An integrated computational protocol for the accurate prediction of EPR and PNMR parameters of aminoxyl radicals in solution

Integrated Multiscale Multilevel Approach to Open Shell Molecular Systems

We present a novel multiscale approach to study the electronic structure of open shell molecular systems embedded in an external environment. The method is based on the coupling of multilevel Hartree-Fock (MLHF) and Density Functional Theory (MLDFT), suitably extended to the unrestricted formalism, to Molecular Mechanics (MM) force fields (FF). Within the ML region, the system is divided into active and inactive parts, thus describing the most relevant interactions (electrostatic, polarization, and Pauli repulsion) at the quantum level. The surrounding MM part, which is formulated in terms of nonpolarizable or polarizable FFs, permits a physically consistent treatment of long-range electrostatics and polarization effects. The approach is extended to the calculation of hyperfine coupling constants and applied to selected nitroxyl radicals in an aqueous solution.

Performance of the DLPNO-CCSD and recent DFT methods in the calculation of isotropic and dipolar contributions to 14N hyperfine coupling constants of nitroxide radicals

In the present study, the performance of a set of density functionals: BP86, PBE, OLYP, BEEF, PBEpow, TPSS, SCAN, PBEGXPBE, M06L, MN15L, B3LYP, PBE0, mPW1PW, B97, BHandHLYP, mPW1PW, B98, TPSS0, PBE1KCIS, SCAN0, M06, M06-2X, MN15, CAM-B3LYP, ωB97x, B2PLYP, and the B3LYP/N07D and PBE/N07D schemes in the calculation of the ¹⁴N anisotropic hyperfine coupling (HFC) constants of a set of 23 nitroxide radicals is evaluated. The results are compared with those obtained with the DLPNO-CCSD method and experimental HFC values. Harmonic contribution to the ¹⁴N HFC vibrational correction was calculated at the revPBE0/def2-TZVPP level and included in the evaluation. With the vibrational correction, the DLPNO-CCSD method yielded HFC values in good agreement with the experiment (mean absolute deviation (MAD) = 0.3 G for the dipole-dipole contribution and MAD = 0.8 G for the contact coupling contribution). The best DFT results are obtained using the M06 functional with MAD = 0.2 G for the dipole-dipole contribution and MAD = 0.7 G for the contact coupling contribution. In general, vibrational correction significantly improved most DFT functionals' performance but did not change its overall ranking.

Molecular and Supramolecular Interactions in Systems with Nitroxide-Based Radicals

Nitroxide-based radicals, having the advantage of firm chemical stability, are usable as probes in the detection of nanoscale details in the chemical environment of various multi-component systems, based on subtle variations in their electron paramagnetic resonance spectra. We propose a systematic walk through the vast area of problems and inquires that are implied by the rationalization of solvent effects on the spectral parameters, by first-principle methods of structural chemistry. Our approach consists of using state-of-the-art procedures, like Density Functional Theory (DFT), on properly designed systems, kept at the border of idealization and chemical realism. Thus, we investigate the case of real solvent molecules intervening in different configurations between two radical molecules, in comparison with radicals taken in vacuum or having the solvent that is treated by surrogate models, such as polarization continuum approximation. In this work, we selected the dichloromethane as solvent and the prototype radicals abbreviated TEMPO ((2,2,6,6-Tetramethylpiperidin-1-yl) oxyl). In another branch of the work, we check the interaction of radicals with large toroidal molecules, β-cyclodextrin, and cucurbit[6]uril, modeling the interaction energy profile at encapsulation. The drawn synoptic view offers valuable rationales for understanding spectroscopy and energetics of nitroxide radicals in various environments, which are specific to soft chemistry.

