Atoms In Molecules Theory Research Articles

Insights on the adsorption mechanism of different polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based battery binders on 2D-materials for LiPF6-Ec-Emc electrolyte via molecular simulations

In this study, the adsorption mechanism of different mixtures of monomers of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)-based battery binders (polyvinylpyrrolidone:polyvinylidene difluoride, PVP:PVDF; polyvinylpyrrolidone:polyacrylic acid, PVP:PAA; and polyvinylpyrrolidone:lithiated polyacrylic acid, PVP:Li-PAA) on a graphene oxide (GO) nanoparticle was investigated using density functional theory (DFT), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in order to identify the thermodynamic, intermolecular forces and interfacial properties of these systems within the framework of battery applications employing LiPF6-EC-EMC electrolyte. Our work focuses into the short-range interactions and electronic properties of the adsorbed binder mixtures on the GO nanoparticle, and also into their interfacial properties (considering systems with and without the electrolyte, 1.2 M LiPF6 dissolved in EC/EMC 3/7, w/w), shedding light on the fundamental interactions that govern the mechanisms of GO (and also another 2D-nanomaterial such as graphite, for reference) enabling the physical adsorption of binders (and electrolyte compounds) for obtaining strongly adhered anode and cathode active substances in Li-ion battery applications. The results of this study advance the understanding of the adsorption mechanisms of binder mixtures and electrolyte compounds on carbon-based nanomaterials, and hold significant promise for the designing battery-optimized energy devices in lithium-ion batteries.

On the supramolecular interactions into a pH- and Metal-Actuated Molecular Shuttle: some insights from QTAIM modeling.

Supramolecular contacts responsible for chemical interaction of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) macrocycle on a Tolyl-Viologen-Phenylene-Imidazole (T-VPI) molecular thread, at acid pH (T-VPI-H+) or after Ag+ cation addition (T-VPI-Ag+), are analytically addressed in a computational framework combining Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) with Density Functional Theory (DFT). In this respect, the crystallographic structure (CCDC number 2217466) is taken as reference condition for addressing the nature of the chemical interactions driving the shuttling of the CB[7] between T and P stations recently observed in dilute water solutions. Beside the host(CB[7]) vs guest(T-VPI-H+ or T-VPI-Ag+) complexation, the coordination sphere of the Ag+ cation is also investigated by means of local electronic energy density - H(r) - descriptors. The derived non-covalent interaction patterns are found to support diagnostic 1H NMR signals used for detecting the mutual position of the CB[7] along the axle. This work highlights the potentialities of a QTAIM based approach in the characterization of supramolecular and metal-complexation effects in molecular aggregates such as not-interlocked synthetic molecular shuttles.

Novel benzoyl and acetyl pyrazine-2-carbohydrazonamide hybrid derivatives: Experimental and theoretical insights

A series of novel benzoyl and acetyl pyrazine-2-carbohydrazonamide hybrid derivatives, namely N’-benzoylpyrazine-2-carbohydrazonamide (1), N’-(4-methylbenzoyl)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazonamide (2), N’-(2-phenylacetyl)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazonamide (3) and N’-(2-(1H-indol-3-yl)acetyl)pyrazine-2-carbohydrazonamide (4), were readily obtained using a metallic Na-assisted interaction of 2-cyanopyrazine with benzohydrazide, 4-methylbenzohydrazide, 2-phenylacetohydrazide or 2-(1H-indol-3-yl)acetohydrazide in dry MeOH. Compounds 1–4 were studied by a set of physical measurements, including FTIR, 1H NMR and UV–vis spectroscopy, while their crystal structures were elucidated by single crystal X-ray diffraction and the corresponding crystal packing was further studied in detail using the Hirshfeld surface analysis. Compounds 3 and 4 were found to adopt both the E- and Z-isomeric forms in DMSO‑d6. Molecules of the title compounds are linked via NH⋯O and NH⋯N hydrogen bonds and π⋯π interactions, yielding supramolecular aggregates. As it was found by the Hirshfeld surface analysis, molecules of 1–4 mainly interact through the H⋯X (X = H, C, N and O) and C⋯X (X = C and N) contacts. The molecular interactions were quantified and compared using DFT calculations, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) analysis and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis, highlighting the dominant role of hydrogen bonding interactions in governing the crystal packing.

