Density functional theory, restricted Hartree–Fock simulations and vibrational spectroscopic studies of nicorandil

Abstract

Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectra of nicorandil have been recorded. The structure, conformational stability, geometry optimisation and vibrational frequencies have been investigated. Complete vibrational assignments were made for the stable conformer of the molecule using restricted Hartree–Fock (RHF) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations (B3LYP) with the 6-31G(d,p) basis set. Comparison of the observed fundamental vibrational frequencies of the molecule and calculated results by RHF and DFT methods indicates that B3LYP is superior for molecular vibrational problems. The thermodynamic functions of the title molecule were also performed using the RHF and DFT methods. Natural bond order analysis of the title molecule was also carried out. Comparison of the simulated spectra with the experimental spectra provides important information about the ability of the computational method to describe the vibration modes.