Performance of DFT methods in the calculation of isotropic and dipolar contributions to 14N hyperfine coupling constants of nitroxide radicals

In the present study, we tested the widely used density functionals BP86, PBE, OLYP, TPSS, M06-L, B3LYP, PBE0, mPW1PW, B97, BHandHLYP, TPSS0, M06, M06-2X, CAM-B3LYP, ωB97x, and B2PLYP with the cc-pCVQZ basis set in calculations on a set of 23 nitroxide radicals with well-resolved ¹⁴N anisotropic hyperfine coupling (HFC) constants. The results were compared with those obtained using the B3LYP/N07D and PBE/N07D methods. The convergence of the HFC values to the complete basis set limit is briefly discussed. The best results were obtained using the M06/COSMO method, with a mean absolute deviation (MAD) of 0.4 G for the dipole-dipole contribution and MAD = 0.6 G for the contact coupling contribution (as compared to 1.1 G and 1.0 G, respectively, for the B3LYP/N07D/COSMO method and 1.7 G and 0.5 G, respectively, for the B3LYP/N07D method). The majority of the functionals yielded satisfactory results for the dipole-dipole contribution, but only the M06 functional yielded similar errors for both the dipole-dipole and isotropic contributions. The RIJCOSX and RI approximations introduced errors equal to or smaller than 0.01 G.

Towards reliable references for electron paramagnetic resonance parameters based on quantum chemistry: the case of verdazyl radicals

We present an efficient and accurate computational procedure to calculate properties measurable by EPR spectroscopy. We simulate a molecular dynamics (MD) trajectory by employing the quantum mechanically derived force field (QMDFF) [S. Grimme, J. Chem. Theory Comput., 2014, 10, 4497] and sample the trajectory at different time steps. For each snapshot EPR properties are calculated with a hybrid density functional theory (DFT) method. EPR spectra are simulated based on the averaged results. We applied the strategy to a number of previously published and novel verdazyl radicals, for which we recorded EPR spectra. The resulting simulated spectra are compatible with experiment already before employing an additional fitting step, in contrast to those from single point electronic-structure calculations. After the refinement, the experimental data are excellently reproduced, and the fitted EPR parameters do not deviate much from the calculated ones. This provides confidence in ascribing a direct physical meaning to the refined data in terms of experimental EPR parameters rather than merely considering them as mathematical fit parameters. We also find that couplings to hydrogen nuclei have a significant influence on the spectra of verdazyl radicals.

Effective computational route towards vibrational optical activity spectra of chiral molecules in aqueous solution

A polarizable QM/MM approach to accurately compute the Vibrational Optical Activity (VOA) spectra of chiral systems is proposed and applied to aqueous solutions of (l)-methyl lactate and (S)-glycidol.

Multiscale computational modeling of 13C DNP in liquids

Quantitative prediction of ¹³C DNP coupling factors is achieved for acetone in water and pure chloroform.

Hyperfine coupling constants on inner-sphere water molecules of a triazacyclononane-based Mn(II) complex and related systems relevant as MRI contrast agents

We report the synthesis of the ligand H2MeNO2A (1,4-bis(carboxymethyl)-7-methyl-1,4,7-triazacyclononane) and a detailed experimental and computational study of the hyperfine coupling constants (HFCCs) on the inner-sphere water molecules of [Mn(MeNO2A)] and related Mn(2+) complexes relevant as potential contrast agents in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles, (17)O NMR chemical shifts, and transverse relaxation rates of aqueous solutions of [Mn(MeNO2A)] were recorded to determine the parameters governing the relaxivity in this complex and the (17)O and (1)H HFCCs. DFT calculations (TPSSh model) performed in aqueous solution (PCM model) on the [Mn(MeNO2A)(H2O)]·xH2O and [Mn(EDTA)(H2O)](2-)·xH2O (x = 0-4) systems were used to determine theoretically the (17)O and (1)H HFCCs responsible for the (17)O NMR chemical shifts and the scalar contributions to (17)O and (1)H NMR relaxation rates. The use of a mixed cluster/continuum approach with the explicit inclusion of a few second-sphere water molecules is critical for an accurate calculation of HFCCs of coordinated water molecules. The impact of complex dynamics on the calculated HFCCs was evaluated with the use of molecular dynamics simulations within the atom-centered density matrix propagation (ADMP) approach. The (17)O and (1)H HFCCs calculated for these complexes and related systems show an excellent agreement with the experimental data. Both the (1)H and (17)O HFCCs (A(iso) values) are dominated by the spin delocalization mechanism. The A(iso) values are significantly affected by the distance between the oxygen atom of the coordinated water molecule and the Mn(2+) ion, as well as by the orientation of the water molecule plane with respect to the Mn-O vector.

