Insulation and Flame Retardancy Improvement of PBDEs Using 3D-QSAR Model Combined with a Fuzzy Membership Function Method

Athree-dimensional quantitative structure-activity relationship(3D-QSAR) model based on the fuzzy membership function method was developed in this study, and then the model was applied to the molecular design of the enhanced comprehensive activities(insulation/flame retardancy) of polybromi-nated diphenyl ethers(PBDEs) considering their environmental behavior control, to develop environmental-friendly PBDE derivatives with outstanding functionality. Firstly, a fuzzy membership function method was employed to characterize the evaluation values of comprehensive activities of the functional properties of PBDEs based on the 3D-QSAR model. Secondly, a comprehensive activity 3D-QSAR model(CoMFA) of the functional properties of PBDEs was established, which demonstrated robustness and good predictive ability. Thirdly, a molecular modification scheme was designed to enhance the comprehensive activity of the functional properties of PBDEs considering the PBDE homologs BDE-138, BDE-183, and BDE-209 as target molecules. The resulting information indicated that the four PBDE derivatives with significantly enhanced functional properties, such as passing screening for toxicity, bioconcentration, migration, and biodegradability assessments with environmentally friendly results, were successfully designed(43.57%-82.14% enhancement). Finally, the mechanism analysis indicated that the enhanced functional properties of the modified PBDE derivatives were significantly related to the substitution positions and substitution groups of PBDEs.