A General Photoactive H-Bonding EDA Complex Model Drives the Selective Hydrothiolation and Hydroxysulfenylation of Carbonyl Activated Alkenes.

Excitation of photoactive electron donor-acceptor (EDA) complexes to generate radical is a promising approach in radical chemistry. In this study, we introduce a new model of H-bonding EDA complexes for the selective hydrothiolation and hydroxysulfenylation of carbonyl-activated alkenes with diverse thiols under visible light conditions. The reliability of this H-bonding EDA complex model has been confirmed by meticulous experimental and theoretical calculations. Mechanistic investigations have revealed the significant influence of the solvent in determining whether the excitation of photoactive H-bonding EDA complex leads to charge transfer (CT) or energy-charge transfer (En-CT), thereby controlling Markovnikov and anti-Markovnikov selectivity. Notably, the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis clearly shows that the excited state of the C=O-H-S EDA complex involves closed-shell partially covalent interactions.

A General Photoactive H‐Bonding EDA Complex Model Drives the Selective Hydrothiolation and Hydroxysulfenylation of Carbonyl Activated Alkenes

AbstractExcitation of photoactive electron donor−acceptor (EDA) complexes to generate radical is a promising approach in radical chemistry. In this study, we introduce a new model of H‐bonding EDA complexes for the selective hydrothiolation and hydroxysulfenylation of carbonyl‐activated alkenes with diverse thiols under visible light conditions. The reliability of this H‐bonding EDA complex model has been confirmed by meticulous experimental and theoretical calculations. Mechanistic investigations have revealed the significant influence of the solvent in determining whether the excitation of photoactive H‐bonding EDA complex leads to charge transfer (CT) or energy‐charge transfer (En‐CT), thereby controlling Markovnikov and anti‐Markovnikov selectivity. Notably, the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analysis clearly shows that the excited state of the C=O−H−S EDA complex involves closed‐shell partially covalent interactions.

Synthesis, structure, supramolecular assembly inspection by Hirshfeld surface analysis, DFT study and molecular docking inspection of 4,5-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-8a-phenylhexahydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,7(1H,3H)-dithione

We studied the three-component condensation of 2-chloraldehyde, acetophenone, and thiourea in conjunction with HCl, resulting in the formation of a new compound: 4,5-bis(2-chlorophenyl)-8a-phenylhexahydropyrimido[4,5-d]pyrimidine-2,7(1H,3H)-dithione (CPPD). The compound's structure was affirmed via X-ray diffraction study. The asymmetric unit contained two molecules that were independent relative to crystallography and an ethanol solvent. The difference between independent molecules was explored by dihedral angles between similar rings in both molecular. The difference between molecules was further explored by molecular overlay plot. The supramolecular assembly was supported via diverse intermolecular interactions which were studied through the use of Hirshfeld surface analysis. Electronic structure computations were carried out at the ωb97xd/tzvp level. Natural bonding orbital (NBO), and FMO study reveal reactivity and charge transfer mechanisms within the compound. Furthermore, the nature of bonding in the present molecule is characterized through quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), ELF, and LOL studies. Ab-initio molecular dynamic (AIMD) revealed the kinetic and thermodynamic stability at 300 K. The DFT results have excellent correlation with experimental data. The molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation further revealed the compound to get deep access in the active pocket of type 2 anti-diabetes GLUT4 protein. This was validated by the stable dynamics as demonstrated by the uniform behavior of the root mean square deviation (RMSD) plot. The root mean square fluctuation (RMSF) also showed stable interactions with amino acids in the presence of the compound. Further, simulation trajectories on the basis of binding free energies indicate the significant role of van der Waals force in the formation of the intermolecular docked complex. This concluded the compound might be a potent structure for the development of anti-diabetic compounds.

