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Polyols were used as model ligands for Mg2+, Ca2+, and Zn2+ complexes to study the role of the hydrogen bond network on the metal binding affinity and modulation of successive pKa values using density functional theory. The results confirm that the acidity of polyols dramatically increases upon metal complexation in the order Zn2+ ＞ Mg2+ ＞ Ca2+. For example, the three H-site positions in the hydroxyl groups of the heptaol, bound to Zn2+, are 11.2, 29.9, and 30.9 pKa units (in methanol) more acidic than those of pure heptaol. This acidity enhancement leads to making polyols as good ligands toward complexation. For instance, the formation constants of the heptaol in the presence of Zn2+, Mg2+, and Ca2+ in methanol were 5.67 × 1071, 6.46 × 1066, and 1.26 × 1053 times lower than those in its third deprotonation state, respectively. The natural bond orbital (NBO), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and reduced density gradient (RDG) analyses show that the intramolecular hydrogen bond network and increment of carbon chain length lead to the enhancement of metal binding affinity. These findings can be used for the manipulation of ligands and metal cations in designing metalloproteins. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this work, the antioxidant ability of fisetin was explored toward hydroxyl (•OH) radical in aqueous and lipid solution using density functional level of theory. Different reaction mechanisms have been studied: hydrogen atom transfer, single electron transfer followed by proton transfer, and radical adduct formation, and sequential proton loss electron transfer. Rate constants for all possible reaction sites have been calculated using conventional transition state theory in conjunction with the Collins-Kimball theory. Branching ratios for the different channels of reaction are reported for the first time. Results show that the reactivity of fisetin toward hydroxyl (•OH) radical takes place almost exclusively by radical adduct formation regardless of the polarity of the environment. Also, the single-electron transfer process seems to be thermodynamically unfavorable in both media. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The α-C-H bond dissociation energy (BDE) of phenylcyclopropane (1) was experimentally determined using Hess' law. An equilibrium acidity determination of 1 afforded ΔH°acid = 389.1 ± 0.8 kcal mol-1, and isotopic labeling established that the α-position of the three-membered ring is the favored deprotonation site. Interestingly, the structure of the base proved to be a key factor in correctly determining the proper ionization site (i.e., secondary amide ions are needed, and primary ones and OH- lead to incorrect conclusions since they scramble the deuterium label). An experimental measurement of the electron affinity of 1-phenylcyclopropyl radical (EA = 17.5 ± 2.8 kcal mol-1) was combined with the ionization energy of hydrogen (313.6 kcal mol-1) to afford BDE = 93.0 ± 2.9 kcal mol-1. This enabled the effect of the phenyl substituent to be evaluated and compared to other situations where it is attached to an sp³- or sp²-hybridized carbon center. M06-2X, CCSD(T), G4, and W1BD computations were also carried out, and a revised C-H BDE for cyclopropane of 108.9 ± 1.0 kcal mol-1 is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For the first time, the mechanism of Fischer esterification between acetic acid and ethanol over silica-functionalized propylsulfonic acid (silica-propyl-SO 3 H) catalyst was explored by means of computational modeling techniques. For this purpose, 6-edge-atom cage-like cluster comprising Si–O–Si sequences has been selected to represent the surface of the catalyst. The results indicate that the reaction goes through concerted transition states. In all optimized structures no proton (H + ) transfer occurs from catalyst to the substrates and the role of the catalyst is via the activation of the substrates through the formation of strong hydrogen bonds (H-bonds). Furthermore, the energetic diagram demonstrates that the activation energies of forward (esterification) and reverse (ester hydrolysis) reactions only differ by 0.3 kcal/mol. The quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis was performed to investigate the nature of H-bonds. Another mechanism in which the catalyst has been acted as the Brønsted acid/base was also provided for this reaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Computational investigations on the gas phase S N 2 reactions of X ions ( X - = OH - , F - , Cl - , Br - , and I - ) with fluoroethane and 2-fluoroethanol (β-hydroxyl ethyl fluoride) were performed by using MPW1K, M06 and CCSD(T) methods with a range of basis sets including 66-311++G ∗∗ , TZVP, aug-cc-pVDZ and SDD. To better understand the nature of the corresponding intermolecular interactions, we performed natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis and Bader’s quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). In our calculations, we took into account two possible pathways for these reactions, i.e. S N 2 reactions of 2-fluoroethanol. In path( i ), β-hydroxyl group participates in hydrogen bonding (H-bonding) with fluoride ion as leaving group in transition state. However, in path( ii ), transition state includes H-bonding between hydroxyl group and nucleophile X − . Results indicate that in comparison with the absence of β-OH substituent i.e. reactions of