Molecular conformational analysis, vibrational spectra, NBO, NLO, HOMO–LUMO and molecular docking studies of ethyl 3-(E)-(anthracen-9-yl)prop-2-enoate based on density functional theory calculations

Abstract

FT-IR and FT-Raman spectra of ethyl 3-(E)-(anthracen-9-yl)prop-2-enoate were recorded and analyzed. The conformational behavior of the molecule was also investigated. The vibrational wavenumbers were calculated using DFT quantum chemical calculations. The data obtained from the wavenumber calculations were used to assign vibrational bands obtained experimentally. The geometrical parameters are in agreement with XRD data. The stability of the molecule arising from hyper-conjugative interaction and charge delocalization has been analyzed using NBO analysis. The HOMO and LUMO analysis were used to determine the charge transfer within the molecule and quantum chemical parameters related to the title compound. From the MEP analysis, it is clear that the negative electrostatic potential regions are mainly localized over the carbonyl groups and anthracene ring and are possible sites for electrophilic attack and the positive regions are localized at all the hydrogen atoms as possible sites for nucleophilic attack. NLO and NMR studies are also reported. Molecular docking studies suggest that the title compound might exhibit inhibitory activity against IDE and may act as an insulysin inhibitor. Conformational analysis is also reported.