Guanidinium and spermidinium decavanadates: as small biomimetic models to understand non-covalent interactions between decavanadate and arginine and lysine side chains in proteins

During the last three decades, numerous investigations have been conducted on polyoxidovanadates to treat several illnesses and inhibit enzymes. Numerous decavanadate compounds have been proposed as potential therapies for Diabetes mellitus, Cancer, and Alzheimer’s disease. Only six relevant functional proteins interacting with decavanadate, V10, have been deposited in the PDB. These are acid phosphatase, tyrosine kinase, two ecto-nucleoside triphosphate diphosphohydrolases (NTPDases), the human transient receptor potential cation channel (TRPM4), and the human cell cycle protein CksHs1. The interaction sites in these proteins mainly consist of Arginine and Lysine, side chains binding to the decavanadate anion. To get further knowledge regarding non-covalent interactions of decavanadate in protein environments, guanidinium and spermidinium decavanadates were synthesized, crystallized, and subjected to analysis utilizing various techniques, including FTIR, Raman, 51V-NMR, TGA, and X-ray diffraction. The DFT calculations were employed to calculate the interaction energy between the decavanadate anion and the organic counterions. Furthermore, the Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) and Non-covalent Interaction-Reduced Density Gradient (NCI-RDG) analyses were conducted to understand the non-covalent interactions present in these adducts. Decavanadate can engage in electrostatic forces, van der Waals, and hydrogen bond interactions with guanidinium and spermidinium, as shown by their respective interaction energies. Both compounds were highly stabilized by strong hydrogen bond interactions N−H···O and weak non-covalent interactions C−H···O. In addition, the interactions between guanidinium and spermidinium cations and decavanadate anion form several stable rings. This study provides new information on non-covalent intermolecular interactions between decavanadate and small biomimetic models of arginine and lysine lateral chains in protein environments.

Development of pivalic acid conjugated Nafion modified glassy carbon electrode for sensitive detection of Cu(II) by electrochemical approach

In this work, pivalic acid (pivH) molecule is employed for an electrochemical sensing of copper cations in an aqueous medium. For sensitive as well as selective potential sensor application, pivH was fabricated onto a glassy carbon electrode (GCE) facilitated by adhesive conducting binder, nafion, so as make it selective and effective electrochemical probe (pivH/Nafion/GCE) towards specific heavy metal cations. This newly fabricated pivH/Nafion/GCE reveals enhance electrochemical activity toward copper ions in the presence of other interfering heavy metal cations in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) of pH=7. The calibration plot was linear (r2 = 0.9879) across broad linear dynamic range (LDR) spanning Cu2+ concentration from 0.1 nM to 0.01 M. The sensitivity and detection limit was found to be 0.0212 × 10−2 µAµM−1cm−2 and 0.014 nM, respectively. So, this newly fabricated GCE as selective electrochemical probe offers a sensitive as well as selective detection of Cu2+ cations in real environmental samples using a novel electrochemical, current–potential (I-V), approach, for the first time. Further, we explored pivalic acid for the preparation of new di-nuclear copper complex, [Cu2(piv)4(pivH)2] (where piv = pivalate; pivH=pivalic acid) and characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffractometry. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations were carried out to confirm the interactions and these calculations well-support to experimental data. In case of deprotonated form of pivH, Molecular Electrostatic Potential (MEP) analysis exhibits electrostatic potential equals to −148.4 kcal/mol which suggest about the strong interaction of –COOH with copper centers. Similarly, interaction energies, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) study and Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) analysis also favor to experimental work. Thus, this novel study demonstrates an excellent approach for highly selective and sensitive detection of Cu2+ cations in short response time with low detection limit and good reproducibility by using I-V method based on newly designed pivH/Nafion/GCE as selective Cu2+ cationic electrochemical sensor. The experimental data was compactable with theoretical calculations.

Effect of Terminal Hydroxy Groups on the Structural Properties of Acyl Thioureas.

The 1-acyl thiourea family [R1C(O)NHC(S)NR2R3] exhibits the flexibility to incorporate a wide variety of substituents into their structure. The structural attributes of these compounds are intricately tied to the type and extent of substitution. In the case of 3-mono-substituted thioureas (R2=H), the conformational behavior is predominantly shaped by the presence of an intramolecular N-H ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ O=C hydrogen bond. This study delves into the structural consequences stemming from the inclusion of substituents possessing hydrogen-donor capabilities within four novel 1-acyl-3-mono-substituted thiourea derivatives. A comprehensive suite of analytical techniques, encompassing FTIR, Raman spectroscopy, multinuclear (1H and 13C) NMR spectroscopy, single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and supported by computational methods, notably NBO (Natural Bond Orbital) population analysis, Hirshfeld analysis, and QTAIM (Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules), was harnessed to scrutinize and characterize these compounds. In the crystalline state, these compounds exhibit an intricate interplay of intermolecular interactions, prominently featuring an expansive network of hydrogen bonds between the hydroxy (-OH) groups and the carbonyl and thiocarbonyl bonds within the 1-acyl thiourea fragment. Notably, the topological analysis underscores significant distinctions in the properties of the acyl thiourea fragment and the intramolecular >C=O ⋅ ⋅ ⋅ H-N bond when transitioning from the isolated molecule to the crystalline environment.

