DFT study of acceleration of electrocyclization in photochromes under radical cationic conditions: Comparison with recent experimental data

Radical cation formation is proposed for the rapid cyclization of 1, 2-bis[5-phenyl-2-methylthien-3-yl]cyclopentene and oligothiophene functionalized dimethyldihydropyrenes (DMDHP). Density functional theory calculations have been performed to rationalize the effect of a radical cation on the activation barrier of different classes of electrocyclic photochromes (DHP, dithienylethene, dihydroazulene and fulgide). For exact comparative analysis, the activation barrier of neutral (singlet) analogues at the same level of theory are also calculated. In addition, the concerted nature and aromaticity of transition states were investigated with the help of synchronicity (Sy.) and nuclear independent chemical shift values NICS(0) calculations, respectively, for both the radical cation and neutral systems. In case of the radical cation, thermal return of CPD to DHP, the activation barrier is very low (ΔH = 3.13 kcal mol^?1, ΔG = 4.01 kcal mol^?1) as compared to the neutral analogue (ΔH = 20.6 kcal mol^?1, ΔG = 20.98 kcal mol^?1), which is consistent with experimental observations. Similarly for dithenylethenes, radical cation formation has a large impact on the activation barrier (ΔH = 19.44 kcal mol^?1, ΔG = 22.29 kcal mol^?1). However, radical cation formation has almost negligible impact on the activation barrier of VHF-DHA and fulgide isomerization. The significant difference has been observed for synchronicity and NICS(0) values of all types of photochromes under radical cation conditions as compared to the neutral system.     

Conformational properties of 1-methyl-1-germacyclohexane: low-temperature NMR and quantum chemical calculations

The conformational preference of the methyl group of 1-methyl-1-germacyclohexane was studied experimentally in solution (low-temperature ¹³C NMR) and by quantum chemical calculations (CCSD(T), MP2 and DFT methods). The NMR experiment resulted in an axial/equatorial ratio of 44/56 mol% at 114 K corresponding to an A value (A = G _ax ? G _eq) of 0.06 kcal mol^?1. An average value for ΔG _e→a ^#  = 5.0 ± 0.1 kcal mol^?1 was obtained for the temperature range 106–134 K. The experimental results are very well reproduced by the calculations. CCSD(T)/CBS calculations + thermal corrections resulted in an A value of 0.02 kcal mol^?1, whereas a ΔE value of ?0.01 kcal mol^?1 at 0 K was obtained.     

Structural and physical–chemical evaluation of Bradykinin Potentiating Peptide and its high soluble supramolecular complex

The supramolecular interactions between a Bradykinin Potentiating Peptide (BPP10c) and β-cyclodextrin (βCD) have been investigated by using several techniques. These new properties acquired by the inclusion phenomena are important in developing a strategy for pharmaceutical formulation. The BPP10c structural elucidation and its inclusion complex formed have been investigated using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance techniques. The peptide secondary structure was investigated using infrared spectroscopy in solution, Circular Dichroism and NMR. In addition, the thermodynamic parameters of the inclusion process were also evaluated using Isothermal Titration Calorimetry. The results obtained by these physical–chemical techniques suggested a 1:1 complex formed by interaction between the Tryptophan amino acid residue and the βCD cavity. The peptide secondary structure was not substantially modified for the inclusion process. In addition, the inclusion process proved to be spontaneous (ΔGº = ?2.53 kcal mol^?1), with an enthalpy reduction (ΔHº = ?3.72 kcal mol^?1) and a favored entropic variation (TΔSº = ?1.19 kcal mol^?1).     

Synthesis and characterization of photorefractive polymers containing indole groups

Some new photorefractive polymers containing indole groups were synthesized and characterized by IR, ¹H NMR, and UV techniques. The Gibbs free energy changes (ΔG) of corresponding reactions were predicted by density functional theory to be 4.19 and ?9.71 kcal mol^?1 for –H, and 4.12 and ?11.93 kcal mol^?1 for –OCH₃, respectively. The glass transition temperature (T _g) of the polymers were about 96–111 °C. The nonlinear second-order optical susceptibility was predicted to be 2.84 × 10^?30 and 1.04 × 10^?30 esu by theoretical quantum calculations.     

