Increased accuracy of vibrational circular dichroism calculations for isotopically labeled helical peptides

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra have been computed with qualitatively correct sign patterns for α-helical peptides using various methods, ranging from empirical models to ab initio quantum mechanical computations. However, some details, such as deuteration effects and isotope substitution shifts and sign patterns for the resultant amide I' band shape, have remained a predictive challenge. Fully optimized computations for a 25-residue Ala-rich peptide, including implicit solvent corrections and explicit side chains that experimentally stabilize these model helical peptides in water, have been carried out using density functional theory (DFT). These fully minimized structures show minor changes in the (ϕ,ψ) torsions at the termini and yield an extra negative band to the low energy side of the characteristic amide I' couplet VCD, in agreement with experiments. Additionally, these calculations give the right sign and relative intensity patterns, as compared to experimental results, for several 13C=O substituted variants. The differences from previously reported computations that used ideal helical structures and vacuum conditions imply that inclusion of distorted termini and solvent effects can have an impact on the final detailed spectral patterns. Inclusion of side chains in these calculations had very little effect on the computed amide I' IR and VCD. Tests of constrained geometries, varying dielectric, and different functionals indicate that each can affect the band shapes, particularly for the 12C=O components, but these aspects do not fully explain the difference from previous spectral simulations. Inclusion of long-range amide coupling, as obtained from DFT computation of the full structure, or transfer of parameters from a somewhat longer peptide model, rather than shorter model, seems to be more important for the final detailed band shape under isotopic substitution. However, these corrections can also induce other changes, suggesting that previously reported, limited calculations may have been qualitatively useful due to a balance of errors. This may also explain the success of simple empirical IR models.

Conformations of Steroid Hormones: Infrared and Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy

Steroid hormone molecules may exhibit very different functionalities based on the associated functional groups and their 3D arrangements in space, i.e., absolute configurations and conformations. Infrared (IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of four different steroid hormones, namely dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), 17α-methyltestosterone (MTTT), (16α,17)-epoxyprogesterone (Epoxy-P4), and dehydroepiandrosterone acetate (AcO-DHEA), were measured in deuterated dimethyl sulfoxide and some also in carbon tetrachloride. Extensive conformational searches were carried out using the recent developed conformer-rotamer ensemble sampling tool (CREST) which also accounts for solvent effects using an implicit solvation model. All the CREST conformational candidates were then reoptimized at the B3LYP-D3BJ/def2-TZVPD with the PCM of solvent. The good agreements between the experimental IR and VCD spectra and the theoretical simulations provide a conclusive information about their conformational distribution and absolute configurations. The experimental and theoretical IR and VCD spectra of AcO-DHEA in the carbonyl and alkene stretching region showed some discrepancies, and the possible causes related to solvent effects, large amplitude motions and levels of theory used in the modelling were explored in detail. As part of the investigation, additional calculations at the B3LYP-D3BJ/6-31++G (2d,p) and B3LYP-D3BJ/cc-pVTZ levels, as well as some 'mixed' calculations with the double-hybrid functional B2PLYP-D3 were also carried out. The results indicate that the double-hybrid functional is important for predicting the correct IR band pattern in the carbonyl and alkene stretching region.

Basis Set Dependence of Optical Rotation Calculations with Different Choices of Gauge

In this work, the basis set dependence of optical rotation (OR) calculations is examined for various choices of gauge/level of theory. The OR is calculated for a set of 50 molecules using B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP and 17 molecules using coupled cluster with single and double excitations (CCSD). The calculations employ the correlation-consistent basis sets, aug-cc-pVζZ with ζ = D, T, Q. An inverse-power extrapolation formula is then utilized to obtain OR values at the complete basis set (CBS) limit. We investigate the basis set convergence for these methods and three choices of gauge: length gauge (with gauge-including atomic orbitals, LG(GIAOs), for DFT), the origin-invariant length gauge [LG(OI)], and the modified velocity gauge (MVG). The results show that all methods converge smoothly to the CBS limit and that the LG(OI) approach has a slightly faster convergence rate than the other choices of gauge. While the DFT methods reach gauge invariance at the CBS limit, CCSD does not. The significant difference between the MVG and LG(OI) results at the CBS limit, 26%, indicates that CCSD is not quite at convergence in the description of electron correlation for this property. On the other hand, gauge invariance at the CBS limit for DFT does not lead to the same OR values for the two density functionals, which is also due to electron correlation incompleteness. A limited comparison to gas-phase experimental OR values for the DFT methods shows that CAM-B3LYP seems more accurate than B3LYP. Overall, this study shows that the LG(OI) approach with the aug-cc-pVTZ basis set for DFT, and with the CBS(DT) extrapolation for CCSD, provides a good cost/accuracy balance.