Experimental molecular structures in the gas phase at the upper size limit: The case of Si6Tip6.

Currently, the largest (ramax = 19.9Å) and by far the most complicated (234 atoms, C1 symmetry, 696 independent geometrical parameters, and 27 261 interatomic terms) experimental molecular structure of a cage-type Si6Tip6 (Tip = 2,4,6-iPr3C6H2) isomer has been investigated in the gas phase by the electron diffraction method (Tav = 645K) supplemented with theoretical simulations. A detailed analysis of the current possibilities for experimentally investigating large molecular structures is performed. A series of density functional theory approximations and the role of dispersion interactions have been benchmarked using the obtained data. Based on the refined geometry of Si6Tip6, various quantum-chemical methods have been applied for the investigation of the electronic structure of its Si6 core. In particular, natural bond orbital, quantum theory of atoms in molecules, interacting quantum atoms, fractional occupation number weighted density, and complete active space self-consistent field (CASSCF) methods were utilized. The diradical character of the molecule has been assessed by the UHF and CASSCF approximations. The problem of bonding between the hemispheroidal silicon atoms has been investigated.

Thionation‐Induced Enhancement of Optical and Electronic Properties in NDI Molecule for Molecular Electronic Applications: A Computational Study Using DFT/TD‐DFT and QTAIM Theory

AbstractThe study investigates the impact of thionation on N,N'‐di(dodecyl)‐4,5,8,9‐naphthalene diimide (NDI) through computational methods such as density functional theory (DFT/TD‐DFT), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM), and Landauer theory (LT). Thionation, involving the replacement of diamide oxygens with sulfurs in NDI, significantly enhances quantum‐electronic/thermoelectric properties. Computational analyzes of energy of frontier orbitals HOMO/LUMO, dipole moment, polarizability, first superpolarizability, UV spectrum, and cohesive energy show the superior performance of the thione structure (M2) compared to the pristine structure (M1). Thionation decreased the energy gap from 01.3 eV (in M1 structure) to 1.87 eV (in M2 structure). The absorption wavelength in the pristine structure (M1) is calculated to be 507 nm, which increased to 1067 nm after thionation (M2). Cohesive energy values for each of M1 and M2 structures are calculated as 12.76 and 12.89 Kcal mol−1, respectively, which indicates the improvement of stability after thionation. After connecting M1 and M2 to gold electrodes (Au‐M1‐Au and Au‐M2‐Au) and applying electric fields, the Au‐M2‐Au structure shows a lower energy gap, lower thermoelectric activity and higher conductivity at field intensities with higher than 140 × 10−4 (a.u.), indicating its use as a field‐effect molecular device (such as molecular wire or molecular switch).

6-(6-Methyl-1,2,4,5-Tetrazine-3-yl)-2,2'-Bipyridine: A N-Donor Ligand for the Separation of Lanthanides(III) and Actinides(III).

Here, we report the synthesis of the 6-(6-methyl-1,2,4,5-tetrazine-3-yl)-2,2'-bipyridine (MTB) ligand that has been developed for lanthanide/actinide separation. A multimethod study of the complexation of MTB with trivalent actinide and lanthanide ions is presented. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction measurements reveal the formation of [Ce(MTB)2(NO3)3], [Pr(MTB)(NO3)3H2O], and [Ln(MTB)(NO3)3MeCN] (Ln = Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd). In addition, the complexation of Cm(III) with MTB in solution was studied by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy. The results show the formation of [Cm(MTB)1-3]3+ complexes, which occur in two different isomers. Quantum chemical calculations reveal an energy difference between these isomers of 12 kJ mol-1, clarifying the initial observations made by time-resolved laser fluorescence spectroscopy (TRLFS). Furthermore, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis of the Cm(III) and Ln(III) complexes was performed, indicating a stronger covalent contribution in the Cm-N interaction compared to the respective Ln-N interaction. These findings align well with extraction data showing a preferred extraction of Am and Cm over lanthanides (e.g., max. SFAm/Eu = 8.3) at nitric acid concentrations <0.1 mol L-1 HNO3.

