Conformational and stereoelectronic investigation of tryptamine. An AIM/NBO study

Due to the free radical scavenger properties of Tryptamine (TRA), as well as of others indole derivatives, it is in our interest to explore deeply the stereoelectronic aspects that would be relevant in their stabilization and antioxidant activity. In this work the conformational space of TRA was scanned using molecular dynamics complemented with functional density calculations at B3LYP/6-31 + G** level. Twenty one conformers of lowest energy were obtained, their electronic distributions were analyzed at a higher calculation level, thus improving the basis set (B3LYP/6-311++G**). A topological study based on Bader's theory (AIM: atoms in molecules) and natural bond orbital (NBO) framework was performed. The study was enriched by a deep analysis of maps of molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) through a coordinated NBO/AIM analysis. The conformational preferences were explained by hyperconjugative interactions, which were revealed by NBO data. Because radical scavenging by indolic compounds is strongly modulated by their functional residues our study was related to similar analysis done previously on Indole and 1H-indole-3-acetic acid (IAA). Therefore, the conformational space of TRA was studied from a new perspective focusing on a deep analysis of the geometric and electronic properties of TRA conformers. The changes of the electronic distribution introduced by the substituent and the conformational flexibility of the side chain were addressed. The results reported contribute to the understanding of the structure, stability and reactivity of TRA and others indole derivatives.     

Conformational preferences of α,α-trehalose in gas phase and aqueous solution

This work presents an investigation on the conformational preferences of α,α-trehalose in gas phase and aqueous solution. Eighty-one systematically selected structures were studied at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31G(d) level, giving rise to 40 unique conformers. The 19 lower energy structures and some selected other were further re-optimized at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level. The main factors accounting for the conformer’s stability were pointed out and discussed. NBO and QTAIM analyses were performed in some selected conformers in order to address the anomeric and exo-anomeric effects as well as intramolecular hydrogen bonding. The effect of solvent water on the relative stability of the conformers was accounted for by applying the conductor-like polarizable continuum model, CPCM.     

Structural and electronic properties of Z isomers of (4α→6´´,2α→O→1´´)-phenylflavans substituted with R = H, OH and OCH₃ calculated in aqueous solution with PCM solvation model

In the search for new antioxidants, flavan structures called our attention, as substructures of many important natural compounds, including catechins (flavan-3-ols), simple and dimeric proanthocyanidins, and condensed tannins. In this work the conformational space of the Z-isomers of (4α→6′′, 2α→O→1′′)-phenylflavans substituted with R = H, OH and OCH₃ was scanned in aqueous solution, simulating the solvent by the polarizable continuum model (PCM). Geometry optimizations were performed at B3LYP/6-31 G** level. Electronic distributions were analyzed at a better calculation level, thus improving the basis set (6-311++G**). A topological study based on Bader′s theory (atoms in molecules) and natural bond orbital (NBO) framework was performed. Furthermore, molecular electrostatic potential maps (MEPs) were obtained and thoroughly analyzed. The stereochemistry was discussed, and the effect of the solvent was addressed. Moreover, intrinsic properties were identified, focusing on factors that may be related to their antioxidant properties. Hyperconjugative and inductive effects were described. The coordinated NBO/AIM analysis allowed us to rationalize the changes of MEPs in a polar solvent. To investigate the molecular and structural properties of these compounds in biological media, the polarizabilities and dipolar moments were predicted which were further used to enlighten stability and reactivity properties. All conformers were taken into account. Relevant stereoelectronic aspects were described for understanding the stabilization and antioxidant function of these structures.     

Low-energy conformers of pamidronate and their intramolecular hydrogen bonds: a DFT and QTAIM study