A density functional theory study of the Cu+·(CO)n (n = 1–3) complexes

Density functional theory calculations, with an effective core potential for the copper ion, and large polarized basis set functions have been used to construct the potential energy surface of the Cu⁺·(CO)_n (n = 1–3) complexes. A linear configuration is obtained for the global minimum of the Cu⁺·CO and Cu⁺·(CO)₂ complexes with a bond dissociation energy (BDE) of 35.9 and 40.0 kcal mol^-1, respectively. For the Cu⁺·(CO)₃ complex, a trigonal planar geometry is obtained for the global minimum with a BDE of 16.5 kcal mol^?1. C-coordinated copper ion complexes exhibit stronger binding energy than O-coordinated complexes as a result of C_lp → 4s σ-donation. The computed sequential BDEs of Cu⁺·(CO)_n (n = 1–4) complexes agree well with experimental findings, in which the electrostatic energy and σ-donation play an important role in the observed trend.     

Mechanistic and kinetic study on the ozonolysis of 2,4-hexadienedial

The formation and unimolecular reactions of primary ozonides and carbonyl oxides arising from the O₃-initiated reactions of 2,4-hexadienedial (HDE) have been investigated using the density functional theory and ab initio method. The activation energies of O₃ cycloaddition to the >C=C< and >C=O bonds of HDE for the formation primary ozonides (POZ1 and POZ2) are 4.79 and 21.37 kcal mol^?1, respectively, implying that the initial O₃ to the >C=C< bond is favorable pathway. Cleavage of POZ1 to form carbonyl oxides occurs with a barrier of 12.19–21.35 kcal mol^?1, and the decomposition energies range from ?1.09 to ?15.75 kcal mol^?1. The CHOCHOO radical, the hydroxyl radical (OH) formation via H-migration is more favorable than the dioxirane formation via rearrangement. However, the CHOCH=CHCHOO radical, the dioxirane formation via rearrangement is more favorable than OH formation. Using the transition state theory, the rate constants of formation of POZ1 and POZ2 are 1.49 × 10^?19 and 6.03 × 10^?25 cm³ molecule^?1 s^?1 at 300 K, respectively. This study shows that the hyperconjugative effect makes O₃ addition to >C=C< and >C=O bonds of HDE more difficult than to >C=C< bond of ethylene and isoprene and to >C=O bond of formaldehyde. The largest rate constants of OH formation and dioxirane formation in the unimolecular reactions of carbonyl oxides are 6.13 × 10^?4 and 7.93 × 10^?1 s^?1 at 300 K, respectively. The dioxirane is main product in the unimolecular reaction of the carbonyl oxides arising from the O₃-initiated reaction of HDE.     

Kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of volatilization of biodiesel from babassu, palm oil and mineral diesel by thermogravimetric analysis (TG)

The boiling point and volatility are important properties for fuels, as it is for quality control of the industry of petroleum diesel and biofuels. In addition, through the volatility is possible to predict properties, such as vapor pressure, density, latent heat, heat of vaporization, viscosity, and surface tension of biodiesel. From thermogravimetry analysis it is possible to find the kinetic parameters (activation energy, pre-exponential factor, and reaction order), of thermally simulated processes, like volatilization. With the kinetic parameters, it is possible to obtain the thermodynamic parameters by mathematical formula. For the kinetic parameters, the minor values of activation energy were found for mineral diesel (E = 49.38 kJ mol^?1), followed by babassu biodiesel (E = 76.37 kJ mol^?1), and palm biodiesel (E = 87.00 kJ mol^?1). Between the two biofuels studied, the babassu biodiesel has the higher minor value of activation energy. The thermodynamics parameters of babassu biodiesel are, ΔS = ?129.12 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔH = +80.38 kJ mol^?1 and ΔG = +142.74 kJ mol^?1. For palm biodiesel ΔS = ?119.26 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔH = + 90.53 kJ mol^?1 and ΔG = +141.21 kJ mol^?1, and for diesel ΔS = ?131.3 J mol^?1 K^?1, ΔH = +53.29 kJ mol^?1 and ΔG = +115.13 kJ mol^?1. The kinetic thermal analysis shows that all E, ΔH, and ΔG values are positive and ΔS values are negative, consequently, all thermodynamic parameters indicate non-spontaneous processes of volatilization for all the fuels studied.     

