On the nature of Parr functions to predict the most reactive sites along organic polar reactions

Quantum Reality in the Selective Reduction of a Benzofuran System

Two 2,3-disubstituted benzofurans (1 and 2), analogs of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), were synthesized to obtain their 2,3-dihydro derivatives from the Pd/C-driven catalytic reduction of the double bond in the furanoid ring. The synthesis produced surprising by-products. Therefore, theoretical calculations of global and local reactivity were performed based on Pearson's hard and soft acids and bases (HSAB) principle to understand the regioselectivity that occurred in the reduction of the olefinic carbons of the compounds. Local electrophilicity (ω_k) was the most useful parameter for explaining the selectivity of the polar reactions. This local parameter was defined with the condensed Fukui function and redefined with the electrophilic (P_k⁺) Parr function. The similar patterns of both resulting sets of values helped to demonstrate the electrophilic behavior (soft acid) of the olefinic carbons in these compounds. The theoretical calculations, nuclear magnetic resonance, and resonance hybrids showed the moieties in each compound that are most susceptible to reduction.

Chemical Reactivity Properties, pKa Values, AGEs Inhibitor Abilities and Bioactivity Scores of the Mirabamides A⁻H Peptides of Marine Origin Studied by Means of Conceptual DFT

The MN12SX density functional, in connection with the Def2TZVP basis set, was assessed, together with the SMD solvation model (Solvation Model based on the Density), for calculation of the molecular properties and structure of a group of peptides of marine origin named Mirabamides A⁻H. All the chemical reactivity descriptors for the systems were calculated via Conceptual Density Functional Theory (CDFT). The active sites suitable for nucleophilic, electrophilic, and radical attacks were chosen by linking them with the Fukui function indices, nucleophilic and electrophilic Parr functions, and condensed Dual Descriptor Δ f ( r ) , respectively. Additionally, the p K a values for the different peptides are predicted with great accuracy as well as the ability of the studied molecule in acting as an efficient inhibitor of the formation of Advanced Glycation Endproducts (AGEs), which constitutes a useful knowledge for the development of drugs for fighting Diabetes, Alzheimer and Parkinson diseases. Finally, the bioactivity scores for the Mirabamides A⁻H are predicted through different methodologies.

Local Molecular Reactivity of the Colored Dansylglycine in Water and Dioxane Studied through Conceptual DFT

This study evaluated a fixed long-range corrected range-separated hybrid (RSH) density functional associated with the Def2TZVP basis set alongside the SMD solvation model for the computation of the structure, molecular properties, and chemical reactivity of the M8 intermediate melanoidin pigment in the presence of water and dioxane. The preference of the active sites pertinent to radical, nucleophilic, and electrophilic attacks is made through linking them with the electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions, Fukui function indices, and condensed dual descriptor which are chemical reactivity descriptors that arise from conceptual density functional theory. The study confirmed the results from previous works showing that the MN12SX density functional is the most appropriate in predicting the chemical reactivity of this molecule in both solvents.

Blue M2: an intermediate melanoidin studied via conceptual DFT

In this computational study, ten density functionals, viz. CAM-B3LYP, LC-ω PBE, M11, M11L, MN12L, MN12SX, N12, N12SX, ω B97X, and ω B97XD, related to the Def2TZVP basis sets, are assessed together with the SMD solvation model for calculation of the molecular properties and structure of blue-M2 intermediate melanoidin pigment. All the chemical reactivity descriptors for the system are calculated via conceptual density functional theory (DFT). The active sites suitable for nucleophilic, electrophilic, and radical attacks are selected by linking them with the Fukui function indices, electrophilic Parr functions, and condensed dual descriptors Δf(r), respectively. The prediction of the maximum absorption wavelength is considerably accurate relative to its experimental value. The study reveals that the MN12SX and N12SX density functionals are the most appropriate density functionals for predicting the chemical reactivity of the molecule under study.