fluoroethane, the activation barrier decreases in path( i ), but increases in path( ii ). The progress of each pathway depends on H-bonding character of nucleophile and leaving group. In addition, for X - = Cl - we compared β-OH group effect in the gas phase with its effect in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory method and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory were used to determine the acidity of alkyl and polyolalkyl in the gas and solution (H2O, DMSO, and CH3CN) phase. Polarized continuum model was applied to calculate p Ka values of alkyl and polyolalkyl . A comparison between acidity of alkyl and polyolalkyl in the gas and solution phase indicates that the acidity strength of polyolalkyl enhances with the increase of the cooperativity effect of hydrogen bonds in polyolalkyl . Natural bond orbital and quantum theory of atoms in molecules analyses also confirm the role of cooperativity effect on the acidity of polyolalkyl . Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory (DFT) was used to investigate the acidity of the various silica alkyl sulfonic acids. In this regard, cluster models with various alkyl spacer lengths were selected to mimic the surface of silica gel. The effects of distance from the surface and the role of hydrogen bond (H–bond) on the ΔHacidityvalues of these catalysts were investigated. DFT calculations revealed that a notable gap of ΔHacidityvalues exists between the structures considering lateral hydrogen bonding with the surface of the silicaHB structureand the structures with omitted surface interactions (non-HB structures). Natural bonding orbital (NBO) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses were carried out to obtain detailed information about the nature of the H–bonds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Increasing methylene groups in aryl amines results in higher cation–π interactions. [•] There is good correlation between proton affinities and Hammett’s parameters. [•] Hydrogen atom of ammonium group is responsible for making cation–π interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Silica gelâ€confined ionic liquid (IL) is a class of heterogeneous catalysts with broad catalytic applications. Leaching of the IL from the surface of the support is the major drawback of these catalysts, which reduce the catalyst efficiency during the chemical reactions. To investigate the effect of the hydrogen bonding on the leaching phenomena, the interaction between the 1â€ethylâ€3â€methylimidazoliumâ€based IL with various anions (Clâˆ', Brâˆ', HSO4âˆ', NO3âˆ', BF4âˆ', and PF6âˆ') and the surface of the silica gel were studied using density functional theory. Hence, a hydroxylated cageâ€like cluster of silica gel, Si4O6(OH), was selected to mimic the surface. The values of Î'Einteraction show that ILs with halogen counter ions have stronger interactions than that of the IL with BF4âˆ' and PF6âˆ' counter ions. We also carried out stirringâ€'filtration method for some prepared samples of IL@silica to experimentally explore the leaching phenomena. The results show good agreement with computational achievements. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Good correlation exists between experimental and computed pK a values. [•] The average error was found to be less than 1.6pK a unit. [•] In the series of analogous structures, the PA values decrease as the number of phenyl groups increases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] Kinetic data indicate that trimidox is more active radical scavenger than other investigated compounds. [•] The most favorable mechanism for studied compounds is hydrogen atom transfer (HAT). [•] The results indicate that compounds with adjacent hydroxyl group on phenyl ring are most efficient hydrogen-donor systems. [•] The computational values are in accordance with experimental findings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory (DFT) method and B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) basis set were used to determine coordination geometries, binding strength, and metal ion affinity (MIA) for interaction of 2′-deoxythymidine (dT) with alkali metal cations including , and . Calculations demonstrated that the interaction of dT with these cations is tri-coordinated η (O2, O4′, O5′). Among these cations, cation exhibited the most tendency for interaction with dT. Cations via their interaction with dT can affect the N-glycosidic bond length, the values of pseudorotation of the sugar ring, the orientation of base unit with respect to sugar ring and the acidity of O5′H, O3′H, and N3H groups in 2′-dT nucleoside. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was performed to calculate the charge transfer and natural population analysis of the complexes. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was also applied to determine the nature of interactions. It was shown that in these complexes, (dT-, dT-, and dT-), the bonds are an electrostatic (closed-shell) interaction in the nature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the drastic influence of the boron atom on the acidity of alcohol has been con-sidered. The calculated ΔHacid (320.9--338.1 kcal/mol) and pKa range of boron containing alcohol (--0.1--9.4) indicate that the boronation of alcohol leads to considerable enhancement of its acidity. For instance, we have obtained the ΔHacid values 338.1, 335.2 kcal/mol and the pKa values 4.12, 2.81 for BH2CH2OH, BF2CH2OH alcohols, respectively, which are much smaller than that of CH3OH (with ΔHacid = 374.9kcal/mol and pKa = 15). The increase in the acidity of boronated alcohol can be related to the stabilization of alkoxy ion due to overlap of unoc-cupied orbital of boron atom with the electron pairs of negative oxygen. All gas phase computations were performed at MP2/6-311++G(d,p)//(B3LYP/6-31+G(d)) level. The primary results indicate that the presence of boron atom in an alcohol might make it as acidic as nitric acid. The geometry optimization of studied structures was performed with DFT computation and optimized structures were used to carry out natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. NBO analysis revealed that the increase in the acidity of boron-containing alcohols is due to the charge transfer from the negative oxygen (in deprotonated structure) to the empty orbital of --BH2 and --BF2. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was also applied to determine the nature of bonds formed in the deprotonated structure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The reaction pathway (including the transition state) of ethylene addition to permanganate (MnOi) in the presence of ethylene glycol (EG) has been qualitatively and quantitatively studied by means of B3LYP/6-311++G** theoretical analysis. Interestingly, by cluster formation of the EG with permanganate, oxidation reaction becomes thermody-namically and kinetically more favorable. The influences of electron-withdrawing as well as electron-donating substituents were also explored. Results of the quantum theory of atoms in molecules and natural bond orbital analyses revealed that [3 + 2] addition reaction of alkenes in the presence of EG as hydrogen bonding donor to MnOi becomes more exothermic. Natural resonance theory (NRT) is used to calculate natural bond order and bond polarity. The NRT result indicates that the polarity of Mn-0 bond is affected by EG coordinated to Mn04-. Moreover, the conceptual DFT descriptors such as chemical potential (μ), hardness (η) and electrophilicity index (ω) show that hydrogen bonding to permanganate can affect the addition of Mn04- to double bond in a satisfactory way. We also carried out geometrical optimizations with the polarizable continuum model to account for the solvent effect, and the results were compared with those in the gas phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: With the specific target of calculating the pK a values of boronic acids (RB(OH)2) in aqueous solution we inquired the solute–solvent interactions of these acids and their corresponding conjugate base. Relative pK a values were computed for each boronic acid using methylboronic acid (CH3B(OH)2) as a reference. All gas phase computations were performed at (MP2/6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-31+G(d)) level of theory. Solvation was included in the calculations using the polarized continuum model (PCM) at the HF/6-31G(d,p) level. The geometry optimization of studied structures was performed with DFT computation and the optimized structures were used to carry out Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis. Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis was examined as indicator for the variations observed in the calculated pK a. Natural resonance theory (NRT) was used to calculate the natural bond order and predict bond polarity. The NRT results indicate that the O–H bonds in all studied compounds have an electrovalency character. The results revealed that difference in acid strength is more relevant to the type of substituent. The electron withdrawing substituent will increase the acidic strength. However, the electron releasing substituent will have a reverse effect and decrease the acidic strength. There are good agreement between theoretical values and experimental results for this series of compounds, the average error was found to be less than 1.2 pK a unit. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The optimized minimum-energy geometries of different macrocyclic amines and their protonated structures were determined by using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. All the gas phase optimizations and energy calculations were performed at the DFT/B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. The HF/6-31 + G(d,p) level was used for all single point calculations in the solution phase. Geometry optimizations indicate that the most stable structures are stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonds. The proton affinity (PA) of macrocyclic amines is controlled by the strength of intramolecular hydrogen bonds of macrocyclic amines. These hydrogen bonds strongly influence the basicity of heteroatoms in macrocycles. The highest PA value among the studied macrocyclic amines was found to be 264.9 kcal mol−1 for structure 7. This is comparable with PA of proton sponges such as 1,8-bis(dimethylamino)naphthalene. The solution phase calculations were carried out in the dimethyl sulfoxide solution as a commonly used solvent in organic reactions. Natural bond orbital analysis was performed to calculate the charge transfers and the second-order interaction energies ( E(2)) between the donor and acceptor. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was also applied to determine the nature of hydrogen bonds. QTAIM studies showed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in these structures are electrostatic (closed-shell) interactions as well as partially covalent and partially electrostatic in nature. