Isomeric Anions Research Articles

Synthetic routes to carbon substituted cobalt bis(dicarbollide) alkyl halides and aromatic amines along with closely related irregular pathways.

Carbon substituted cobalt bis(dicarbollide) alkyl halides [(1-X-(CH2)n-1,2-C2B9H10)(1,2-C2B9H11)-3,3'-Co]Me4N (X = Br, I; n = 1-3) are prepared in high yields (>90%) from their corresponding alcohols without side skeletal substitutions. These species offer access to the synthesis of aromatic cobalt bis(dicarbollide) amines, however only for particular terminal halogen substitution, the propylene pendant arm, and under appropriately controlled reaction conditions. Thus, the compounds substituted at cage carbon atoms with a propylene linker and terminal aromatic amine groups could be prepared. In other cases, numerous irregular reaction pathways occur, undoubtedly as a consequence of the bulky anionic boron cage in close proximity to the reaction site. Among them, an unusual intramolecular hydroboration forming rigidified carbon-to-boron bridged isomeric anions with an asymmetric structure that correspond to formulae [(1,8'-μ-C2H4)-(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H10)-3,3'-Co]- and [(1,7'-μ-C2H4)-(1,2-C2B9H10)(1',2'-C2B9H10)-3,3'-Co]- is described herein and the former isomer is structurally characterized. This product with a restrained geometry is widely accessible through nucleophile and/or thermally induced decomposition of (pseudo)halides attached to the cage via an ethylene linker. Surprisingly enough, also doubly bridged isomeric species [(1,8-μ-C2H4-1,2-C2B9H9)2-3,3'-Co]- and [(1,7-μ-C2H4-1,2-C2B9H9)2-3,3'-Co]- are available in good yield using these methods. Furthermore, other more typical side reactions are discussed, i.e. nucleophilic reactions of propyl halides with Me3N formed apparently by disproportionation of Me4N+ at higher temperatures or with pyridine used as a base.

Isomer-Resolved Mass Spectrometry Imaging of Acidic Phospholipids.

The biological functions of lipids are entirely dependent on their molecular structures with even small changes in structure─such as different sites of unsaturation─providing critical markers for changes in the underlying metabolism. Conventional mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) approaches, however, face the twin challenges of mixture and structural complexity and are typically unable to differentiate lipid isomers that differ only in the position(s) of carbon-carbon double bonds. Recent coupling of ozone-induced dissociation (OzID) with matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI)-MSI has demonstrated the potential to map changes in individual double-bond isomers, thus enabling visualization of the modulation in lipid desaturation in adjacent tissue types. This has, to date, only been performed in positive-ion mode due to a generally higher abundance of phosphatidylcholines (PC) in mammalian tissues and the efficient desorption/ionization of this lipid subclass. Many other glycerophospholipids (GPLs), however, are better detected in negative-ion mode as deprotonated anions. Recently, OzID has been implemented on a traveling-wave ion-mobility mass spectrometer (Waters, SYNAPT G2-Si) that provides a 50-fold increase in the rate of the gas-phase reaction between ionized lipids and ozone and a commensurate increase in sensitivity for isomer-resolved mass spectrometry. These gains are exploited here to interrogate the distributions of anionic GPL isomers in biological tissues, covering the subclasses phosphatidylserine (PS), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylinositol (PI), phosphatidylglycerol (PG), and phosphatidic acid (PA). Exploiting both ozone- and collision-induced dissociation in a single acquisition simultaneously identifies sites of unsaturation and acyl chain composition from the same mass spectrum.

Quasidegeneracy of (H2C = B = CH2)– borata-alkene synthon and (H3B–C≡CH)– boryl-substituted acetylene anion induced by an excess electron attachment

Using ab initio methods we examined neutral and anionic BC2H4 systems. The most stable neutral isomer was found to correspond to H2CBCH2 structure. Among other neutral isomers, H3B–CCH system was identified as the highest energy isomer. The energetic order of anionic isomers was found to be different as (H2CBCH2)– and (H3B–CCH)– species were identified as nearly isoenergetic and the most stable. The energetic effect caused by an excess electron attachment was found responsible for rendering (H3B–CCH)– isomer the most stable on the anionic potential energy surface. Vertical electron detachment energies (1.71–4.32 eV) characterizing (BC2H4)– anions were predicted and discussed.

