A DFT investigation on the host/guest inclusion process of prilocaine into β-cyclodextrin

Abstract

A theoretical analysis of the host/guest inclusion process involving the prilocaine into the β-cyclodextrin was performed. Structure and stabilization energies were calculated, in both gas and aqueous phases, using Density Functional Theory level of theory. As results, a qualitative structure property relationship could be established with structural features being relevant for inclusion complex stabilization: (i) the hydrogen bonds established between guest and host molecules and (ii) the dispersion effect in the formation of the complexes. Besides, a theoretical 1H NMR analysis has shown to be an adequate procedure to predict correctly the inclusion mode of guest molecule into the host.