Can One Measure Resonance Raman Optical Activity?

Resonance Raman optical activity (RROA) is commonly measured as the difference in intensity of Raman scattered right and left circularly polarized light, I_R -I_L , when a randomly polarized light is in resonance with a chiral molecule. Strong and sometimes mono-signate experimental RROA spectra of several chiral solutes were reported previously, although their signs and relative intensities could not be reproduced theoretically. By examining multiple light-matter interaction events which can occur simultaneously under resonance, we show that a new form of chiral Raman spectroscopy, eCP-Raman, a combination of electronic circular dichroism and circularly polarized Raman, prevails. By incorporating the finite-lifetime approach for resonance, the experimental patterns of the model chiral solutes are captured theoretically by eCP-Raman, without any RROA contribution. The results open opportunity for applications of eCP-Raman spectroscopy and for extracting true RROA experimentally.

Unusual binary aggregates of perylene bisimide revealed by their electronic transitions in helium nanodroplets and DFT calculations

The S1 ← S0 electronic transition of perylene bisimide (PBI) and its binary aggregates were investigated using a combination of helium nanodroplet isolation spectroscopy and computational methods. First, well-resolved vibronic bands of the PBI monomer obtained under the superfluid helium nanodroplet environment were compared to simulated vibronic spectra with anharmonic corrections of the band positions. Second, about ten sets of weaker vibronic bands were observed, which show similar vibronic patterns as that of the PBI monomer and have their band origins red-shifted by about 8 to 218 cm-1. Experimental Poisson curve analyses, performed at the origins of these new sets of bands and the PBI monomer, indicate that the carriers of these weaker red-shifted vibronic bands are binary adducts of PBI. Three types of PBI dimer structures where the electronic transition dipole moments of the two subunits are perpendicular to each other were proposed as possible carriers of these red-shifted vibronic patterns. Extensive vibronic simulations were carried out in a multi-step procedure with TD-DFT, vertical Hessian, and finally adiabatic Hessian approaches. Small red-shifted band origins and very similar vibronic patterns to that of the monomer were predicted for unusual, T-shaped, type I dimer structures and are in close agreement with the experimental data. The combined experimental and theoretical results indicate that the helium nanodroplet environment enables the formation of these unusual T-shaped dimers and stabilizes them.

Calculation of Nuclear Spin-Spin Coupling Constants of Molecules with First and Second Row Atoms in Study of Basis Set Dependence

This paper proposes a systematic way to modify standard basis sets for use in NMR spin-spin coupling calculations, which allows the high sensitivity of this property to the basis set to be handled in a manner which remains computationally feasible. The new basis set series is derived by uncontracting a standard basis set, such as correlation-consistent aug-cc-pVTZ, and extending it by systematically adding tight s and d functions. For elements in different rows of the periodic table, different progressions of functions are added. The new basis sets are shown to approach the basis set limit for calculations on a range of molecules containing hydrogen and first and second row atoms.

Conformational dynamics of carbohydrates: Raman optical activity of D-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-D-glucosamine using a combined molecular dynamics and quantum chemical approach

As two biologically and medically relevant monosaccharides, the constituents of hyaluronic acid, d-glucuronic acid and N-acetyl-d-glucosamine, constitute perfect test cases for the development of carbohydrate-specific structural methods. These two molecules have been analysed by Raman optical activity (ROA), a spectroscopic technique exhibiting exquisite sensitivity to stereochemistry. We show that it is possible to support the experiment with a simulation approach combining density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD), both using explicit solvation. Thus, we have gained new insight into the crucial hydration effects that contribute to the conformational dynamics of carbohydrates and managed to characterize in detail the poorly understood vibrational nature of this class of biomolecules. Experimental and calculated ROA spectra of these two molecules are reported and excellent agreement has been found. More specifically, comparison has been made with the more commonly used gas phase and implicitly solvated calculation approaches, which offer poor or zero modelling of solvent interactions. The calculated spectra have been used to resolve the structural origins of the observed bands, a current challenge in the study of carbohydrates due to a lack of definitive vibrational assignments. We report and analyse major features in the fingerprint region of the ROA spectra, with recurrent structural and spectral features between the two monosaccharides observed.