Intramolecular interactions (O-H∙∙∙O, C-H∙∙∙N, N-H∙∙∙π) in isomers of neutral, cation, and anion dopamine molecules: A DFT study on the influence of solvents (water and ethanol).

Dopamine (DA) is one of the most important neurotransmitters associated with numerous neural disorders. This investigation reports the intramolecular interactions present in the isomers of neutral (DA0), anionic (DA-), and cationic (DA+) dopamine isomers in gas, water, and ethanol mediums. Neutral and anion isomers have O-H∙∙∙O, C-H∙∙∙N intramolecular hydrogen bonds and N-H∙∙∙π interactions. All the interactions are electrostatic in nature. Isomers of cation dopamine show no intramolecular interactions in the solvent. Natural charges from natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis show that O-H∙∙∙O bonds and the N-H∙∙∙π interactions are the most and least polar, respectively. 1H NMR study reveals the inverse linear correlation between shielding constant and electron density in a solvent medium. HOMO-LUMO energy gap indicates higher stability for neutral and cationic forms of dopamine isomers in water and ethanol medium. We have optimized all the structural forms of dopamine molecule using the Becke three hybrid exchange and Lee-Yang-Parr correlation functional with Grimme's dispersion correction, B3LYP-D3(BJ), and aug-cc-pVTZ basis set using the Gaussian16 software. Vibrational frequency analysis with no imaginary frequencies confirms the nature of global minima. The solvent studies (water and ethanol) were carried out using the SCRF keyword and the polarisable continuum model (PCM) of Miertus and Tomasi. NBO analysis and NMR studies were also performed for all conformers. Topology analysis was explored using the software Multiwfn.

Spectroscopic Identification of the Dinitrogen Fixation and Activation by Metal Carbide Cluster Anions PtCn- (n = 4-6).

Nitrogen fixation is confronted with great challenges in the field of chemistry. Herein, we report that single metal carbides PtCn- and PtCnN2- (n = 4-6) are indispensable intermediates in the process of nitrogen fixation by mass spectrometry coupled with anionic photoelectron spectroscopy, quantum chemical calculations, and simulated density-of-state spectra. The most stable isomers of these cluster anions are characterized to have linear chain structures. The fixation and activation of dinitrogen are facilitated by the charge transfer from Pt and Cn to N2. The significance of π back-donation of the 5d orbital of the Pt atom to the antibonding π orbits of N2 for dinitrogen fixation and activation is discussed in detail. This study not only provides a theoretical basis at the molecular level for the activation of dinitrogen by mononuclear metal carbide clusters but also provides a new paradigm for dinitrogen fixation.

Effect of Non-Covalent Interactions on the 2,4- and 3,5-Dinitrobenzoate Eu-Cd Complex Structures

Heterometallic {Eu2Cd2} complexes [Eu2(NO3)2Cd2(Phen)2(2,4-Nbz)8]n·2nMeCN (I) and [Eu2(MeCN)2Cd2(Phen)2(3,5-Nbz)10] (II) with the 2,4-dinitrobenzoate (2,4-Nbz) and 3,5-dinitrobenzoate (3,5-Nbz) anions and 1,10-phenanthroline were synthesized. The compounds obtained were characterized by X-ray single-crystal analysis, powder X-ray diffraction analysis, IR spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Moreover, the thermal stability of the complexes was also studied. Analysis of the crystal packing showed that where 1,10-phenanthroline is combined with various isomers of dinitrobenzoate anions, different arrangements of non-covalent interactions are observed in the complex structures. In the case of the compound with the 2,4-dinitrobenzoate anion, these interactions lead to a significant distortion of the metal core geometry and formation of a polymeric structure, while the complex with the 3,5-dinitrobenzoate anion has a structure that is typical of similar systems. The absence of europium metal-centered luminescence at 270 nm wavelength was shown. For all the reported compounds, a thermal stability study was carried out that showed that the compounds decomposed with a significant thermal effect.

Rapid Cs+ Capture via Multiple Supramolecular Interactions in Anionic Metal-Organic Framework Isomers.

