Complexation of Cu(BF4)2 with 3-hydroxyflavone in acetonitrile: quantum chemical calculation

Abstract

In the article the results of the quantum chemical study of copper (II) solvato-complexes with acetonitrile (AN), tetrafluoroborate anion (BF4–) and 3-hydroxyflavone (flv) of the composition [Cu(AN)6]2+, [Cu(BF4)(AN)5]+, [Cu(flv)(AN)5]2+, [Cu(flv)(BF4)(AN)4]+ are presented. Calculations were done using density function theory (DFT) on the M06-2X/6-311++G(d,p) level of theory. Obtained results were interpreted in terms of complexes geometry and topology of electron density distribution using non-covalent interactions (NCI) approach. It was shown that flv molecule is a monodentate ligand in copper (II) complexes and coordinates central atom via carbonyl oxygen. Intramolecular hydrogen bond that exists in an isolated flv molecule was found to be broken upon [Cu(flv)(AN)5]2+ complex formation. In [Cu(flv)(AN)5]2+ complex, a significant rotation of phenyl ring over the planar chromone fragment was spotted as a consequence of intramolecular hydrogen bond breaking. Upon inclusion of BF4– anion to the first solvation shell of Cu2+, an intracomplex hydrogen bond was formed between hydrogen atom of hydroxyl group of flv molecule and the closest fluorine atom of BF4– anion. NCI analysis had shown that a hydrogen bond between hydrogen atom of hydroxyl group of flv molecule and the closest fluorine atom of BF4– anion is significantly stronger than intramolecular hydrogen bond in an isolated flv molecule. In addition, flexible phenyl ring of flv molecule in [Cu(flv)(BF4)(AN)4]+ complex was found to be internally stabilized by the weak van der Waals attraction between oxygen atoms of chromone ring and phenyl hydrogens. These evidences led to a conclusion that [Cu(flv)(BF4)(AN)4]+ complex is more stable, comparing to the in [Cu(flv)(AN)5]2+ complex.