Extensive DFT and ab initio calculations were performed to characterize the conformational space of pamidronate, a typical pharmaceutical for bone diseases. Mono-, di- and tri-protic states of molecule, relevant for physiological pH range, were investigated for both canonical and zwitterionic tautomers. Semiempirical PM6 method were used for prescreening of the single bond rotamers followed by geometry optimizations at the B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) levels. For numerous identified low energy conformers the final electronic energies were determined at the MP2/6-311++G(2df,2p) level and corrected for thermal effects at B3LYP level. Solvation effects were also considered via the COSMO and C-PCM implicit models. Reasonable agreement was found between bond lengths and angle values in comparison with X-ray crystal structures. Relative equilibrium populations of different conformers were determined from molecular partition functions and the role of electronic, vibrational and rotational degrees of freedom on the stability of conformers were analyzed. For no level of theory is a zwitterionic structure stable in the gas-phase while solvation makes them available depending on the protonation state. Geometrically identified intramolecular hydrogen bonds were analyzed by QTAIM approach. All conformers exhibit strong inter-phosphonate hydrogen bonds and in most of them the alkyl-amine side chain is folded on the P-C-P backbone for further hydrogen bond formation.

Aqueous solvent effects on the conformational space of tryptamine. Structural and electronic analysis

The TRA (3-[2-aminoethyl]indole) is an important neurotransmitter with a close structural and chemical similarity to the neurotransmitter serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine), and to melatonin (5-methoxy-N-acetyltryptamine), which plays a key role in daily human behavior. Moreover, TRA, and other indolic compounds are very efficient antioxidants. In this work the conformational space of TRA was scanned in aqueous solution, simulating the solvent by the polarizable continuum model. Geometry optimizations were performed at B3LYP/6-31+G** level. Electronic distributions were analyzed at a better calculation level, thus improving the basis set (6-311++G**). A topological study based on Bader’s theory (atoms in molecules) and natural bond orbital (NBO) framework was performed. Structural changes found in solution were related with charge delocalization mechanisms, which explained the changes in the conformational relative population in aqueous phase. Solvent effects on molecular electrostatic potential (MEPs) were also quantified and rationalized through charge delocalization mechanisms, thus connecting changes in MEPs with changes in structure, bond polarization, orbital bonding populations, natural charges, and bond topological properties. Moreover, polarizabilities and dipolar moments were calculated. All conformers were taken into account. Our results are the first prediction of TRA polarizabilities. The results reported contribute to the understanding of the structure, stability and reactivity of TRA and other indole derivatives.     

DFT studies on the intrinsic conformational properties of non-ionic pyrrolysine in gas phase

B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level of theory is used to carry out a detailed gas phase conformational analysis of non-ionized (neutral) pyrrolysine molecule about its nine internal back-bone torsional angles. A total of 13 minima are detected from potential energy surface exploration corresponding to the nine internal back-bone torsional angles. These minima are then subjected to full geometry optimization and vibrational frequency calculations at B3LYP/6-31++G(d,p) level. Characteristic intramolecular hydrogen bonds present in each conformer, their relative energies, theoretically predicted vibrational spectra, rotational constants and dipole moments are systematically reported. Single point calculations are carried out at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) and MP2/6-31++G(d,p) levels. Six types of intramolecular H-bonds, viz. O…H–O, N…H-O, O…H–N, N…H–N, O…H–C and N…H–C, are found to exist in the pyrrolysine conformers; all of which contribute to the stability of the conformers. The vibrational frequencies are found to shift invariably toward the lower side of frequency scale corresponding to the presence of intramolecular H-bond interactions in the conformers.     

Density functional theory investigation of cocaine water complexes

Twenty cocaine–water complexes were studied using density functional theory (DFT) B3LYP/6-311++G** level to understand their geometries, energies, vibrational frequencies, charge transfer and topological parameters. Among the 20 complexes, 12 are neutral and eight are protonated in the cocaine-water complexes. Based on the interaction energy, the protonated complexes are more stable than the neutral complexes. In both complexes, the most stable structure involves the hydrogen bond with water at nitrogen atom in the tropane ring and C?=?O groups in methyl ester. Carbonyl groups in benzoyl and methyl ester is the most reactive site in both forms and it is responsible for the stability order. The calculated topological results show that the interactions involved in the hydrogen bond are electrostatic dominant. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis confirms the presence of hydrogen bond and it supports the stability order. Atoms in molecules (AIM) and NBO analysis confirms the C-H?·?·?·?O hydrogen bonds formed between the cocaine-water complexes are blue shifted in nature.     