Zur Thermochemie der Zinnhalogenide

The enthalpy change of the reaction at 298 K between Br₂ (l) and Sn(c) in CS₂ as solvent giving SnBr₄ (s) has been determined by calorimetry to be (?374, 2±1.4) kJ·mol^?1, [(?89.45±0.33) kcal·mol^?1]. By the same method the heat of solution of SnBr₄ (c) in CS₂ has been found to be (11.9±0.3) kJ·mol^?1, [(2.84±0.08) kcal·mol^?1]. Combining these results, a value of (?386.1±1.5) kJ·mol^?1, [(?92.3±0.4) kcal·mol^?1] is derived for the standard heat of formation of SnBr₄ (c). Substituting this figure in the thermochemical cycle hitherto used for calculating the heat of formation of SnBr₄ (c) gives ?124.3 kcal·mol^?1 for the standard heat of formation of SnCl₄ (l), which is in reasonable agreement with a recent determination of this quantity⁸.     

Substituents effect on thermal electrocyclic reaction of dihydroazulene–vinylheptafulvene photoswitch: a DFT study to improve the photoswitch

Thermal cyclization for a series of substituted vinylheptafulvenes (VHFs) to dihydroazulenes (DHAs) was studied at PBE0 method of density functional theory in the gas phase and in the acetonitrile solvent (through PCM). Judicious control of the thermal reaction through substituent is quite necessary to design thermally robust DHA–VHF photoswitches. For most of the substituents, DHA was predicted thermodynamically stable over VHF except for amino (in gas phase and solvent) and hydroxyl (in acetonitrile), where DHA isomers were calculated thermally unstable compared to VHF. Activation barriers for thermal electrocyclic reaction in both media showed positive correlation with Taft’s σ _R values at positions 7 and 5, however, a negative correlation was observed at position 4 and 6. The latter unprecedented behavior is proposed to arise from the delocalization of negative charges on the seven membered ring. Activation barriers for amino-substituted VHFs were generally lower than expected from Taft’s σ _R. A fluoro group at the position 7 was quite effective in imparting very high activation barrier (31.73 kcal mol^?1) for the thermal cyclization in the gas phase. However, in the acetonitrile solvent, the highest activation barriers were observed for electron withdrawing CHO (28.10 kcal mol^?1) and NO₂ (28.13 kcal mol^?1) groups at positions 7.     

Ab initio study of dehalohydrogenation reaction of 2-halo-2,3-dihydrophosphinine

Decomposition of 2-fluoro-2,3-dihydrophosphinine (1), 2-chloro-2,3-dihydrophosphinine (3), 2-bromo-2,3-dihydrophosphinine (5) to phosphinine was investigated using Molecular orbital and density functional theory. Study on the B3LYP/6-311+G** level of theory revealed that the required energy for the decomposition of compounds 1, 3, and 5 to phosphinine is 30.56 kcal·mol^?1, 28.23 kcal·mol^?1, and 24.03 kcal·mol^?1, respectively. HF/6-311+G**//B3LYP/6-311+G** calculated barrier height for the decomposition of compound 1, 3, and 5 to phosphinine is 57.56 kcal·mol^?1, 37.26 kcal·mol^?1, and 30.77 kcal·mol^?1, respectively. Also, MP2/6-311+G**//B3LYP/6-311+G** results indicated that the barrier height for the decomposition of compound 1, 3, and 5 to phosphinine is 46.59 kcal·mol^?1, 47.28 kcal·mol^?1, and 42.57 kcal·mol^?1, respectively. Natural bond orbital (NBO) population analysis and nuclear independent chemical shift (NICS) results showed that, reactants are non-aromatic but products of elimination reaction are aromatic, C-H and C-X bonds are broken and H-X bond is appear.     