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) provide an ideal platform for ion exchange due to their high porosity and structural designability; however, developing MOFs that have the essential characteristics for ion exchange remains a challenge. These crucial features include fast kinetics, selectivity, and stability. We present two anionic isomers, DGIST-2 (2D) and DGIST-3 (3D), comprising distinctly arranged 5-(1,8-naphthalimido)isophthalate ligands and In3+ cations. Interestingly, in protic solvents, DGIST-2 transforms into a hydrolytically stable crystalline phase, DGIST-2'. DGIST-2' and DGIST-3 exhibit rapid Cs+ adsorption kinetics, as well as high Cs+ affinity in the presence of competing cations. The mechanism for rapid and selective sorption is explored based on the results of single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of Cs+-incorporated DGIST-3. In Cs+-containing solutions, the loosely incorporated dimethylammonium countercation of the anionic framework is replaced by Cs+, which is held in the hydrophobic cavity by supramolecular ion-ion and cation-π interactions.

Novel halochromic hydrazonal chromophore immobilized into rice-straw based cellulose aerogel for vapochromic detection of ammonia

Cellulose aerogel has been characterized as a light weight biopolymer that could be applied for a range of prospective applications in various areas. A feature of an aerogel is a result of its porous structure. In the current study, a simple and reversible colorimetric detection tool was developed for ammonia by incorporating a novel halochromic hydrazonal (Ha) chromophoric compound into the matrix of carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC). The collected wastes of rice straw were employed to extract cellulose, which was then subjected to carboxymethylation. The hydrazonal spectroscopic probe guest was incorporated into a freeze-dried and crosslinked regenerated CMC aerogel host. The morphologies of the synthesized cellulose aerogel were explored utilizing Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) to display porous structures with an average pore diameter of 80–120 μm. The generated aerogel demonstrated significant sensitivity to gaseous ammonia. The vapochromic aerogel delivered an immediate color change from yellow to blue due to contacting with aqueous or gaseous ammonia as measured by the absorbance spectra, CIE Lab coordinates and colorimetric strength (K/S). The detection of NH3(g) took place through proton transfer from the hydrazonal NH to the nitrogen atom of ammonia to generate the corresponding hydrazone anion isomer. The visible colorimetric changes of the sensor aerogel was found to change from yellow to blue in proportionate with rising the concentration of NH3(aq). Furthermore, the aerogel sensor demonstrated a limit of detection (LOD) at 1–250 ppb for NH3(aq), and excellent reversibility. The cytotoxic properties of the prepared aerogel were also explored.

Expanded spherical trihedral metallo-borospherenes of transition-metal doped boron clusters: TM3B15q (TM = Zr, Hf; q = −1, 0, +1)

The discoveries of D3h Ln3B18– (Ln = La, Tb) , of which all the La or Tb and B atoms are integral parts of the cage surface, represent an unprecedented class of metallo-borospherenes. Based on particle swarm optimisation (PSO) algorithm and densityfunctionaltheory (DFT) calculations, a smaller spherical trihedral metallo-borospherene D3h TM3B15q (TM = Zr, Hf; q = -1, 0, +1) is designed, where the two B6 triangles of B18 framework in D3h Ln3B18– are remained but interconnected by three B atoms instead of three B2 units, resulting in each TM atom conjoined an equivalent η8–B8 ring. The high stability of proposed structure has been rationalized in terms of large average binding energy, low relative energy and geometric integrity at high temperature. Detailed orbital and bonding analysis of TM3B15 obtain that three localized 2c-2e B–B σ bonds and one delocalized 15c-2e B–B π bond are missing, and its HOMO is semi-occupied with the comparison of Ln3B18–. The most stable cationic and anionic isomers, formed from unoccupied or fully occupied HOMO of TM3B15, respectively, also have the D3h symmetry metallo-borospherene structures with similar molecular orbital shapes and bonding patterns. In addition, their IR and Raman spectra are simulated to facilitate the experiment characterizations in future.

A New Strategy for the Preparation of E Isomers of Hydrazones and Anil‐Like Compounds: Thermally Stimulated Isomerization of Z Isomers of Anions

AbstractA new, simple method for the preparation of E‐isomers of hydrazones and anil‐like compounds from Z‐isomers of these compounds has been developed. In DMF, the Z‐isomers of these compounds in the presence of tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) or tetrabutylammonium acetate (TBAA) gave the corresponding N anions of the Z‐isomers, which are isomerized to the N anions of the E‐isomers even at room temperature. Upon addition of a protic solvent (H2O, or CH3OH) to this reaction mixture, the N anion of the E‐isomer was immediately quantitatively converted to the E‐isomer of the corresponding nonionic compound, which can be readily isolated by methods commonly used in the synthesis.