Conformational dynamics and distribution of nitroxide spin labels

Long-range distance measurements based on paramagnetic relaxation enhancement (PRE) in NMR, quantification of surface water dynamics near biomacromolecules by Overhauser dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) and sensitivity enhancement by solid-state DNP all depend on introducing paramagnetic species into an otherwise diamagnetic NMR sample. The species can be introduced by site-directed spin labeling, which offers precise control for positioning the label in the sequence of a biopolymer. However, internal flexibility of the spin label gives rise to dynamic processes that potentially influence PRE and DNP behavior and leads to a spatial distribution of the electron spin even in solid samples. Internal dynamics of spin labels and their static conformational distributions have been studied mainly by electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy and molecular dynamics simulations, with a large body of results for the most widely applied methanethiosulfonate spin label MTSL. These results are critically discussed in a unifying picture based on rotameric states of the group that carries the spin label. Deficiencies in our current understanding of dynamics and conformations of spin labeled groups and of their influence on NMR observables are highlighted and directions for further research suggested.

π-Stacking effects on the EPR parameters of a prototypical DNA spin label

The character and value of spin labels for probing environments like double-stranded DNA depend on the degree of change in the spin Hamiltonian parameters of the spin label induced by the environment. Herein we provide a systematic theoretical investigation of this issue, based on a density functional theory method applied to a spin labeled DNA model system, focusing on the dependence of the EPR properties of the spin label on the π stacking and hydrogen bonding that occur upon incorporating the spin label into the selected base pair inside DNA. It is found that the EPR spin Hamiltonian parameters of the spin label are only negligibly affected by its incorporation into DNA, when compared to its free form. This result gives a theoretical ground for the common empirical assumption regarding the behaviour of spin Hamiltonian parameters made in EPR based measurements of the distance between spin labels incorporated into DNA.

1H and 17O NMR relaxometric and computational study on macrocyclic Mn(II) complexes

Herein we report a detailed 1H and 17O relaxometric investigation of Mn(II) complexes with cyclen-based ligands such as 2-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecan-1-yl)acetic acid (DO1A), 2,2'-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4-diyl)diacetic acid (1,4-DO2A), 2,2'-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,7-diyl)diacetic acid (1,7-DO2A), and 2,2',2"-(1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane-1,4,7-triyl)triacetic acid (DO3A). The Mn(II) complex with the heptadentate ligand DO3A does not have inner sphere water molecules (q = 0), and therefore, the metal ion is most likely seven-coordinate. The hexadentate DO2A ligand has two isomeric forms: 1,7-DO2A and 1,4-DO2A. The Mn(II) complex with 1,7-DO2A is predominantly six-coordinate (q = 0). In aqueous solutions of [Mn(1,4-DO2A)], a species with one coordinated water molecule (q = 1) prevails largely, whereas a q = 0 form represents only about 10% of the overall population. The Mn(II) complex of the pentadentate ligand DO1A also contains a coordinated water molecule. DFT calculations (B3LYP model) are used to obtain information about the structure of this family of closely related complexes in solution, as well as to determine theoretically the 17O and 1H hyperfine coupling constants responsible for the scalar contribution to 17O and 1H NMR relaxation rates and 17O NMR chemical shifts. These calculations provide 17O A/ħ values of ca. 40 × 10(6) rad s(-1), in good agreement with experimental data. The [Mn(1,4-DO2A)(H2O)] complex is endowed with a relatively fast water exchange rate (k(ex)298 = 11.3 × 10(8) s(-1)) in comparison to the [Mn(EDTA)(H2O)]2- analogue (k(ex)298 = 4.7 × 10(8) s(-1)), but about 5 times lower than that of the [Mn(DO1A)(H2O)]+ complex (k(ex)298 = 60 × 10(8) s(-1)). The water exchange rate measured for the latter complex represents the highest water exchange rate ever measured for a Mn(II) complex.

The world as viewed by and with unpaired electrons

Recent advances in electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) include capabilities for applications to areas as diverse as archeology, beer shelf life, biological structure, dosimetry, in vivo imaging, molecular magnets, and quantum computing. Enabling technologies include multifrequency continuous wave, pulsed, and rapid scan EPR. Interpretation is enhanced by increasingly powerful computational models.