Insights into 5-fluorouracil anti–cancer drug encapsulation within the pristine and palladium-doped carbon, silicon-carbide, and germanium-carbide nanotubes: A DFT investigation for advanced nanomedicine applications

In this study, we investigated the interaction and binding properties of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), an anti-cancer drug, encapsulated within pristine and palladium-doped carbon, silicon-carbide, and germanium-carbide nanotubes (CNT, SiCNT, GeCNT). Using density functional theory (DFT), we conducted a comprehensive analysis at both aqueous and gas phases. This included geometrical, structural, electrical, bonding, and thermodynamic properties, optimized geometries, adsorption energies, quantum molecular descriptors, frontier molecular orbitals, and topological parameters at the M06-2X level of theory. Our findings indicate that Pd-doping enhances the encapsulation capabilities of nanotubes, strengthening interactions with 5-FU and improving water solubility. Calculations of recovery time required for drug release suggest that Pd-doped nanotubes effectively control the release of 5-FU. Notably, the decapsulation time of 5-FU from of Pd-doped nanotubes was longer in the gas phase than in aqueous conditions. Using the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) method, we investigated intermolecular interactions and critical bonding points. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis revealed enhanced stabilization of the 5-FU molecule post-encapsulation, with charge transfer primarily directed from nanotubes to the 5-FU. Hirshfeld surface analysis highlighted that hydrogen bonds between 5-FU active sites and nanotubes are crucial in encapsulation and fixation. Reduced Density Gradient (RDG) analysis confirmed Pd-doping as a primary source of strong attractive interactions in 5-FU/Pd-doped nanotube complexes compared to pristine nanotubes.

Sunlight-activated dye degradation of ZnO/CdO-decorated graphene oxide and its antibacterial activity

The pollution of water sources by hazardous substances such as sulfates, cyanides, and heavy metals represents a major environmental challenge. Addressing these issues requires the degradation of pollutants in wastewater to mitigate our environmental crises. Graphene oxide (GO) significantly enhances the mechanical and functional properties of GO-ZnO and GO-CdO nanocomposites, making them promising materials for applications in both sensors and catalysts. In this context, two optically active metal oxide-decorated graphene oxides (GO-ZnO and GO-CdO) were synthesized, and their photocatalytic efficacy against methylene blue (MB) was evaluated. Using an FT-IR spectrophotometer, the vibrational modes of hydroxyl (OH), carbonyl (C]O), and carboxylic (COOH) groups were identified. Raman spectroscopy analysis provided additional insights, confirming these vibrational properties. These materials exhibited peak photon absorption (λmax) at 242 nm and an optical band gap of 3.7 eV. Frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analyses indicated significant electronic charge transfer on the materials' surfaces, demonstrating their excellent capacity for adsorbing MB. An optimal catalyst dosage of 50 mg was found to be most effective in accelerating the degradation of MB. Additionally, variations in the initial pH of the solution showed a direct correlation, with higher pH levels leading to enhanced degradation efficiency, reaching up to 97 % after 120 min. Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) analyses revealed that MB is extensively adsorbed and degraded through a series of hydrogen bonding interactions. Moreover, experimental results indicate that both materials have a significant impact on bacterial destruction, suggesting their potential as novel antibacterial agents.

Levamisole Based Co(II) Single-Ion Magnet.

A new Co(II) complex, [Co(NCS)2(L)2] (1) has been synthesized based on levamisole (L) as a new ligand. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses confirm that the Co(II) ion is having a distorted tetrahedral coordination geometry in the complex. Notably strong intramolecular S⋅⋅⋅S and S⋅⋅⋅N interactions has been confirmed by employing Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM). These intramolecular interactions occur among the sulfur and nitrogen atoms of the levamisole ligands and also the nitrogen atoms of the thiocyanate. Direct current (dc) magnetic analyses reveal presence of zero field splitting (ZFS) and large magnetic anisotropy on Co(II). Detailed ab initio ligand field theory calculations quantitatively predicted the magnitude of ZFS. Prominent field-induced single-ion magnet (SIM) behavior was observed for 1 from dynamic magnetization measurements. Slow magnetic relaxation follows an Orbach mechanism with the effective energy barrier Ueff=29.6 (7) K and relaxation time τo=1.4 (4)×10-9 s.