Photochemical synthesis and electronic spectra of fulminene ([6]phenacene)

Facile synthesis of fulminene ([6]phenacene) was achieved through the Mallory reaction of 1-(1-naphthyl)-2-(1-phenanthryl)ethene or the 9-fluorenone-sensitized photo-ring-closure of 1-(1-naphthyl)-2-(1-phenanthryl)ethane. The electronic spectral properties of fulminene were investigated for the first time using photoluminescence as well as transient absorption spectroscopy. The spectral features were compared with those of a series of lower phenacene homologs such as phenanthrene ([3]phenacene), chrysene ([4]phenacene), and picene ([5]phenacene). For the [n]phenacene series, both the fluorescence and phosphorescence bands linearly red-shifted with an increase in the number of the benzene rings (n). Trends in the energy levels of the excited singlet (E _S) and the triplet (E _T) states were expressed as E _s = ?2.6n + 89.1 (kcal mol^?1) and E _T = ?1.8n + 66.2 (kcal mol^?1), respectively. In the case of fulminene, laser flash photolysis displayed a transient spectrum with an absorption maximum (λ _max ^T–T ) at 675 nm, which was assigned as the triplet fulminene excited state. The λ _max ^T–T values for the [n]phenacene series showed a linear correlation as a function of the ring number n, given by an equation, λ _max ^T–T  = 60n + 318 (nm).     

Influence of π-stacking on the N7 and O6 proton affinity of guanine

The influence of π-stacking interactions between guanine (G) and the side chain of tyrosine (Tyr) on the N7 and O6 proton affinities of guanine and on the capability of these sites to act as hydrogen bond acceptors is analyzed at the B3LYP-D, M05-2X and MP2 levels of theory. With all methods, results from full geometry optimizations indicate that stacking interactions increase the N7 and O6 proton affinities by about 5–6 kcal mol^?1, the increase being slightly larger for N7. Consistently with these results, hydrogen bond distances between guanine and one water molecule decrease in the stacked system. Moreover, interaction energy between H₂O and (G-Tyr) is found to be 2–3 kcal mol^?1 larger than in G···H₂O. This strengthening arises from the additional Tyr–H₂O stabilizing interactions and from a cooperative interplay between stacking and hydrogen bond forces.     

Conditions of Spontaneous Dispersion and Formation of Thermodynamically Stable Colloid Systems

Abstract

The macrophase dispersion is thermodynamically favorable if the free energy change due to dispersion (isolation of n particles with radius r, at sufficiently low interfacial energy σ) is negative, i.e., ΔF = n4πr ²σ ? TΔS < 0, where ΔS(C) is the entropy gain and C is the concentration. If there is a factor opposing dispersion to molecular dimension b, a negative minimum of ΔF at r > b may occur, i.e., formation of a thermodynamically stable colloid system takes place. In this article, the analysis of the ΔF = ΔF(r, σ, n, C ) function behavior for three different conditions is proposed: (i) C = constant, with a virtual maximum; (ii) r = constant, with a negative minimum; and (iii) n = constant, when this function is monotonic, in all cases, for monodisperse systems, with broad variation of σ. In all the three cases, the equation ΔF = 0 serves as a necessary condition for spontaneous dispersion and formation of a thermodynamically stable, lyophilic colloid system. Under normal temperatures and low concentrations, this needs small r～10^?6 cm and low σ～10^?2–10^?1 mJ/m². These conditions become “easier” for dispersion of an aggregate (e.g., σ on the order of units), and “more difficult” for highly concentrated systems (with σ decreasing to 10^?3 mJ/m²). Essential changes and complications can be connected with polydispersity accounting. A special attention is paid to real physical systems corresponding to considered versions of the ΔF behavior.     

Theoretical study of spin–orbit coupling and kinetics in spin-forbidden reaction between Ta(NH2)3 and N2O