Experimental and theoretical DFT (B3LYP,X3LYP,CAM-B3LYP and M06-2X) study on electronic structure,spectral features,hydrogen bonding and solvent effects of 4-methylthiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid

Detailed structural, electronic and spectroscopic study of 4-methylthiadiazole-5-carboxylic acid, one of the simplest 1,2,3-thiadiazole derivatives has been performed using density functional theory at four different functionals (B3LYP, X3LYP, CAM-B3LYP and M06-2X). The two possible conformers and their dimeric forms have been investigated for the stability and hence for the calculation of molecular properties of the title compound. Vibrational analysis has been performed with the help of experimental FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra. NBO analysis has been performed to estimate the N–H—O=C hydrogen bond strength and to evaluate the intra and inter molecular charge transfer in the system. Intermolecular hydrogen-bond strength has also been computed using Atoms in Molecules (AIM) theory. To visualise spatial domain, key sites of electron transitions and electron density difference between ground as well as excited states, and their 2D and 3D plots have been computed. Solvent effect on the intermolecular hydrogen bonding have also been investigated using solvents of different polarities. Non-linear optical properties, molecular electrostatic potential surface map (MESP), thermodynamic potentials at different temperatures have also been computed and plotted.     

Electronic structure simulations of 2,6-dimethyl-2,5-heptadien-4-one by FTIR,FT-Raman,NMR, UV–vis,NBO and density functional theory

Density functional theory (DFT) (B3LYP and B3PW91) calculations have been carried out for 2,6-dimethyl-2,5-heptadien-4-one (DMHD4O) using 6–311++ G** basis set. Complete vibrational assignment and analysis of the fundamental modes of the compound were carried out from the FTIR and FT-Raman spectral data. The theoretical electronic absorption has been calculated by using time-dependent DFT (TD-DFT) methods and compared with the experimental spectra. The theoretically computed Frontier energy gaps and TD-DFT calculations are in good agreement with the experimental UV–vis spectral absorption. The chemical hardness measured from the Frontier molecular orbital energies of DMHD4O is 0.0693 eV. Electronic stability of the compound arising from hyperconjugative interactions and charge delocalisation were also investigated based on the natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Effective stabilisation energy E ⁽²⁾ associated with the interactions of the π and the lone pair of electrons was determined by the NBO analysis. ¹³C and ¹H NMR chemical shifts of the compound have been calculated by means of Gauge-Invariant Atomic Orbital using B3LYP/6–311++ G** method. The partial ionic character of the carbonyl group due to resonance render a partially positive charge to the carbonyl carbon, and thus C4 chemical shift lie in the very downfield 191.6 ppm. Comparison between the experimental and the theoretical results indicates that B3LYP method is able to provide satisfactory results for predicting vibrational, electronic and NMR properties.     

Hydrogen bonds in galactopyranoside and glucopyranoside: a density functional theory study

Density functional theory calculations on two glycosides, namely, n-octyl-β-D-glucopyranoside (C₈O-β-Glc) and n-octyl-β-D-galactopyranoside (C₈O-β-Gal) were performed for geometry optimization at the B3LYP/6-31G level. Both molecules are stereoisomers (epimers) differing only in the orientation of the hydroxyl group at the C4 position. Thus it is interesting to investigate electronically the effect of the direction (axial/equatorial) of the hydroxyl group at the C4 position. The structure parameters of X-H???Y intramolecular hydrogen bonds were analyzed, while the nature of these bonds and the intramolecular interactions were considered using the atoms in molecules (AIM) approach. Natural bond orbital analysis (NBO) was used to determine bond orders, charge and lone pair electrons on each atom and effective non-bonding interactions. We have also reported electronic energy and dipole moment in gas and solution phases. Further, the electronic properties such as the highest occupied molecular orbital, lowest unoccupied molecular orbital, ionization energy, electron affinity, electronic chemical potential, chemical hardness, softness and electrophilicity index, are also presented here for both C₈O-β-Glc and C₈O-β-Gal. These results show that, while C₈O-β-Glc possess– only one hydrogen bond, C₈O-β-Gal has two intramolecular hydrogen bonds, which further confirms the anomalous stability of the latter in self-assembly phenomena.     

