Calculation of relative free energy differences for the covalent hydration of organic compounds: A combined quantum mechanical and free energy perturbation study

Abstract

AbstractThe relative free energy difference (ΔΔGhyd) for the reversible addition of water to two unsaturated molecules is accurately computed using a combination of ab initio quantum mechanical calculations and free energy perturbation methods. Initial attempts to calculate the absolute hydration free energy difference (ΔGhyd) for formaldehyde and trichloroacetaldehyde gave values that differed substantially from experimental results even after inclusion of electron correlation energy contributions using third‐order (MP3) and fourth‐order (MP4) Møller‐Plesset perturbation theory and QCISD(T) correlation methods at the 6‐31G** basis set level. Inaccuracies in ΔGhyd were attributed to errors in the calculation of both ΔGgas and ΔΔGsol. Gas phase quantum mechanical free energies (ΔGgas) varied significantly (2–3 kcal/mol) depending on the level of theory. Errors in ΔΔGsol were attributed to slow convergence of the calculations using the thermodynamic cycle perturbation (TCP) method with explicit solvent. These errors were minimized or canceled, however, when relative hydration free energy differences (ΔΔGhyd) were calculated using a combination of ab initio quantum mechanical calculations and free energy perturbation methods. Calculated values for a variety of aldehydes and ketones were consistent with experimental data. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.