The Perfluoro-o-phenylene-mercury Trimer [Hg(o-C6F4)]3 - a Textbook Example of Phase-Dependent Structural Differences.

The geometric and electronic structure of [Hg(o-C6F4)]3 (1) in the gas phase, i. e. free of intermolecular interactions, was determined by a synchronous gas-phase electron diffraction/mass spectrometry experiment (GED/MS), complemented by quantum chemical calculations. 1 is stable up to 498 K and the gas phase contains a single molecular form: the trimer [Hg(o-C6F4)]3. It has a planar structure of D3h symmetry with a Hg-C distance of 2.075(5) Å and a Hg-Hg distance of 3.614(7) Å (both rh1). Structural differences between the crystalline and gaseous state have been analyzed. Different DFT functional-basis combinations were tested, demonstrating the importance to consider the relativistic effects of the mercury atoms. The combination PBE0/MWB(Hg),cc-pVTZ(C,F) turned out to be the most appropriate for the geometry optimization of such organomercurials. The electronic structure of 1, the nature of the chemical bonding in C-Hg-C fragments and the nature of the Hg⋅⋅⋅Hg interactions have been analyzed in terms of the Natural Bond Orbital (NBO) and Quantum Theory of Atoms in Molecules (QTAIM) approaches. The influence of the nature of halogen substitution on the structure of the molecules in the series [Hg(o-C6H4)]3, [Hg(o-C6F4)]3, [Hg(o-C6Cl4)]3, [Hg(o-C6Br4)]3 was also analyzed.

Unveiling spectroscopic behaviour and molecular features (DFT studies) of Exemestane-maleic acid cocrystal as model multicomponent system

The present study aimed to investigate the Exemestane - maleic acid (Ex-Mal) cocrystal using Fourier-transform Raman (FT-Raman), Fourier-transform Infrared (FT-IR), Powder X-ray Diffraction (PXRD) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC) experimental techniques and quantum chemical calculations. Exemestane (Ex) is an irreversible aromatase inhibitor, clinically used for the treatment of postmenopausal women having primary or advanced breast cancer. Maleic acid (Mal), a dicarboxylic acid is found in many vegetables and fruits and is used as a food additive and sweetener. Solution crystallization of Ex and Mal was done in the generation of Ex-Mal cocrystal (1:1). PXRD and DSC analysis confirmed the successful generation of Ex-Mal Cocrystal. Intermolecular hydrogen bonding (O4-H12···O13 & C8-O3···H36) also suggested the formation of a multi-component system, Ex-Mal cocrystal (1:1), as the respective modes shifted in the vibrational (Raman & IR) spectra of cocrystal than the Ex. Further, the quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) has been done to analyze the strength and nature of inter-/intra molecular hydrogen bonding. Natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis was performed to check the stabilization energy of the system. The frontier molecular orbital (FMO) analysis predicted that Ex-Mal cocrystal is more reactive and less stable than Ex. Molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) surface showed that electrophilic (C16-H36)/(O4-H12), and nucleophilic (C8=O3)/(C17=O13) reactive groups in Ex/Mal and Mal/Ex, respectively, neutralized after the formation of Ex-Mal cocrystal, confirming the presence of hydrogen bonding interactions (C16-H36∙∙∙O3=C8) and (C17=O13∙∙∙H12-O4). Molar Refractivity (MR) was calculated to check the drug-likeness behaviours of Ex-mal cocrystal. This study provided a comparison of experimental and theoretical results to understand the hydrogen bonding interactions and structural activity of the system.