Molecular Reactivity and Absorption Properties of Melanoidin Blue-G1 through Conceptual DFT

This computational study presents the assessment of eleven density functionals that include CAM-B3LYP, LC-wPBE, M11, M11L, MN12L, MN12SX, N12, N12SX, wB97, wB97X and wB97XD related to the Def2TZVP basis sets together with the Solvation Model Density (SMD) solvation model in calculating the molecular properties and structure of the Blue-G1 intermediate melanoidin pigment. The chemical reactivity descriptors for the system are calculated via the conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT). The choice of the active sites related to the nucleophilic, electrophilic, as well as radical attacks is made by linking them with the Fukui function indices, the electrophilic Parr functions and the condensed dual descriptor Δ f ( r ) . The prediction of the maximum absorption wavelength tends to be considerably accurate relative to its experimental value. The study found the MN12SX and N12SX density functionals to be the most appropriate density functionals in predicting the chemical reactivity of the studied molecule.

Insights into N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [3 + 4] annulation reactions of 2-bromoenals with N-Ts hydrazones

A DFT study toward N-heterocyclic carbene-catalyzed [3 + 4] annulation reactions of 2-bromoenals has been performed for the first time.

iEDDA Reaction of the Molecular Iodine-Catalyzed Synthesis of 1,3,5-Triazines via Functionalization of the sp3 C-H Bond of Acetophenones with Amidines: An Experimental Investigation and DFT Study

The present work reports an inverse electron demand Diels-Alder (iEDDA)-type reaction to synthesize 1,3,5-trizines from acetophenones and amidines. The use of molecular iodine in a catalytic amount facilitates the functionalization of the sp³ C-H bond of acetophenones. This is a simple and efficient methodology for the synthesis of 1,3,5-triazines in good to excellent yields under transition-metal-free and peroxide-free conditions. The reaction is believed to take place via an in situ iodination-based oxidative elimination of formaldehyde. DFT calculations at the M062X/6-31+G(d,p) level were employed to investigate the reaction mechanism. Reaction barriers for the cycloaddition as well as a formaldehyde expulsion steps were computed, and a multistep mechanism starting with the nucleophilic attack by benzamidine on an in situ generated imine intermediate has been proposed. Both local and global reactivity descriptors were used to study the regioselectivity of the addition steps.

Conceptual DFT Descriptors of Amino Acids with Potential Corrosion Inhibition Properties Calculated with the Latest Minnesota Density Functionals

Amino acids and peptides have the potential to perform as corrosion inhibitors. The chemical reactivity descriptors that arise from Conceptual DFT for the twenty natural amino acids have been calculated by using the latest Minnesota family of density functionals. In order to verify the validity of the calculation of the descriptors directly from the HOMO and LUMO, a comparison has been performed with those obtained through ΔSCF results. Moreover, the active sites for nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks have been identified through Fukui function indices, the dual descriptor Δf(r) and the electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions. The results could be of interest as a starting point for the study of large peptides where the calculation of the radical cation and anion of each system may be computationally harder and costly.

Computational Prediction of the Protonation Sites of Ac-Lys-(Ala)n-Lys-NH2 Peptides through Conceptual DFT Descriptors

Six density functionals (M11, M11L, MN12L, MN12SX, N12, and N12SX) in connection with the Def2TZVP basis set and the SMD solvation model (water as a solvent) have been assessed for the calculation of the molecular structure and properties of several peptides with the general formula Ac-Lys-(Ala)n-Lys-NH2, with n = 0 to 5. The chemical reactivity descriptors for these systems have been calculated through Conceptual density functional theory (DFT). The active sites for nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks have been chosen by relating them to the Fukui function indices, the condensed dual descriptor Δf(r), and the electrophilic Parr functions. The results allowed the prediction of the protonation sites of the peptides and rendered a qualitative explanation of the difference in pKa of the two Lys groups.

A conceptual DFT study of the molecular properties of glycating carbonyl compounds

Several glycating carbonyl compounds have been studied by resorting to the latest Minnesota family of density functional with the objective of determinating their molecular properties. In particular, the chemical reactivity descriptors that arise from conceptual density functional theory and chemical reactivity theory have been calculated through a [Formula: see text]SCF protocol. The validity of the KID (Koopmans' in DFT) procedure has been checked by comparing the reactivity descriptors obtained from the values of the HOMO and LUMO with those calculated through vertical energy values. The reactivity sites have been determined by means of the calculation of the Fukui function indices, the condensed dual descriptor [Formula: see text] and the electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions. The glycating power of the studied compounds have been compared with the same property for simple carbohydrates.Graphical abstractSeveral glycating carbonyl compounds have been studied by resorting to the latest Minnesota family of density functional with the objective of determinating their molecular properties, the chemical reactivity descriptors and the validity of the KID (Koopmans' in DFT) procedure.