The electronic structure of the lutein triplet state in plant light-harvesting complex II

Carotenoid molecules are essential for the life of photosynthetic organisms in that they protect the cell from the photo-oxidative damage induced by light-stress conditions. One of the photo-protective mechanisms involves triplet-triplet energy transfer from the chlorophyll molecules to the carotenoids: a process that is strongly dependent on the electronic properties of the triplet states involved. Here, we obtain a clear description of the triplet state of lutein in LHCII from higher plants for the first time by density functional theory (DFT) calculations. DFT predictions have been validated by comparison with hyperfine couplings obtained with pulsed-ENDOR spectroscopy. Knowledge of the spin density distribution, the frontier orbitals and orbital excitations forms a basis for discussing the requirements for an efficient triplet-triplet energy transfer. The results obtained for the lutein in LHCII are compared with those of the highly-substituted carotenoid peridinin in PCP from Amphidinium carterae [Di Valentin et al., Biochim. Biophys. Acta, 2008, 1777, 295-307]. The presence of substituents in the peridinin molecule does not alter significantly the triplet state electronic structure compared to lutein. Despite the unusual spectroscopic behaviour of the peridinin excited singlet state, lutein and peridinin have similar triplet state properties. In both molecules the unpaired spins are delocalized uniformly over the whole π-conjugated system in an alternating even-odd pattern.

DFT studies of ESR parameters for N-O centered radicals, N-alkoxyaminyl and aminoxyl radicals

Theoretical calculations of ESR parameters for aminoxyl radicals have been widely studied using the density functional theory (DFT) calculations. However, the isomer N-alkoxyaminyl radicals have been limitedly studied. With the use of experimental data for 46 N-alkoxyaminyl and 38 aminoxyl radicals, the isotropic (14)N hyperfine coupling constants (aN ) and g-factors have been theoretically estimated by several DFT calculations. The best calculation scheme of aN for N-alkoxyaminyl radicals was PCM/B3LYP/6-31 + + G(d,p) (R(2) = 0.9519, MAE = 0.034 mT), and that for aminoxyl radicals was PCM/BHandHLYP/6-31 + + G(3df,3pd) (R(2) = 0.9336, MAE = 0.057 mT). For aminoxyl radicals, the solvation models in calculations enhanced the accuracy of reproducibility. In contrast, for N-alkoxyaminyl radicals the calculations with solvation models provided no improvement. The differences in the best functionals between two types of radicals were thought to come from the contribution ratios of neutral and dipolar canonical structures in resonance forms. The aN for N-alkoxyaminyl radicals that were stabilized by small contribution of dipolar canonical structures could be precisely reproduced by B3LYP with only 20% HF exact exchange. In contrast, the aN for aminoxyl radicals stabilized by large contribution of dipolar canonical structures was well reproduced by BHandHLYP with 50% HF exchange. The best calculation scheme of g-factors was IEFPCM/B3LYP/6-31 + G(d,p) (R(2) = 0.9767, MAE = 0.0001) for not only aminoxyl but also N-alkoxyaminyl radicals.

The PAW/GIPAW approach for computing NMR parameters: a new dimension added to NMR study of solids

In 2001, Mauri and Pickard introduced the gauge including projected augmented wave (GIPAW) method that enabled for the first time the calculation of all-electron NMR parameters in solids, i.e. accounting for periodic boundary conditions. The GIPAW method roots in the plane wave pseudopotential formalism of the density functional theory (DFT), and avoids the use of the cluster approximation. This method has undoubtedly revitalized the interest in quantum chemical calculations in the solid-state NMR community. It has quickly evolved and improved so that the calculation of the key components of NMR interactions, namely the shielding and electric field gradient tensors, has now become a routine for most of the common nuclei studied in NMR. Availability of reliable implementations in several software packages (CASTEP, Quantum Espresso, PARATEC) make its usage more and more increasingly popular, maybe indispensable in near future for all material NMR studies. The majority of nuclei of the periodic table have already been investigated by GIPAW, and because of its high accuracy it is quickly becoming an essential tool for interpreting and understanding experimental NMR spectra, providing reliable assignments of the observed resonances to crystallographic sites or enabling a priori prediction of NMR data. The continuous increase of computing power makes ever larger (and thus more realistic) systems amenable to first-principles analysis. In the near future perspectives, as the incorporation of dynamical effects and/or disorder are still at their early developments, these areas will certainly be the prime target.