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The synthesis of modified versions of deoxyribonucleic acid is an area that is receiving much attention. The replacement of the nitrogen atom on the nucleobases with boron atom has provided insight into deoxyribonucleic acid and ribonucleic acid stability, recognition, and replication at the atomic level. In the present research, we investigated a detailed density functional theory study of the structural, tautomeric, base-pairing ability, bond dissociation energy, and electronic properties of two boron analogues (i.e., boron substitutions at 4-position and 5-position of uracil) of uracil nucleobase. The effects of these modifications on theirs acid-base properties have been considered. Our goal is to gather data to help elucidate the structure and electronic properties of boron analogues of uracil. Density functional theory calculations were performed using a nonlocal hybrid B3LYP and 6-311++G (d,p) atomic basis set. The result of calculation revealed that the canonical 'keto' form is the most stable tautomeric form of uracil nucleobase and its boronated analogues in the gas phase at density functional theory and second-order Møller-Plesset levels. Hyperconjugation stabilization factors that affect the stability of generated radicals and anions in these molecules were investigated by natural bond orbital analysis. Furthermore, quantum theory of atoms in molecules analysis was performed to extract the bond critical point properties of various base pairs. The electron density can be considered as a good description of the strength of the different types of hydrogen bonding. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The interactions between five amino acid based anions([AA]−(AA = Gly, Phe, His, Try, and Tyr)) and N7,N9-dimethylguaniniumcation ([dMG]+) have been investigated by the hybrid densityfunctional theory method B3LYP together with the basis set 6-311++G(d,p).The calculated interaction energy was found to decrease in magnitudewith increasing side-chain length in the amino acid anion. The interactionbetween the [dMG]+cation and [AA]−anionin the most stable configurations of ion pairs is a hydrogen bondinginteraction. These hydrogen bonds (H bonds) were analyzed by the quantumtheory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. Finally, several correlations between electron densities inbond critical points of hydrogen bonds and interaction energy as wellas vibrational frequencies in the most stable configurations of ionpairs have been checked. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The radical cations of DNA constituents generated by the ionizing radiation initiate an alteration of the bases, which is one of the main types of cytotoxic DNA lesions. These cation radical spices are known for their role in producing nucleic acid strand break. In this study, the gas-phase intrinsic chemical properties of the gaseous radical cations of cytosine and its base pair with guanine were examined by employing density functional theory (B3LYP) with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. Structures, geometries, adiabatic ionization energies, adiabatic electron affinities, charge distributions, molecular orbital analysis and proton-transfer process of these molecules were investigated. The influence of cation radical formation on acidities of multiple sites in cytosine molecule was investigated. Results of calculations revealed that cytosine radicals formed by deprotonation of cytosine cation radicals can exothermically abstract hydrogen atoms from thiol groups, phenol, and α-positions of amino acid. Furthermore, comparison of acidity value of N-H sites of cytosine cation radical with the known proton affinities (PA) of organic and biological molecules implied that cytosine cation radical can exothermically transfer onto basic sites of amino acids and peptides. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bridgehead C-H bond dissociation enthalpies of 105.7 ± 2.0, 102.9 ± 1.7, and 102.4 7plusmn; 1.9 kcal mol-1 for bicyclo[2.2.1]heptane, bicyclo[2.2.2]octane, and adamantane, respectively, were determined in the gas phase by making use of a thermodynamic cycle (i.e., BDE(R-H) = ΔHºacid(H-X) - IE(H) + EA(X)). These results are in good accord with high-level G3 theory calculations and the experimental values along with G3 predictions for bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane, bicyclo[2.2.1]hexane, bicyclo[3.1.1]heptane, and bicyclo[4.2.1]nonane the gas found to correlate with the flexibility of the ring system. Rare examples of alkyl anions in the gas phase are also provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Binding of Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+, and Cu+ metal ions with 2′-deoxythymidine (dT) nucleoside was studied using a density functional theory method and a 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. This work demonstrated that the interaction of dT with these cations is tri-coordinated η (O2, O4′, O5′). Among the four types of cations, Zn2+ cation exhibited the most tendency to interact with the dT. Cations via their interaction with dT can affect the N-glycosidic bond length, the values of pseudorotation of the sugar ring, the orientation of the base unit with respect to the sugar ring, and the acidity of the O5′H, O3′H, and N3H groups in the dT nucleoside. Natural bond orbital analysis was performed to calculate the charge transfer and natural population analysis of the complexes. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules was also applied to determine the nature of interactions. It was shown that in dT-Mg2+ and dT-Ca2+ complexes, the bonds are electrostatic (closed-shell) interactions, although they are partially covalent and partially electrostatic interactions in dT-Zn2+ and dT-Cu+ complexes. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, we explore theoretically energetic and structural properties of the possible cations formed via hydride ion abstraction at various sites of sugar part of cytosine nucleosides by employing B3LYP exchange-correlation functional with 6-311++G (d,p) orbital basis sets. In general, the hydride ion abstracted sugar cations of cytosine nucleosides have the following stability sequence: caH2′ > caH1′ > caH3′ > caH4′ > caH5′ for cytidine and caH1′ > caH4′ > caH3′ > caH5′ > caH2′ for deoxycytidine. Furthermore, the effect of solvent environment on the stability order of cations integral equation formalism of the polarized model (IEF-PCM) was employed to model aqueous solution. The natural bond orbital method was used for quantitative analysis of the electron delocalization donor-acceptor interaction of various hydride ions abstracted centers of cytosine nucleosides. The role of CH⋯O and HO⋯H intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the stability of cations is investigated based on the results of topological properties of atom in molecule theory. Moreover, variations of significant structural parameters such as puckering amplitudes and phase angles of sugar parts of cytosine nucleosides after cation formation are also found. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed at the B3LYP/6-311++G(d, p) level to determine coordination geometries, absolute metal ion affinities, and free energies for all possible complexation stable products formed by monovalent metal cations including Li+, Na+, K+ with the nucleoside 2′-Deoxyguanosine. All computations indicate that the metal ion affinity (MIA) decreases on going from Li+ to Na+ and K+ for 2′-Deoxyguanosine. For example, the affinities for the metal ions described above are 75.2, 57.3, 43.4 kcal/mol, respectively. Furthermore, the influence of metal cationization and O6 protonation on the strength of the N-glycosidic bond, torsion angles and angle of pseudorotation (P) have been studied. With respect to the results, it has been found that metal binding significantly change the values of the phase angle of pseudorotation (P) in the sugar unit of these nucleosides but, O6-protonation do not significantly change the values of the torsion angles and angle of pseudorotation (P). In all modified forms, the length of the C1'–N9 bond increases. The Mulliken population analysis and natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis on atomic charges have been carried out on the optimized geometries. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hydrogen bonds are the dominant motif for organizing the three-dimensional structures of biomolecules such as carbohydrates, nucleic acids, and proteins, and serve as templates for proton transfer reactions. Computations, gas-phase acidity measurements, and pKa determinations in dimethyl sulfoxide on a series of polyols indicate that multiple hydrogen bonds to a single charged center lead to greatly enhanced acidities. A new class of Brønsted acids, consequently, is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: The noncovalent interactions between cytosine nucleobase with some biological anions such as F−, Cl−, CN−, , and OH− and cytosine nucleosides (i.e., cytidine and deoxycytidine molecules) with F−, Cl−, CN− anions have been demonstrated by DFT study. The molecular geometries, energy properties, H-bonding patterns, dipole moments and charge distribution of these complexes were investigated with the B3LYP method in conjunction with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. It has been found that anions can interact with cytosine nucleobase forming hydrogen bonds. In general, these interactions occur via N–H, O–H and C–H substituents of cytosine, cytidine and deoxycytidine. The presence of anions near these molecules strongly affects the electron distribution in the base structure. From this study, a greater understanding of hydrogen bonding interactions involving DNA and RNA molecules will be obtained. These interactions could provide insight to an unrecognized control element in biological processes, providing new and intriguing opportunities of exploring the electrostatic effects on biological processes. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The coordination geometries, electronic features, absolute metal ion affinities, geometrical multiplicity and binding strength for the complexes formed by Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ and Cu+ with cytidine and deoxycytidine have been determined theoretically employing the hybrid B3LYP exchange-correlation functional and using 6-311++G(d,p) orbital basis sets. Our study shows that the most stable coordination modes of cytosine nucleosides with these cations are rather similar. In the isolated state, the most stable form corresponds to a tridentate complex in which the cation interacts with three oxygen atoms: one from the carbonyl oxygen of cytosine moiety and two from the sugar unit (i.e., O5′ and O4′). The influences of metal cationization on the strength of the N-glycosidic bond, the values of the phase angle of pseudorotation P in the sugar unit and sugar ring conformation have been studied. In all cases, the N1; bond distance changes upon introducing positive charge in the nucleosides. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