The activation mechanism of the nitrous oxide (N₂O) with the Ta(NH₂)₃ complex on the singlet and triplet potential energy surfaces has been investigated using the hybrid exchange correlation functional B3LYP. The minimum energy crossing point (MECP) is located by using the methods of Harvey et al. The rate-determining step of the N–O activation reaction is the intersystem crossing from ¹ 2 to ³ 2. The reacting system will change its spin multiplicities from the singlet state to the triplet state near MECP-1, which takes place with a spin crossing barrier of 32.5 kcal mol^?1, and then move on the triplet potential energy surface as the reaction proceeds. Analysis of spin–orbit coupling (SOC) using localized orbitals shows that MECP-1 will produce the significant SOC matrix element, the value of SOC is 272.46 cm^?1, due to the electron shift between two perpendicular π orbitals with the same rotation direction and the contribution from heavy atom Ta. The rate coefficients are calculated using Non-adiabatic Rice-Ramsperger-Kassel-Marcus (RRKM). Results indicate that the coefficients, k(E), are exceedingly high, k(E) > 10¹² s^?1, for energies above the intersystem crossing barrier (32.5 kcal mol^?1); however, in the lower temperature range of 200–600 K, the intersystem crossing is very slow, k(T) < 10^?6 s^?1.     

Chromatographic Framework to Determine the Memantine Binding Mechanism on Human Serum Albumin Surface

In this work, the interaction of memantine with human serum albumin (HSA) immobilized on porous silica particles was studied using a biochromatographic approach. The determination of the enthalpy change at different pH values suggested that the protonated group in the memantine–HSA complex exhibits a heat protonation with a magnitude around 65 kJ mol^?1. This value agrees with the protonation of a guanidinium group, and confirmed that an arginine group may become protonated in the memantine–HSA complex formation. The thermodynamic data showed that memantine–HSA binding, for low temperature (<293 K), is dominated by a positive entropy change. This result suggests that dehydration at the binding interface and charge–charge interactions contribute to the memantine–HSA complex formation. Above 293 K, the thermodynamic data ΔH and ΔS became negative due to van der Waals interactions and hydrogen bonding which are engaged at the complex interface. The temperature dependence of the free energy of binding is weak because of the enthalpy–entropy compensation caused by a large heat capacity change, ΔC _p = ? 3.79 kJ mol^?1 K^?1 at pH = 7. These results were used to determine the potential binding site of this drug on HSA.     

Quantum chemical investigation on the influence of amino substitution on proton affinity of oxazolidin-2-one

The scenarios of preferred protonation sites and the absolute gas-phase proton affinities of C5- and N4-amino derivatives of oxazolidinone (OXA) molecules possessing two oxygen and two nitrogen atoms, are studied to investigate the effect of substitution of amino group on geometry, electronic structure, and proton affinities of these molecules. The natural bond orbital analysis is invoked to obtain the second-order delocalization energies, occupations of lone pairs, charge distribution, and bond orders to rationalize the obtained results. Our findings reveal a strong nucleophilicity of O1 site in C5-amino and N4-amino-substituted OXA isomers just as in un-substituted OXA. The substituent nitrogen in N4-amino-substituted OXA has comparable electrophilicity to O1 site while lesser than acyl oxygen and higher than nitrogen of OXA ring in C5-amino-substituted OXA. The PA values of C5- and N4-amino-substituted OXA isomers span in the range 172.06–205.77 kcal mol^?1 (at CBS-Q). The PA values for the potential sites increase in the range 1.96–27.08 kcal mol^?1 as a result of the amino substitution at C5 and N4 in orientation (b) while exceptionally they decrease by 0.57–2.95 kcal mol^?1 as a result of the amino substitution at N4 in orientation (a). The results for the order of PA values of potential sites have been supported by molecular electrostatic potential maps. Our findings indicate that the factors such as geometrical rearrangements, variations in atomic charge densities and electron delocalization, effect of substituent, intramolecular hydrogen bonding, and electronic changes direct the relative stabilities and proton affinities of N, C5-substituted amino OXA isomers.     

Binding of cyclic carboxylates to octa-acid deep-cavity cavitand

As part of the fourth statistical assessment of modeling of proteins and ligands (sampl.eyesopen.com) prediction challenge, the strength of association of nine guests (1–9) binding to octa-acid host was determined by a combination of ¹H NMR and isothermal titration calorimetry. Association constants in sodium tetraborate buffered (pH 9.2) aqueous solution ranged from 5.39 × 10² M^?1 in the case of benzoate 1, up to 3.82 × 10⁵ M^?1 for trans-4-methylcyclohexanoate 7. Overall, the free energy difference between the free energies of complexation of these weakest and strongest binding guests was ΔΔG° = 3.88 kcal mol^?1. Based on a multitude of previous studies, the anticipated order of strength of binding was close to that which was actually obtained. However, the binding of guest 3 (4-ethylbenzoate) was considerably stronger than initially estimated.     