Fluoro-substitution effects in deoxyfluoro-D-glucose derivatives: random conformational search and quantum chemical calculation

The effect of substitution by the fluorine atom at different positions of D-glucose was investigated by quantum chemical calculation of the low-energy conformers. These were obtained through the Random conformational search method. The geometries of conformers were optimized at the RHF/6-31(d) level, then reoptimization and vibrational analysis were performed at the B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level. Single-point energies were calculated at the B3LYP/6-311++G(2d,2p) level. The free energies of solvation in water were calculated utilizing the AM1-SM5.4 solvation model. For all substitution positions, the ring conformation does not change much, and the pyranoid 4C1 conformers are dominant, while variations in the substitution site result in different effects in the network of hydrogen bonds, anomeric effect, the solvation free energy, and the ratio of alpha- and beta-anomers.     

Conformational and electronic (AIM/NBO) study of unsubstituted A-type dimeric proanthocyanidin

The conformational space of the unsubstituted A-type dimeric proanthocyanidin was scanned using molecular dynamics at a semiempirical level, and complemented with functional density calculations. The lowest energy conformers were obtained. Electronic distributions were analysed at a higher calculation level, thus improving the basis set. A topological study based on Bader’s theory (AIM: atoms in molecules) and natural bond orbital (NBO) framework was performed. Furthermore, molecular electrostatic potential maps (MEPs) were obtained and analysed. NMR chemical shifts were calculated at ab initio level and further compared with previous experimental values; coupling constants were also calculated. The stereochemistry of the molecule is thoroughly discussed, revealing the key role that hyperconjugative interactions play in defining experimental trends. These results show the versatility of geminal spin–spin coupling ²J(C-1′,O) as a probe for stereochemical studies of proanthocyanidins.     

Conformational Analysis of Canonical 2-Deoxyribonucleotides. 1. Pyrimidine Nucleotides

Abstract

The molecular structure and relative stability of north and south conformers of 2′-deoxyribonucleotides containing pyrimidine nucleic acid bases (2′-deoxythymidilic (pdT), 2′- deoxycytidilic (pdC) acids and their mono- and dianions) have been obtained and analyzed at the DFT/B3LYP level using the standard 6–31G(d) basis set. We have revealed that, when the nucleobase moiety is incorporated into the nucleotides, it maintains a nonplanar and nonrigid conformation due to out-of-plane deformation of the amino group and pyrimidine ring. It has been demonstrated that an increase of negative charge of the phosphate group results in increase of amino group pyramidalization, discrimination between conformers with syn and anti orientation of base with respect to sugar, strengthening of intramolecular C-H…O hydrogen bonds leading to deformation and fixation of geometry of nucleotides, and weakening of phosphodiester bond. These results allow to make suggestions about sources of twist and buckle deformations of base pairs, mechanisms of repaire of DNA via change of base orientation, and conditions for breakage of the P-O bonds during hydrolysis.     

Zwitterionic conformers of pyrrolysine and their interactions with metal ions—a theoretical study

A total of 16 pyrrolysine conformers in their zwitterionic forms are studied in gas and simulated aqueous phase using a polarizable continuum model (PCM). These conformers are selected on the basis of our study on the intrinsic conformational properties of non-ionic pyrrolysine molecule in gas phase [Das and Mandal (2013) J Mol Model 19:1695?1704]. In aqueous phase, the stable zwitterionic pyrrolysine conformers are characterized by full geometry optimization and vibrational frequency calculations using B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Single point calculations are also carried out at MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level. Characteristic intramolecular hydrogen bonds present in each conformer, their relative energies, theoretically predicted vibrational spectra, rotational constants and dipole moments are systematically reported. The calculated relative energy range of the conformers at B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level is 5.19 kcal mol^?1 whereas the same obtained by single point calculations at MP2/6-311++G(d,p) level is 4.58 kcal mol^?1. A thorough analysis reveals that four types of intramolecular H-bonds are present in the conformers; all of which play key roles in determining the energetics and in imparting the observed conformations to the conformers. The vibrational frequencies are found to shift invariably toward the lower side of frequency scale corresponding to the presence of the H-bonds. This study also points out that conformers with diverse structural motifs may differ in their thermodynamical stability by a narrow range of relative energy. The effects of metal coordination on the relative stability order and structural features of the conformers are examined by complexing five zwitterionic conformers of pyrrolysine with Cu⁺² through their carboxylate groups. The interaction enthalpies and Gibbs energies, rotational constants, vibrational frequencies and dipole moments of the metal complexes calculated at B3LYP level are also reported. The zwitterionic conformers of pyrrolysine are not stable in gas phase; after geometry optimization they are converted to the non-ionic forms.     