Absolute configuration of remisporines A & B

The absolute configuration of remisporine B was determined based on a comparison of experimental and calculated electronic circular dichorism (ECD) spectra.

Experimental and theoretical polarized Raman linear difference spectroscopy of small molecules with a new alignment method using stretched polyethylene film

This paper reports the development of the new technique of Raman linear difference (RLD) spectroscopy and its application to small molecules: anthracene and nucleotides adenosine-5'-monophosphate, thymidine-5'-monophosphate, guanosine-5'-monophosphate, and cytidine-5'-monophosphate. In this work we also present a new alignment method for Raman spectroscopy where stretched polyethylene films are used as the matrix. Raman spectra using light polarized along the orientation direction and perpendicular to it are reported. The polyethylene (PE) film spectra are consistent with powder samples and films deposited on quartz. RLD spectra determined from the difference of the parallel and perpendicular polarized light Raman spectra are also reported. The equations describing RLD are derived, and RLD spectra of anthracene and thymidine are calculated from these equations using Density Functional Theory and assuming perfect orientation of the samples. Because of the wealth of spectroscopic information in the vibrational spectra of biomolecules together with our ability to calculate spectra as a function of orientation, we conclude that RLD has the potential to provide structural information for biological samples that currently cannot be extracted from any other method.

Determination of the absolute configurations of natural products using TDDFT optical rotation calculations: the iridoid oruwacin

We report the determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of the iridoid natural product oruwacin by comparison of the optical rotations, [alpha] D, of its two enantiomers, calculated using time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT), to the experimental [alpha] D value, +193. Conformational analysis of oruwacin using density functional theory (DFT) identifies eight conformations which are significantly populated at room temperature. [alpha] D values of these eight conformations are calculated using TDDFT at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ//B3LYP/6-31G* level, leading to the conformationally averaged [alpha] D values of -193 for the (1 R,5 S,8 S,9 S,10 S)-enantiomer and +193 for the (1 S,5 R,8 R,9 R,10 R)-enantiomer. Comparison of the calculated [alpha] D values to the value of the natural product proves that naturally occurring oruwacin has the AC 1 S,5 R,8 R,9 R,10 R. This AC is opposite to that assigned by Adesogan by comparison of the [alpha] D of oruwacin to that of the iridoid plumericin. Our results show that the assignment of the AC of a natural product by comparison of its [alpha] D to that of a chemically related molecule can be unreliable and should not be assumed to be definitive.

Effect of Substituents and Conformations on the Optical Rotations of Cyclic Oxides and Related Compounds. Relationship between the Anomeric Effect and Optical Rotation1

The effect of substituents on the specific rotation of substituted cyclic oxides (X = F, Cl, CN, and HCC) and related compounds was studied via geometry optimization at the B3LYP/6-311+G** level followed by calculations of the specific rotation with B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ and, when practical, also with B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ. In some cases chiral samples were prepared so that the calculated specific rotations could be compared with experimental data. With most compounds there was only a minor effect of the basis set on the specific rotations. With the oxiranes and oxetanes, the chloro derivative gave a different behavior than the other substituents, but all substituents behaved in the same fashion with trans-2-methyl-1-X-cyclopropanes. Therefore the unusual behavior of chlorooxirane probably results from an interaction between oxygen and chlorine rather than being due to the presence of a three-membered ring. Chlorine is also an unusual substituent for the tetrahydrofurans. The effect of conformation on the calculated specific rotations was examined with the axial and equatorial 2-substituted tetrahydropyrans, where the anomeric effect is operative with the axial substituent, and also the 3-substituted tetrahydropyrans that would not be subject to the anomeric effect. The unusual effect of chlorine was seen only when it is antiperiplanar with respect to the oxygen.