Ab Initio Simulations of Poorly and Well Equilibrated (CH3CN)n- Cluster Anions: Assigning Experimental Photoelectron Peaks to Surface-Bound Electrons and Solvated Monomer and Dimer Anions.

Excess electrons in liquid acetonitrile are of particular interest because they exist in two different forms in equilibrium: they can be present as traditional solvated electrons in a cavity, and they can form some type of solvated molecular anion. Studies of small acetonitrile cluster anions in the gas phase show two isomers with distinct vertical detachment energies, and it is tempting to presume that the two gas-phase cluster anion isomers are precursors of the two excess electron species present in bulk solution. In this paper, we perform DFT-based ab initio molecular dynamics simulations of acetonitrile cluster anions to understand the electronic species that are present and why they have different binding energies. Using a long-range-corrected density functional that was optimally tuned to describe acetonitrile cluster anion structures, we have theoretically explored the chemistry of (CH3CN)n- cluster anions with sizes n = 5, 7, and 10. Because the temperature of the experimental cluster anions is not known, we performed two sets of simulations that investigated how the way in which the cluster anions are prepared affects the excess electron binding motif: one set of simulations simply attached excess electrons to neutral (CH3CN)n clusters, providing little opportunity for the clusters to relax in the presence of the excess electron, while the other set allowed the cluster anions to thermally equilibrate near room temperature. We find that both sets of simulations show three distinct electron binding motifs: electrons can attach to the surface of the cluster (dipole-bound) or be present either as solvated monomer anions, CH3CN-, or as solvated molecular dimer anions, (CH3CN)2-. All three species have higher binding energies at larger cluster sizes. Thermal equilibration strongly favors the formation of the valence-bound molecular anions relative to surface-bound excess electrons, and the dimer anion becomes more stable than the monomer anion and surface-bound species as the cluster size increases. The calculated photoelectron spectra from our simulations in which there was poor thermal equilibration are in good agreement with experiment, suggesting assignment of the two experimental cluster anion isomers as the surface-bound electron and the solvated molecular dimer anion. The simulations also suggest that the shoulder seen experimentally on the low-energy isomer's detachment peak is not part of a vibronic progression but instead results from molecular monomer anions. Nowhere in the size range that we explore do we see evidence for a nonvalence, cavity-bound interior-solvated electron, indicating that this species is likely only accessible at larger sizes with good thermal equilibration.

Distinction of photoelectron spectroscopy of cis- and trans-acrolein explored by theoretical computation

• The photoelectron spectra for the two lowest cationic states of cis - and trans -acrolein have been simulated. • Trans -acrolein is identified as the primary isomer responsible for the experimental photoelectron spectra. • The cis -acrolein anion is calculated to be more stable than the trans form, contrary to acrolein molecules. • The barrier for trans - cis isomerization of acrolein anion is high, and which isomer of acrolein anion will be produced is unknown We calculated the equilibrium structures and harmonic vibrational frequencies of acrolein (including molecule, cation and anion) using the B3LYP, PBE0, and M06-2X approaches. We also computed the Franck–Condon factors and simulated the photoelectron spectra of acrolein molecules and anions. The adiabatic ionization energy (AIE) and electron affinity were computed using the CCSD(T) approach via extrapolation to the complete basis set limit. Trans -acrolein is identified as the primary isomer responsible for the photoelectron spectra of acrolein being observed. The calculated AIEs were consistent with the experiment. The cis -acrolein anion is predicted to be more stable than its trans- counterpart. However, the potential barrier might prohibit the isomerization of the acrolein anion. Accordingly, the type of isomer of acrolein anion that will be produced from electron-attaching to the more stable trans -acrolein molecule remains unknown. The simulated photoelectron spectra of the acrolein anion can be used to identify the isomer being produced.

The binary aluminum scandium clusters Al x Sc y with x + y = 13: when is the icosahedron retained?