Conformational analysis of perezone and dihydroperezone using vibrational circular dichroism

The vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of perezone and dihydroperezone measured from CDCl₃ solutions were quite similar, suggesting analogous conformations for both molecules. Their absolute configurations were confirmed by comparison of the experimental VCD spectrum of each compound with curves generated from theoretical calculations using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/DGDZVP level of theory taking into account their conformational mobility. Conformational analysis of the 8-(R) enantiomer showed 19 low energy conformers in a 2.4 kcal/mol energy range, while for 8-(R), with the saturated side alkyl chain, 34 conformers were considered in the first 2 kcal/mol. Initial analyses were carried out using a Monte Carlo searching with the MMFF94 molecular mechanics force field, all MMFF94 conformers were geometrically optimized using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level of theory, followed by reoptimization and calculations of their vibrational frequencies at the B3LYP/DGDZVP level. Good agreement between the theoretical 8-(R) enantiomers and experimental VCD curves were observed for both.     

Phenylisoserine in the gas-phase and water: Ab initio studies on neutral and zwitterion conformers

The conformational landscape of phenylisoserine (PhIS) was studied. Trial structures were generated by allowing for all combinations of single-bond rotamers. Based on the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations 54 conformers were found to be stable in the gas phase. The six most stable conformers were further optimized at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ and MP2/aug-cc-pVDZ levels for which characteristic intramolecular hydrogen bond types were classified. To estimate the influence of water on PhIS conformation, the IEF-PCM/B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations were carried out and showed 51 neutral and six zwitterionic conformers to be stable in water solution. According to DFT calculations, the conformer equilibrium in the gas phase is dominated by one conformer, whereas the MP2 calculations suggest three PhIS structures to be significantly populated. Comparison of DFT and MP2 energies of all 57 structures stable in water indicates that, in practice, one zwitterionic and one neutral conformer determine the equilibrium in water. Based on the AIM calculations, we found that for the neutral conformers in vacuum and in water, d(H...B) is linearly correlated with Laplacian at the H-bond critical point.     

Theoretical studies on sulfanilamide and derivatives with antibacterial activity: conformational and electronic analysis

Quantum chemical methods have been used to study the conformational and electronic properties of sulfanilamide and derivatives with antibacterial activity. Calculations at B3LYP/6-311++G(3df,2p) level of theory predict the existence of four conformers for sulfanilamide depending on the orientation of p-amino and amide groups. Focusing on the sulfonamide moiety, amide NH₂ and SO₂ groups could exist either in an eclipsed or staggered arrangement. Gas-phase results predict the eclipsed conformer to be most stable but opposite to what has been rationalized previously, no stabilizing hydrogen bonds between those groups has been found through NBO analysis. When solvent effect is taken into account through the IEF-PCM method, staggered conformer is preferred; in fact, eclipsed conformation changed when explicit solvent molecules were included. Conformational analysis of all derivatives has shown two global minima which are specular images. Five out of the seven derivatives studied adopted a particular minimum energy conformation with very similar geometries.     

ADMET Properties,Database Screening,Molecular Dynamics,Density Functional,and Docking Studies Of Novel Potential Anti-Cancer Compounds

Abstract

Database screening was performed in a large database (hundreds of thousands of molecules which we optimized at the AM1 level) yielding a set of potential bioactive ligands. One new ligand was selected among the top solutions and optimized at the B3LYP/6–31G* level, yielding also NBO (Natural Bond Order) charges. A flexible docking program was used to investigate the interactions between the receptor and the new ligand. The stability as well as the main protein-ligand contacts of our proposed novel ligand as well as the crystallographic RAR ligand was investigated by molecular dynamics. The ADMET (Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity) properties as well as the parameters of the Rule of Five were investigated. The result of this work is compared with a crystallographic ligand of RAR. Our novel proposed anti-cancer ligand indicates hydrophobic interactions and strong polar interactions with the receptor.