Theoretical investigation on reaction pathways for ethylene epoxidation on Ti-decorated graphene

The activities of atomic Ti-decorated graphene (Ti/dG) for ethylene epoxidation and competitive paths for acetaldehyde (AA) formation are investigated by means of density functional theory together with the D3 dispersion correction (UM06-L-D3). Two reaction mechanisms for ethylene epoxidation, namely concerted and stepwise mechanisms, were considered. The computational results reveal that the electron transfer from graphene can effectively enhance the catalytic activity of Ti atom. Without graphene support, atomic Ti becomes an inert metal for this reaction. Strong adsorption and significant activation of the reactant O₂ molecule were observed on the Ti-decorated graphene material. Over the O₂-adsorbed Ti/dG, the direct attack of the olefin on an peroxo oxygen center is preferred. The activation for this step is 10.9 kcal mol^?1. After the reaction, an ethylene oxide is formed with one atomic oxygen on top of Ti. Consequently, a gaseous ethylene reacts with the remaining O atom of TiO moiety for the formation of the second ethylene oxide molecule. The formation of ethylene oxide over the TiO/dG involves a two-step process which is the formations of oxametallacycle intermediate and EO, respectively. The calculated barriers for these two steps are 9.9 and 18.9 kcal mol^?1, respectively. Furthermore, the Ti/dG showed a lower activation barrier toward EO formation than that of AA. Therefore, our theoretical study suggests that atomic Ti-decorated graphene could possess catalytic activity for ethylene epoxidation comparable to that of potential catalysts.     

Inclusion Interactions of Cucurbit[7]uril with Adenine and its Derivatives

Interactions of cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7] host) with guest adenine (g1), adenosine (g2) and 2′,3′-o-isopropylideneadenosine (g3) were studied in details by ¹H NMR, UV absorption spectroscopy, fluorescence spectroscopy and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) methods. We found that the suitable pH range for interaction was between 1 and 7, and the optimal pH range was between 2 and 4. The ¹H NMR analysis indicated that Q[7] selectively interacted with the adenine moiety of the guests g1 and g2, while Q[7] selectively interacted with the D-ribose sugar ring moiety of the guest g3. Moreover, ¹H NMR spectra showed that the exchange between the bound guest and the free guest was fast on the NMR time scale for the Q[7]-g1 and Q[7]-g2 systems. However, an obvious equilibrium between the bound host/guest and the unbound host/guest were observed in the Q[7]-g3 complex. Several methods were used to determine quantitatively the stability of the three host–guest inclusion complexes formed between Q[7] and the guests. The formation constants by UV and fluorescence were 1.90 × 10⁵ L mol^? 1 and 1.34 × 10⁵ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g1, 9.41 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 and 4.24 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g2, 4.50 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 and 3.62 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g3, respectively. HPLC method was also introduced to explore the interactions between Q[7] and the adenine and its derivatives. The formation constants of the host–guest inclusion complexes, as determined by HPLC, were 6.76 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g1, 1.80 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g2, 3.01 × 10⁴ L mol^? 1 for Q[7]-g3 respectively. Our study suggested that Q[7] could be a suitable host for the delivery of bioactive molecules, such as the adenine and its derivatives.     

Density functional theory prediction of cobalt pincer complexes for catalytic dehydrogenation of ethanol

A density functional theory (DFT) study reveals that dehydrogenation of ethanol catalyzed by aliphatic PNP pincer cobalt complexes, [(PNP^Et)Co(H)(OMe)] (1a) and [(PNP^Et)Co(H)(CH₂SiMe₃)] (1b) (PNP^Et = bis(2-(diethylphosphino)ethyl)amine), undergoes a self-promoted mechanism, in which an ethanol assists the formation of H₂ as a bridge for proton transfer. The calculated total free energy barriers of ethanol dehydrogenation catalyzed by 1a and 1b are 23.9 and 22.2 kcal mol^?1, respectively, which indicate that 1b is a promising catalyst for the dehydrogenation of ethanol under mild conditions.