Geometrical and electronic structures of the 13-atom clusters AlxScy with x + y = 13, as well as their thermodynamic stabilities were investigated using DFT calculations. Both anionic and neutral isomers of AlxScy were found to retain an icosahedral shape of both Al13 and Sc13 systems in which an Al atom occupies the endohedral central position of the icosahedral cage, irrespective of the number of Al atoms present. Such a phenomenon occurs to maximize the number of stronger Al–Al and Sc–Al bonds instead of the weaker Sc–Sc bonds. NBO analyses were applied to examine their electron configurations and rationalize the large number of open shells and thereby high multiplicities of the mixed clusters having more than three Sc atoms. The SOMOs are the molecular orbitals belonged to the irreducible representations of the symmetry point group of the clusters studied, rather than to the cluster electron shells. Evaluation of the average binding energies showed that the thermodynamic stability of AlxScy clusters is insignificantly altered as the number y goes from 0 to 7 and then steadily decreases when y attains the 7–13 range. Increase of the Sc atom number also reduces the electron affinities of the binary AlxScy clusters, and thus they gradually lose the superhalogen characteristics with respect to the pure Al13.

High-resolution anion photoelectron spectroscopy of cryogenically cooled 4-atom silicon carbides

High-resolution anion photoelectron spectra of cryogenically cooled , , and obtained using slow photoelectron velocity-map imaging (cryo-SEVI) are presented, providing insight into the geometries, energetics, and vibronic structure of the anionic and the neutral clusters. These spectra yield accurate vibrational frequencies for the neutral clusters. They also yield refined adiabatic detachment energies (ADEs) for the ground states of and of 1.5374(6) eV and 1.9019(4) eV, respectively, while the ADE of a low-lying isomer of is found to be 1.9050(7) eV. The cryo-SEVI spectra show that the ground state of is a distorted trapezoid, and represent the first confirmation of the distorted trapezoid structure of , the only low-lying isomer of this cluster with a permanent dipole moment. Additional transitions are observed from two low-lying anion isomers: a linear structure and a rhombus. The spectrum of , in combination with electronic structure calculations, suggests that the true ground state of is a ring structure with a transannular C–C bond, addressing a longstanding controversy surrounding this cluster. All three spectra exhibit Franck-Condon forbidden transitions; these are attributed to Herzberg-Teller coupling in and and autodetachment from an excited electronic state of .

Deprotonation of Isoxazole: A Photoelectron Imaging Study.

We report a photoelectron imaging study of gas-phase deprotonation of isoxazole in which spectroscopic data are compared to the results of electronic structure calculations for the anion products corresponding to each of three possible deprotonation sites. The observed photoelectron spectra are assigned to a mixture of the anion isomers. Deprotonation at the most acidic (C5) and the least acidic (C4) positions yields the respective C5- and C4-isoxazolide anions, while the reaction at the intermediate-acidity C3 site leads to a cleavage of the O-N bond and an opening of the ring in the anion. Following photodetachment, the ground states of neutral C5- and C4-isoxazolyl are assigned to be σ radicals (X2A'), while the ground-state neutral derived from the ring-open C3-anion is a π radical (X2A″). The relative intensities of the spectral bands exhibit sensitivity to the ion source conditions, giving evidence of competing and varying contributions of the dominant C5 and C3, as well as possible C4, deprotonation pathways.

Redox mechanism and stability of uranyl phosphites at mineral surfaces: Cooperative proton/electron transfer and high efficacy for Uranium(VI) reduction

Uranium phosphites have recently emerged as promising materials to remediate radioactive contamination. In this study, the redox mechanisms of uranyl phosphites at mineral surfaces have been addressed by periodic DFT calculations with dispersion corrections. Different from other ligands, the phosphite anions (H2PO3−, HPO32−) are efficient reducing agents for uranyl reduction, and the redox reactions are divided into three steps, as isomerization between two phosphite anion isomers (Step 1), conformational transition (Step 2) and dissociation of the water molecule (Step 3). A second water molecule is critical to lower the activation barriers of Step 1, and all activation barriers are moderate so that the redox reactions occur favorably under normal conditions, which are further dramatically accelerated by the highly exergonic Step 3. Accordingly, formation of uranyl phosphites becomes an effective approach to manage uranium pollution. Moreover, the lower activation barriers for H2PO3− rather than HPO32− rationalize the superior reduction activities of uranyl phosphites and the enhanced stability of U(IV) products at lower pH conditions. Owing to the cooperative proton/electron transfer, the U(VI) reduction to U(IV) and P(III) oxidation to P(V) are completed within one step, with transition states being featured by the U(V) and P(IV) species.