Sum-over-States Calculation of the Specific Rotations of Some Substituted Oxiranes, Chloropropionitrile, Ethane, and Norbornenone

A sum-over-states approach has been applied to the calculation of the specific rotations of several substituted oxiranes, 2-chloropropionitrile, and 30 degrees-rotated ethane. In each case, the first few excited states proved to have only a relatively small effect on the calculated specific rotation. It was necessary to use a very large number of excited states in order to achieve convergence with the results of the more direct linear response method. However, the latter does not give information on which excited states are important in determining the specific rotation. Norbornenone is unique in that its greatly enhanced specific rotation as compared to norbornanone is associated with the low-energy n-pi* transition. The C=C bond orbitals interact with the C=O in the LUMO, and a density difference plot for going from the ground state to the first excited state clearly shows the perturbation of the C=C.

Nonresonant Optical Activity of Isolated Organic Molecules

Cavity ring-down polarimetry (CRDP) has been exploited to interrogate the nonresonant optical activity (or circular birefringence) of prototypical organic compounds in the vapor phase, thereby revealing the intrinsic chiro-optical response evoked from isolated (solvent-free) molecules. Specific polarization rotation parameters have been measured at two distinct excitation wavelengths (355 nm and 633 nm) for a variety of gas-phase species drawn from the terpene, epoxide, and alkane/alkene families, with complementary solution-phase polarimetric studies serving to highlight the pronounced influence of solute-solvent interactions. Time-dependent linear response calculations performed at high levels of density functional theory have been enlisted to unravel the structural and electronic origins for observed behavior. Aside from elucidating the complex solvation processes that mediate chiro-optical phenomena taking place in condensed media, this study affords a critical assessment for emerging ab initio predictions of nonresonant optical activity and for their promising ability to assist in the determination of absolute molecular stereochemistry.

Determination of Molecular Structure Using Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectroscopy: The Keto-lactone Product of Baeyer−Villiger Oxidation of (+)-(1R,5S)-Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,7-dione

[reaction: see text] The Baeyer-Villiger oxidation of (+)-(1R,5S)-bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane-2,7-dione, 1, can lead to four keto-lactone products, 2a-d. A single isomer is obtained experimentally. We have used IR and VCD spectroscopies to identify the structure of this product. DFT calculations of the IR and VCD spectra of 2a-d show unambiguously that the experimental product is (+)-(1R,6R)-2a, and not the expected product 2b. NMR studies, including comparison of DFT and experimental 1H and 13C spectra, support this conclusion. This work provides the first example of the use of VCD spectroscopy to discriminate between structural isomers of a chiral molecule. The specific rotation of (+)-(1R,6R)-2a, predicted using TDDFT methods, is negative demonstrating that absolute configurations determined from TDDFT calculations of specific rotations are not 100% reliable.

Chiroptical Properties of 2-Chloropropionitrile

(S)-(-)-2-chloropropionitrile has been prepared from (S)-(+)-alanine, and the ORD curves have been obtained in several solvents and in the gas phase. A reaction field extrapolation of the solution data to the gas phase led to an estimated value of [alpha]D = -21 degrees, whereas the interpolated gas phase value is -8 degrees. The specific rotation was found to be temperature dependent in ethylcyclohexane solution over the range 0-100 degrees C. Although rotation of the methyl group leads to large calculated effects on the specific rotation, it does not lead to the temperature dependence. Rather, a low frequency mode at 224 cm(-1) was found to be responsible. This is a mixed mode involving methyl torsion and C-C[triple bond]N bending. The specific rotations calculated at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level including electric field dependent functions are in very good agreement with the measured gas phase values.

Conformational Effects on Optical Rotation. 2-Substituted Butanes

The specific rotations of 2-substituted butanes (X = F, Cl, CN, and HCC) were calculated at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level as a function of the C-C-C-C torsion angle. The results for the four compounds are remarkably similar, despite large differences in the electronic transition energies. The temperature dependence of the specific rotations for 2-methylbutyronitrile and for 2-chlorobutane was studied to give experimental information about the effect of the torsion angle on the specific rotation. The results were in good accord with B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations. The specific rotations derived from the study of 2-chlorobutane are similar to those previously obtained for 3-chloro-1-butene, indicating that the double bond does not have a large effect on the optical rotations, but it did lead to a large difference between calculated and observed specific rotations.