In view of better understanding interactions of amino acids and peptides with metallic cations in the isolated state, the model system histidine–M2+ (M2+ = Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+) has been studied theoretically. The computations have been performed with the help of the density functional theory (DFT) and the B3LYP functional. The extended basis set was the standard 6-311++G**. All the molecular complexes obtained by the interaction between several energetically low-lying tautomers/conformers/zwitterions of histidine and the cations on different binding sites were considered. Our study shows that complexes of histidine with Mg2+, Ca2+, Zn2+ are rather similar. In the isolated state, the most stable form corresponds to a tridentate complex in which the cation interacts with oxygen and two nitrogen atoms: one from the terminal NH2 and one from the imidazole ring. All computations indicate that the metal ion affinity (MIA) decreases on going from Zn2+ to Mg2+ and Ca2+, for the considered amino acid. This indicates that histidine prefers to bind to the transition metal cation rather than alkali earth metals. The influence of theses cations on the acidity of histidine were also considered. As expected, upon metal complexation, proton dissociation of histidine becomes much more favorable, that is, its acidity becomes much less endothermic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The gas-phase metal affinities of histidine Li+, Na+ and K+ ions have been determined theoretically employing the hybrid B3LYP exchange–correlation functional and using 6-311++G** basis sets. All computations indicate that the metal ion affinity decreases on going from Li+ to Na+ and K+ for the considered amino acid. Different types of M+ coordinations on several histidine conformers/tautomers were considered in detail. The optimized structures indicate that Li+ and Na+ prefer a tri-dentate coordination, bonding with a nitrogen atom of imidazole ring (Nτ), –NH2, and an oxygen atom of a carbonyl, while in the K+-histidine lowest-energy conformer, the cation appears to be bi-coordinated to both oxygen atoms of the zwitterionic form by the energy values not too far from that of tri-coordination. We also performed the DFT calculations for proton dissociation energy of histidine both in the presence and absence of alkali metal ions. Our results also reveal that the acidity of histidine dramatically increases upon metal ion complexation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed at the B3LYP level with a 6-311++G(d,p) basis set to systematically explore the geometrical multiplicity and binding strength for complexes formed by Li+, Na+, and K+ with cytidine and 2′-deoxycytidine. All computational studies indicate that the metal ion affinity (MIA) decreases from Li+ to Na+ and K+ for cytosine nucleosides. For example, for cytidine the affinity for the above metal ions are 79.5, 55.2, and 41.8 and for 2′-deoxycytidine, 82.8, 57.4, and 42.2kcal/mol, respectively. It is also interesting to mention that linear correlations between calculated MIA values and the atomic numbers (Z) of the above metal ions were found. The influence of metal cationization on the coordination modes and the strength of the N-glycosidic bond in cytosine nucleosides have been studied. In all cases, the N1–C1′ bond distance changes upon introducing a positive charge in the nucleosides. It has been found that metal binding significantly changes the values of the phase angle of pseudorotation P in the sugar unit of these nucleosides. With respect to the sugar ring, metal binding changes the values of the glycosyl torsion angle and sugar ring conformation. The present calculations in the gas phase provide the first clues on the intrinsic chemistry of these systems and may be of value for studies of the influence of metal cations on the conformational behavior and function of nucleic acids. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ computations were carried out on polyamines with up to seven amino groups. The gas-phase proton affinities of these compounds are 219.6 (1-BuNH2), 238.6 (H2NCH2CH2CH2CH2NH2), 252.8 [(H2NCH2CH2CH2)2CHNH2], 261.3 [(H2NCH2CH2CH2)3CNH2 (1)], and 288.5 kcal mol-1 [(H2NCH2CH2CH(NH2)CH2CH2)3CNH2]. These results indicate that the tetraamine is near the top of the basicity scale and the heptaamine is more basic than any neutral organic compound which has been measured to date. A gas-phase equilibrium acidity determination between 1 and DBU also was carried out, and PA(1) = 256.2 ± 2.1 kcal mol-1 was obtained. This demonstrates that multiple intramolecular hydrogen bonds can greatly increase basicities, and represents a new motif for designing super bases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The effects of selected metal ions on the gas-phase acidity of weak organic acids have been explored using the DFT and Moller–Plesset Perturbation Theory (MP2) calculations. The three organic acids selected for this study were acetic acid (aliphatic), benzoic acid (aromatic), and glycine (amino acid). The acidities of these compounds are compared with the acidity of their Li+-, Na+-, and K+-complexed species. The results indicate that upon complexation with Li+, Na+, and K+ at 298 K, the gas-phase acidity of acetic acid, for example, varies from 345.3 to 218.8, 230.2, and 240.1 kcal/mol, respectively (i.e., its dissociation becomes much less endothermic). These values indicate that a weak organic acid can be converted to a super acid when it is complexed with an ionic metal. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Acidity enhancement of bioorganic compounds. • Hydrogen bonding effects on acidity of bioorganic molecules. • Stability of the conjugate base via H-bond network. Density functional theory method and B3LYP/6-31+G(d) level of theory were used to predict the acidity of barbiturates and their corresponding metabolites in the gas and solution phase (H 2 O). Polarized continuum model was applied to calculate p K a values of barbiturates and metabolites. A comparison between acidity of barbiturates and metabolites in the gas and solution phase indicates that the acidity strength of barbiturates enhances with the increase of intramolecular hydrogen bonds in metabolites. This acidity can increase to 9.47 kcal/mol in gas phase and 2.73 p K a units in solution phase for a typical metabolite of barbiturate due to the effect of intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Also, linear correlation between gas phase acidity (ΔG acid) and solution phase (p K a) was obtained and can be used for p K a prediction of metabolites in solution phase. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, the effects of the remote intramolecular hydrogen bonding on the acidity of hydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone derivatives have been investigated ab initio by employing density functional theory (DFT) methods. The computational studies were performed for both gas and solution (H2O, DMSO, and MeCN solutions) phases. Our results indicated that remote hydrogen bonding could play an important role in increasing the acidity of hydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone. Noncovalent interaction reduced density gradient (NCI‐RDG) methods were used to visualize the attractive and repulsive interactions in the studied acids and their conjugate bases. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was performed to confirm intramolecular hydrogen bonding effect on acidity. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) was also used to study the nature of hydrogen bonds. QTAIM results showed that the intramolecular hydrogen bonds in these structures are electrostatic (closed‐shell) interactions in nature. In this study, the effects of the remote intramolecular hydrogen bonding on the acidity of hydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone derivatives are explored by using ab initio and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. It was found that remote hydrogen bonding could play a surprisingly role in increasing the acidity of hydroxy‐1,4‐benzoquinone. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We have regiospecifically generated the α,2-, α,3-, and α,4-dehydrophenoxide anions by collisional activation of o-, m-, and p-nitrobenzoate. The α,2 and α,4 isomers also were synthesized by reacting o-benzyne radical anion with carbon dioxide and electron ionization of p-diazophenol. All three dehydrophenol radical anions were differentiated from each other and identified by probing their chemical reactivity with several reagents. Each isomer was converted to phenoxide and its corresponding quinone as well. Thermochemical measurements were carried out on all three radical anions and their hydrogenatom affinities, proton affinities, and electron binding energies are reported. These measured quantities are combined in thermodynamic cycles to derive the heats of formation of each of the radical anions and their corresponding carbenes (i.e., α,2-, α,3-, and α,4-dehydrophenol). These results are compared to MCQDPT2, G3, G2+(MP2), and B3LYP calculations and experimental data for appropriate reference compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highlights: [•] The interaction energy decreases with the increase of side-chain length in anion. [•] The interactions are electrostatic in the nature. [•] The side-chain length has an important effect on the contribution of E elect term. [•] The H-bond interactions between cation and anion are noncovalent interaction. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Like-charge ion pairing is commonly observed in protein structures and plays a significant role in biochemical processes. Density functional calculations combined with the conductor-like polarizable continuum model were employed to study the formation possibilities of doubly charged noncovalently linked complexes of a series of model compounds and amino acids in the gas phase and in solution. Hydrogen bond interactions were found to offset the Coulombic repulsion such that cation-cation clusters are minima on the potential energy surfaces and neither counterions nor solvent molecules are needed to hold them together. In the gas phase the dissociation energies are exothermic, and the separation barriers span from 1.7 to 15.6 kcal mol(-1). Liquid-phase computations indicate that the separation enthalpies of the cation-cation complexes become endothermic in water and nonpolar solvents with dielectric constants of ≥7 (i.e., the value for THF). These results reveal that electrostatically defying noncovalent complexes of like-charged ions can overcome their Coulombic repulsion even in low-polarity environments.