Rationalizing the stability and noncovalent interactions of N-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-(methylthio)thiazole-4-carboxamide: Insights from X‐ray structure and QTAIM analysis

A novel thiazole derivative, N-(benzo[d][1,3]dioxol-5-ylmethyl)-2-(methylthio)thiazole-4-carboxamide was synthesized and the structural interpretations were accomplished unambiguously by single crystal X-ray diffraction study. Structure investigation revealed that the crystal packing is stabilized by CH…N, and NH…O intermolecular interactions. Hirshfeld surface analysis used to explore the quantitative details of noncovalent interactions which are responsible for the crystal packing. The 3D energy framework, interaction energies and lattice energy of the compound were computed. Density functional theory (DFT) calculation was also employed to study various physicochemical properties of the compound. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analysis have been performed to study the intra and intermolecular interactions present in the thiazole derivative and also validate with the experimental results.

Tetrel Bond Affects the Self-Assembly of Acetylcholine and its Analogues and is an Ancillary Interaction in Protein Binding.

The -N+(CH3)3 residue is present in acetylcholine (ACh) and in many of its analogues which are used as selective ACh agonist or antagonists for human therapy. The X-ray structures of four ACh derivatives show the presence of short and linear contacts between the C atoms of -N+(CH3)3 groups and lone pair possessing atoms. These contacts can be rationalized as tetrel bonds (TtBs) thanks to their geometric features. Interrogation of the Protein Data Bank suggests that similar -N+-C⋅⋅⋅nucleophile contacts affect the details of the binding of ACh and its derivatives to proteins. Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, noncovalent interaction plot, and natural bond orbital analyses consistently confirm that the -N+-C⋅⋅⋅nucleophile contacts observed in small molecule crystals and in substrate/protein complexes are attractive in nature and can be rationalized as TtBs. TtBs involving methyl groups of the -N+(CH3)3 moiety can be proposed as a new item in the palette of interactions allowing the compounds containing this pharmacophoric unit to bind to their target protein and/or to express their biological/pharmacological properties.

Deciphering the adsorption and sensing performance of Al24N24 and B24N24 nanoclusters as a drug delivery system for nitrosourea anticancer drug: A DFT insight

Nanomaterials for drug detection are crucial in pharmaceutical research, especially in cancer therapy applications like nitrosourea. The purpose of this work was to examine the sensitivity of Al24N24 and B24N24 nanocages for the detection of nitrosourea by using density functional theory (DFT). Different analyses were performed such as adsorption energy (Eads) studies, frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs), natural bond orbitals (NBO), global indices of reactivity, UV-Vis studies, molecular electrostatic potential (MEP), non-covalent interaction (NCI), quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and sensor mechanism. The adsorption of nitrosourea on Al24N24 shows the highest values of adsorption energies with the value of −59.239, −55.986, and −51.019 kcal/mol for O/6m-AN, plan/6m-AN, and plan/8m-AN respectively. On the other hand, B24N24 complexes show fewer adsorption energies with the notable presence in plan/6m-BN, O/4m-BN, and plan/8m-BN that have the values of −11.064, −10.983, and −10.064 kcal/mol respectively. The energy gap of Al24N24 and B24N24 complexes decrease from 4.120 eV and 6.493 eV respectively for bare nanocage showing the potential of using these cages for nitrosourea (NUr) detection. FMOs studies reveal that among all designed complexes the lowest energy gap is present in O/4m-AN having a value of 2.913 eV. Moreover, global indices of reactivity suggest the increase in softness for Al24N24 complexes from 0.2427 eV for bare nanocage to 0.3433 eV for O/4m-AN. Similarly, the softness for B24N24 complexes also increases from 0.1540 eV for bare cage to 0.3012 eV for O/B-BN. Sensitivities for NUr in O/B-BN, O/4m-BN, plan/6m-BN and plan/8m-BN are 0.896, 0.870, 0.834 and 0.815 respectively. Moreover, the recovery time of NUr drug from BN nanocage is also very short as 7.53 × 10-12 s for O/N-BN. Topological analysis predict the non-covalent nature of interaction present between AN and BN nanocages. The electrical conductivity values are increased after the adsorption process. The highest electrical conductivity is present in AN complexes such as 4.41 × 1012 S/m for O/4m-AN due to low energy gap of 2.91 eV. The sensor mechanism reflects the high values of sensitivity for B24N24 complexes due to narrow energy gaps. Thus, B24N24 could be a fine candidate for the detection of nitrosourea and as a drug delivery vehicle for nitrosourea to treat cancer.