metal complexes

Time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT) has for the first time been applied to the computation of circular dichroism (CD) spectra of transition metal complexes, and a detailed comparison with experimental spectra has been made. Absorption spectra are also reported. Various Co(III) complexes as well as [Rh(en)(3)](3+) are studied in this work. The resulting simulated CD spectra are generally in good agreement with experimental spectra after corrections for systematic errors in a few of the lowest excitation energies are applied. This allows for an interpretation and assignment of the spectra for the whole experimentally accessible energy range (UV/vis). Solvent effects on the excitations are estimated via inclusion of a continuum solvent model. This significantly improves the computed excitation energies for charge-transfer bands for complexes of charge +3, but has only a small effect on those for neutral or singly charged complexes. The energies of the weak d-to-d transitions of the Co complexes are systematically overestimated due to deficiencies of the density functionals. These errors are much smaller for the 4d metal complex. Taking these systematic errors and the effect of a solvent into consideration, TD-DFT computations are demonstrated to be a reliable tool in order to assist with the assignment and interpretation of CD spectra of chiral transition metal complexes.     

Investigating cyclic sotolon,maple furanone and their dimers in solution using optical rotation,electronic circular dichroism and vibrational circular dichroism

The experimental optical rotation (OR), electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of (R)-3-hydroxy-4,5-dimethylfuran-2(5H)-one (sotolon, 1) and (R)-5-ethyl-3-hydroxy-4-methylfuran-2(5H)-one (maple furanone, 2) taken in chloroform were compared to their spectra calculated with time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT). Sotolon was shown to exist as a dimer in chloroform while maple furanone remains a monomer. Transition state barriers for the enol/keto tautomerization of sotolon were calculated and found to be high. The VCD method offers promise to ultimately distinguish between the presence of monomers or dimers.     

Determination of absolute configuration using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy: the chiral sulfoxide 1-(2-methylnaphthyl) methyl sulfoxide

We report the determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of the chiral sulfoxide, 1-(2-methylnaphthyl) methyl sulfoxide, 1, using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The VCD of 1 has been measured in the mid-IR spectral region in CCl(4) solution. Analysis employs the ab initio DFT/GIAO methodology. DFT calculations predict two stable conformations of 1, E and Z, Z being lower in energy than E by <1 kcal/mol. In both conformations the S-O bond is rotated from coplanarity with the naphthyl moiety by 30-40 degrees. The predicted unpolarized absorption ("IR") spectrum of the equilibrium mixture of the two conformations permits assignment of the experimental IR spectrum in the mid-IR spectral region. The presence of both E and Z conformations is clearly evident. The VCD spectrum predicted for S-1 is in excellent agreement with the experimental spectrum of (-)-1, unambiguously defining the AC of 1 as R(+)/S(-).