Structure Assignment and Separation of Isomers of Palladium Oxide Cluster Anions Studied by Ion Mobility Mass Spectrometry

Geometric structures of palladium oxide cluster anions, PdnOm– (n = 2–7, n ≥ m), were investigated by ion mobility mass spectrometry and quantum chemical calculations. Collision cross sections of t...

Cation, Anion, and Radical Isomers of C4H4N: Computational Characterization and Implications for Astrophysical and Planetary Environments.

Nitrogen-containing ions and molecules in the gas phase have been detected in non-Earth environments such as dark molecular clouds and more recently in the atmosphere of Saturn's moon Titan. These molecules may serve as precursors to larger heterocyclic structures that provide the foundation of complex biological molecules. On Titan, molecules of m/z 66 have been detected by the Cassini mission, and species of the empirical formula C4H4N may contribute to this signature. We have characterized seven isomers of C4H4N in anionic, neutral radical, and cationic states using density functional theory. Structures were optimized using the range-separated hybrid ωB97X-V with the cc-pVTZ and aug-cc-pVTZ basis sets. Anionic and radical C4H4N favor cyclic structures with aromatic and quasi-aromatic electron arrangements, respectively. Interestingly, ionization from the radical surface to the cation induces significant changes in structural stability, and the global minimum for positively charged isomers is CH2CCHCNH+, a pseudo-linear species reminiscent of cyanoallene. Select formation pathways to these structures from Titan's existing or postulated gas-phase species, reactions that are also relevant for other astrophysical environments, are discussed. By characterizing C4H4N isomers, we have identified energetically stable anionic, radical, and cationic structures that may be present in Titan's atmosphere and dark molecular clouds.

B3Ge12: a aromatic molecular sandwich-shaped structure with short B−B single bonds coordinated by a Ge12 hexagonal prism and reinforced by σ + π double delocalised bonding patterns

The geometrical structures and bonding properties of anionic, neutral, and cationic B3Ge12 clusters are investigated by quantum chemical calculations. The lowest-lying isomer of anion is found to have a distorted B-endohedral pentagonal prism with two face-capping B atoms and two face-capping Si atoms. In particular, anion is an outstanding superatom cluster with closed-shell electronic configuration of 1S21P61D102S21F142P61G18 on the principle of jellium model. Global minimum of B3Ge12 neutral adopts a D 3h symmetric hexagonal prismatic structure with a B3 triangle at the centre being parallel to the two hexagons and has strong B–B bonding interactions, being very close to the typical B−B single bond. cation has a similar structural feature with its neutral corresponding counterpart. Moreover, the nucleus-independent chemical shift (NICS), aromatic stabilisation energy (ASE), and multicenter bond index calculations suggest B3Ge12 neutral to be aromatic. Furthermore, the molecular orbitals reveal that B3Ge12 neutral exhibits σ plus π double bonding characters. Electrons are transferred from Ge12 framework to B atoms in terms of natural population analysis (NPA), atoms in molecules (AIM), and atomic dipole moment corrected Hirshfeld (ADCH) population analyses.

Photoabsorption Spectra of Aqueous Oxyluciferin Anions Elucidated by Explicit Quantum Solvent.

Experimental photoabsorption spectra of three possible isomers (phenolate-keto, phenolate-enol, and phenol-enolate) of oxyluciferin anions in aqueous solution were reproduced by first-principles time-dependent density functional theory simulations in which the entire system including the oxyluciferin anion and 64 water molecules were modeled by full quantum mechanics (full QM), unlike the conventional hybrid method, where the surrounding water molecules are modeled by molecular mechanics (MM) or a continuum solvent model. The full QM photoabsorption spectra were calculated from 1000 structures that had been obtained using the first-principles Born-Oppenheimer molecular dynamics simulations, which included the van der Waals correction, to take into account the effect of dynamical fluctuations of the hydration structure. The full QM calculation with CAM-B3LYP functional, which is the most elaborate one and is apparently the most consistent with experiment, is compared to others obtained with different levels of the functional and the solvent model. The amount of charge leakage from the oxyluciferin anions to the aqueous solution is found to differ significantly between the ground and excited states and is strongly dependent on the simulation method. The conventional solvent models do not take this into account, but the QM/MM can do it appropriately when including more than 10 water molecules into the QM region.