New mechanistic interpretations for nitrone reactivity

The reactivity of nitrones in cycloadditions and related reactions is revisited by introducing a topological perspective.

A Molecular Electron Density Theory Study of the Chemical Reactivity of Cis- and Trans-Resveratrol

The chemical reactivity of resveratrol isomers with the potential to play a role as inhibitors of the nonenzymatic glycation of amino acids and proteins, both acting as antioxidants and as chelating agents for metallic ions such as Cu, Al and Fe, have been studied by resorting to the latest family of Minnesota density functionals. The chemical reactivity descriptors have been calculated through Molecular Electron Density Theory encompassing Conceptual DFT. The active sites for nucleophilic and electrophilic attacks have been chosen by relating them to the Fukui function indices, the dual descriptor f ( 2 ) ( r ) and the electrophilic and nucleophilic Parr functions. The validity of "Koopmans' theorem in DFT" has been assessed by means of a comparison between the descriptors calculated through vertical energy values and those arising from the HOMO and LUMO values.

Molecular Electron Density Theory: A Modern View of Reactivity in Organic Chemistry

A new theory for the study of the reactivity in Organic Chemistry, named Molecular Electron Density Theory (MEDT), is proposed herein. MEDT is based on the idea that while the electron density distribution at the ground state is responsible for physical and chemical molecular properties, as proposed by the Density Functional Theory (DFT), the capability for changes in electron density is responsible for molecular reactivity. Within MEDT, the reactivity in Organic Chemistry is studied through a rigorous quantum chemical analysis of the changes of the electron density as well as the energies associated with these changes along the reaction path in order to understand experimental outcomes. Studies performed using MEDT allow establishing a modern rationalisation and to gain insight into molecular mechanisms and reactivity in Organic Chemistry.

Applications of the Conceptual Density Functional Theory Indices to Organic Chemistry Reactivity

Theoretical reactivity indices based on the conceptual Density Functional Theory (DFT) have become a powerful tool for the semiquantitative study of organic reactivity. A large number of reactivity indices have been proposed in the literature. Herein, global quantities like the electronic chemical potential μ, the electrophilicity ω and the nucleophilicity N indices, and local condensed indices like the electrophilic P k + and nucleophilic P k - Parr functions, as the most relevant indices for the study of organic reactivity, are discussed.

A DFT study on PBu3-catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations of N-allylic substituted α-amino nitriles for the formation of functionalized pyrrolidines: mechanisms, selectivities, and the role of catalysts

The detailed mechanisms and stereoselectivities of PBu₃-catalyzed intramolecular cyclizations for the formation of functionalized pyrrolidines have been investigated using a DFT method.

A DFT study on NHC-catalyzed intramolecular aldehyde–ketone crossed-benzoin reaction: mechanism, regioselectivity, stereoselectivity, and role of NHC

A computational study on NHC-catalyzed intramolecular aldehyde–ketone crossed-benzoin reaction has been performed using a DFT method.

Understanding the Highly Varying pKa of Arylamines. A Perspective from the Average Local Ionization Condensed-to-Atom Framework

The highly varying experimental pKa values for 36 arylamines spanning 7 orders of magnitude is carefully examined. Within this framework, a valence condensed-to-atom model for the average ionization energy is introduced and tested. The theoretical approach is connected to orbital Fukui functions directly mapped into semilocal or regional site-specific responses. It is revealed that the average local ionization energies associated with the amino nitrogen atom is linearly correlated to the basicity of the substituted arylamines, properly reproducing the experimental ordering of basicity. The condensed-to-atom descriptor exhibits a high predictive power, providing a new direct reactivity evaluation of significant value.