Determination of absolute configuration using density functional theory calculation of optical rotation: chiral alkanes

The recently developed Gauge-Invariant (Including) Atomic Orbital (GIAO) based Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory (TDDFT) methodology for the calculation of transparent spectral region optical rotations of chiral molecules provides a new approach to the determination of absolute configurations. Here, we discuss the application of the TDDFT/GIAO methodology to chiral alkanes. We report B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ calculations of the specific rotations of the 22 chiral alkanes, 2-23, of well-established Absolute Configuration. The average absolute deviation of calculated and experimental [alpha](D) values for molecules 2-22 is 24.8. In two of the molecules 2-23, trans-pinane, 10, and endo-isocamphane, 13, the sign of [alpha](D) is incorrectly predicted. Our results demonstrate that absolute configurations of alkanes can be reliably assigned by using B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ TDDFT/GIAO calculations if, but only if, [alpha](D) is significantly greater than 25. In the case of (-)-anti-trans-anti-trans-anti-trans-perhydrotriphenylene, 1, [alpha](D) is -93 and TDDFT/GIAO calculations reliably lead to the absolute configuration R(-).

Conformational spaces of the gastrointestinal antisecretory chiral drug omeprazole: Stereochemistry and tautomerism

A study of the conformational spaces of the chiral proton pump inhibitor (PPI) drug omeprazole by semiempirical, ab-initio, and DFT methods is described. In addition to the chiral center at the sulfinyl sulfur atom, the chiral axis at the pyridine ring (due to the hindered rotation of the 4-methoxy substituents) was considered. The results were analyzed in terms of the 5-methoxy and 6-methoxy tautomers and the two pairs of enantiomers (R,P)/(S,M) and (R,M)/(S,P). Five torsion angles were systematically explored: the backbone rotations defined by D1 (N3-C2-S10-O11), D2 (C2-S10-C12-C13), and D3 (S10-C12-C13-N14) and two methoxy rotations defined by D4 (C6-C5-O8-C9) and D5 (C16-C17-O19-C20). Significant energy differences were revealed between the 5- and 6-methoxy tautomers, the extended and folded conformations, and the (S,M) and (S,P) diastereomers. The "extended M" conformation of the 6-methoxy tautomer of (S)-omeprazole was found to be the most stable conformer.

Determination of absolute configurations of chiral molecules using ab initio time-dependent Density Functional Theory calculations of optical rotation: How reliable are absolute configurations obtained for molecules with small rotations?

The absolute configuration (AC) of a chiral molecule can be determined via calculation of its specific rotation. Currently, the latter is most accurately carried out using the TDDFT/GIAO methodology. Here we examine the reliability of this methodology in determining ACs of molecules with small specific rotations. We report TDDFT/GIAO B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ//B3LYP/6-31G* calculations of the sodium D line specific rotations, [alpha]D, of 65 conformationally rigid chiral molecules whose experimental [alpha]D values are small (<100). The RMS deviations, sigma, of calculated and experimental [alpha]D values is 28.9. The distribution of deviations is approximately Gaussian, i.e., random. For eight molecules, more than 10% of the set, the sign of the predicted [alpha]D is incorrect. In determining an AC of a rigid molecule from [alpha]D with 95% confidence, the calculated [alpha]D value must lie within +/-2sigma of the experimental [alpha]D for one, but not both, of the possible ACs. For the 65 molecules of this study +/-2sigma is 57.8. For conformationally flexible molecules, the error bar is +/- >57.8.

Determination of the Absolute Configuration of [32](1,4)Barrelenophanedicarbonitrile Using Concerted Time-Dependent Density Functional Theory Calculations of Optical Rotation and Electronic Circular Dichroism

The technique of time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) has very recently been applied to the calculation of both transparent spectral region optical rotations and electronic circular dichroism (CD). Here, we report the concerted application of the new methodologies to the determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of [3(2)](1,4)barrelenophanedicarbonitrile, 1, the first optically active barrelenophane. 1 is conformationally flexible: the two three-carbon bridges of 1 can each exhibit two conformations, leading to three inequivalent conformations of 1: a, b, and c. Conformational structures and energies are predicted using DFT at the B3LYP/6-31G level. Comparison of the calculated structures to structures obtained via X-ray crystallography of (+)-1 shows that (remarkably) all three conformations a-c are simultaneously present in crystalline (+)-1. The sodium D line specific rotations, [alpha](D), and CD spectra of a-c are calculated using TDDFT at the B3LYP/aug-cc-pVDZ level. Comparison of the conformationally averaged specific rotation and CD spectrum to the experimental data of Matsuda-Sentou and Shinmyozu leads to the AC 9S,12S(+)/9R,12R(-). The same AC is obtained both from [alpha](D) and from the CD, strongly supporting its reliability.