Understanding the nature of interaction between metal nanoparticles and biomolecules such as amino acids is important in the development and design of biosensors. In this paper, binding of M(3) clusters (M = Au, Ag and Cu) with neutral and anionic forms of histidine amino acid was studied using density functional theory (DFT-B3LYP). It was found that the interaction of histidine with M(3) clusters is governed by two major bonding factors: (a) the anchoring N-M and O-M bonds and (b) the nonconventional N-H···M and O-H···M hydrogen bonds. The nature of these chemical bonds has been investigated based on quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and natural bond orbital (NBO) analyses. In the next step, the effects of Au, Ag and Cu metal clusters on the gas-phase acidity of weak organic acid (histidine) have been explored. The acidity of isolated histidine was compared with the acidity of its Au(3)-, Ag(3)- and Cu(3)-complexed species. Results indicate that upon complexation with M(3) clusters (at 298 K), the gas-phase acidity (GPA) of histidine varies from 339.5 to 312.3, 315.0, and 313.7 kcal mol(-1) for Au(3)-, Ag(3)- and Cu(3)-His complexes, respectively (i.e., its dissociation becomes much less endothermic). These values indicate that a weak organic acid can be converted to a super acid when it is complexed with metal clusters. Also, in order to investigate the acidity value of the imidazole moiety in histidine, histidine methyl ester (His-OMe) was selected. Similarly, the acidity of this compound was compared with the acidity of their Au(3), Ag(3) and Cu(3)-complexed species. After complexation with M(3) clusters at 298 K, the gas-phase acidity (GPA) of His-OMe varies from 333.0 to 280.0, 304.2 and 291.5 kcal mol(-1), respectively. Moreover, pK(a) values were determined in water for isolated and complexed species of His and His-OMe. The resulting pK(a) values were found to decrease upon complexation with M(3) clusters.

The pK(a) of an acyclic aliphatic heptaol ((HOCH(2)CH(2)CH(OH)CH(2))(3)COH) was measured in DMSO, and its gas-phase acidity is reported as well. This tertiary alcohol was found to be 10(21) times more acidic than tert-butyl alcohol in DMSO and an order of magnitude more acidic than acetic acid (i.e., pK(a) = 11.4 vs 12.3). This can be attributed to a 21.9 kcal mol(-1) stabilization of the charged oxygen center in the conjugate base by three hydrogen bonds and another 6.3 kcal mol(-1) stabilization resulting from an additional three hydrogen bonds between the uncharged primary and secondary hydroxyl groups. Charge delocalization by both the first and second solvation shells may be used to facilitate enzymatic reactions. Acidity constants of a series of polyols were also computed, and the combination of hydrogen-bonding and electron-withdrawing substituents was found to afford acids that are predicted to be extremely acidic in DMSO (i.e., pK(a) < 0). These hydrogen bond enhanced acids represent an attractive class of Brønsted acid catalysts.

Both C-H bond dissociation energies for cyclobutene were measured in the gas phase (BDE = 91.2 +/- 2.3 (allyl) and 112.5 +/- 2.5 (vinyl) kcal mol-1) via a thermodynamic cycle by carrying out proton affinity and electron-binding energy measurements on 1- and 3-cyclobutenyl anions. The results were compared to those for an acyclic model compound, cis-2-butene, and provide the needed information to experimentally establish the heat of formation of cyclobutadiene. Chemically accurate G3 and W1 calculations also were carried out on cycloalkanes, cycloalkenes, and selected reference compounds. It appears that commonly cited bond energies for cyclopropane, cyclobutane, and cyclohexane are 3 to 4 kcal mol-1 too small and their pi bond strengths, as given by BDE1 - BDE2, are in error by up to 8 kcal mol-1.

Gas-phase thermodynamic properties of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzyne (1 H-(2)) were determined by Fourier transform mass spectrometry and ab initio and density functional theory methods. 1,2,3,4-Tetrafluorobenzyne radical anion was generated by abstraction of a proton and a hydrogen atom upon reaction of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzene (1) with O(-.). The resulting structure was confirmed by converting it to a species which could be independently prepared. Bracketing results provided the proton affinity of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzyne radical anion and the electron affinities of 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorobenzyne and 1,2,3,4-tetrafluorophenyl radical. These measured values were combined in a thermodynamic cycle to provide the heat of hydrogenation of 1 H(2) (DeltaH degree (hyd) = 367 +/- 18 kJ mol(-1)) and the first and second CH bond dissociation energies of 1 (481 +/- 11 and 321 +/- 13 kJ mol(-1)). The same approach failed for the meta and para isomers, but their energetics were examined using B3LYP and CCSD(T) computations.