DFT study on the reaction mechanisms and stereoselectivities of NHC-catalyzed [2 + 2] cycloaddition between arylalkylketenes and electron-deficient benzaldehydes

In this paper, two possible mechanisms (mechanisms A and B) on the stereoselective [2 + 2] cycloaddition of aryl(alkyl)ketenes and electron-deficient benzaldehydes catalyzed by N-heterocyclic carbenes (NHCs) have been investigated using density functional theory (DFT). Our calculated results indicate that the favorable mechanism (mechanism A) includes three processes: the first step is the nucleophilic attack on the arylalkylketene by the NHC catalyst to form an intermediate, the second step is the [2 + 2] cycloaddition of the intermediate and benzaldehyde for the formation of a β-lactone, and the last step is the dissociation of the NHC catalyst and the β-lactone. Notably, the [2 + 2] cycloaddition, in which two chiral centers associated with four configurations (SS, RR, SR and RS) are formed, is demonstrated to be both the rate- and stereoselectivity-determining step. Moreover, the reaction pathway associated with the SR configuration is the most favorable pathway and leads to the main product, which is in good agreement with the experimental results. Furthermore, the analysis of global and local reactivity indexes has been performed to explain the role of the NHC catalyst in the [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction. Therefore, this study will be of great use for the rational design of more efficient catalysts for this kind of cycloaddition.

Mechanistic and stereoselectivity study for the reaction of trifluoropyruvates with arylpropenes catalyzed by a cationic Lewis acid rhodium complex

The mechanism and stereoselectivity of a Lewis acid catalyzed carbonyl–ene reaction of trifluoropyruvates with arylpropenes have been investigated using a DFT method.

Understanding the thermal dehydrochlorination reaction of 1-chlorohexane. Revealing the driving bonding pattern at the planar catalytic reaction center

The gas-phase thermal decomposition of 1-chlorohexane is rationalized in terms of a two stage one step reaction mechanism.

DFT study on the mechanisms and diastereoselectivities of Lewis acid-promoted ketene-alkene [2 + 2] cycloadditions: what is the role of Lewis acid in the ketene and C = X (X = O, CH₂, and NH) [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions?

The detailed mechanisms and diastereoselectivities of Lewis acid-promoted ketene-alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition reactions have been studied by density functional theory (DFT). Four possible reaction channels, including two noncatalyzed diastereomeric reaction channels (channels A and B) and two Lewis acid (LA) ethylaluminum dichloride (EtAlCl2) catalyzed diastereomeric reaction channels (channels C and D), have been investigated in this work. The calculated results indicate that channel A (associated with product R-configurational cycloputanone) is more energy favorable than channel B (associated with the other product S-configurational cyclobutanone) under noncatalyzed condition, but channel D leading to S-configurational cyclobutanone is more energy-favorable than channel C, leading to R-configurational cycloputanone under a LA-promoted condition, which is consistent with the experimental results. And Lewis acid can make the energy barrier of ketene-alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition much lower. In order to explore the role of LA in ketene and C = X (X = O, CH2, and NH) [2 + 2] cycloadditions, we have tracked and compared the interaction modes of frontier molecular orbitals (FMOs) along the intrinsic reaction coordinate (IRC) under the two different conditions. Besides by reducing the energy gap between the FMOs of the reactants, our computational results demonstrate that Lewis acid lowers the energy barrier of the ketene and C = X [2 + 2] cycloadditions by changing the overlap modes of the FMOs, which is remarkably different from the traditional FMO theory. Furthermore, analysis of global reactivity indexes has also been performed to explain the role of LA catalyst in the ketene-alkene [2 + 2] cycloaddition reaction.

A quantum chemical topological analysis of the C-C bond formation in organic reactions involving cationic species

ELF topological analysis of the ionic Diels-Alder (I-DA) reaction between the N,N-dimethyliminium cation and cyclopentadiene (Cp) has been performed in order to characterise the C-C single bond formation. The C-C bond formation begins in the short range of 2.00-1.96 Åvia a C-to-C pseudoradical coupling between the most electrophilic center of the iminium cation and one of the two most nucleophilic centers of Cp. The electron density of the pseudoradical center generated at the most electrophilic carbon of the iminium cation comes mainly from the global charge transfer which takes place along the reaction. Analysis of the global reactivity indices indicates that the very high electrophilic character of the iminium cation is responsible for the negative activation energy found in the gas phase. On the other hand, the analysis of the radical P(k)(o) Parr functions of the iminium cation, and the nucleophilic P(k)(-) Parr functions of Cp makes the characterisation of the most favourable two-center interaction along the formation of the C-C single bond possible.

A new C–C bond formation model based on the quantum chemical topology of electron density

Pseudodiradical structures and GEDT involved in the C–C single bond formation in non-polar, polar and ionic organic reactions.