Determination of Absolute Configuration Using Concerted ab Initio DFT Calculations of Electronic Circular Dichroism and Optical Rotation: Bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane Diones

The concerted use of ab initio time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) calculations of transparent spectral region optical rotation and of circular dichroism has recently become practicable, permitting the concerted use of transparent spectral region optical rotation and circular dichroism in determining the absolute configurations of chiral molecules. Here, we report concerted TDDFT calculations of the transparent spectral region specific rotations and of the circular dichroism spectra originating in n --> pi C=O group excitations of four bicyclo[3.3.1]nonane diones, 1-4. Comparison to experiment yields absolute configurations for 1-4. For each dione, specific rotations and circular dichroism spectra give identical absolute configurations. Our results are consistent with previous work, with the exception of the Octant Rule-derived absolute configuration of the 2,9-dione.

NMR Chemical Shifts. Substituted Acetylenes

The MPW1PW91/6-311+G(2d,p) and MP2/6-311+G(2d,p) GIAO nuclear shieldings for a series of monosubstituted acetylenes have been calculated using the MP2/6-311G(2d,p) geometries. Axially symmetric substituents such as fluorine may lead to large changes in the isotropic shielding but have little effect on the tensor component (zz) about the C[triple bond]C bond axis. On the other hand, substituents such as vinyl and aldehyde groups lead to essentially no difference in the isotropic shielding but are calculated to give a large zz paramagnetic shift to the terminal carbon of the acetylene group, without having much effect on the inner carbon. The tensor components of the chemical shifts for trimethylsilylacetylene, methoxyacetylene, and propiolaldehyde have been measured and are in reasonable agreement with the calculations. The downfield shift at the terminal carbon of propiolaldehyde along with a small upfield shift at the adjacent carbon has been found to result from the coupling of the in-plane pi MO of the acetylene with the pi* orbital that has a node near the central carbon. The tensor components for acetonitrile also have been measured, and the shielding of cyano and acetylenic carbons are compared.

Determination of absolute configuration using ab initio calculation of optical rotation

Ab initio Density Functional Theory (DFT) calculations of transparent spectral region, discrete frequency specific rotations were used to assign the absolute configurations (ACs) of: 1, 2H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophene 1-oxide; 2, m-F-phenyl glycidic acid methyl ester; 3, o-Br-phenyl glycidic acid methyl ester; 4, p-CH(3)-phenyl glycidic acid methyl ester; 5, 2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-chromen-4-one; and 6, 6-Br-2-(1-hydroxyethyl)-chromen-4-one. The ACs of 5 and 6 were previously determined via X-ray crystallography to be: 5, R(-)/S(+); 6, R(+)/S(-). The ACs obtained using [alpha](D) are the same for both 5 and 6: R(+)/S(-). We conclude that the previously reported AC of 5 is incorrect.

Conformational effects on optical rotation. 3-substituted 1-butenes

A calculation of the optical rotation of (R)-(-)-3-chloro-1-butene found a remarkably large dependence on the C=C-C-C torsional angle. At tau = 0 degrees, [alpha](D) = +244 degrees, whereas at tau = 180 degrees, [alpha](D) = -526 degrees. The effect of conformation on the optical rotation was confirmed by a study of the temperature dependence of the rotation. An analysis of the data gave the difference in free energy between the low- and high-energy conformers as 1315 cal/mol and gave the optical rotation of the low-energy conformer and the average of the rotations of the higher energy forms. Although a large effect was found, the observed rotations are a factor of 2.6 smaller than the calculated values, independent of both conformation and wavelength from 589 to 365 nm. The effect of replacing Cl with F, CN, and CCH was examined theoretically. The effects of substituents are remarkably small despite large changes in the calculated electronic transition energies.

Determination of absolute configuration using optical rotation calculated using density functional theory

[structure: see text] We report the first determinations of the absolute configurations (ACs) of chiral molecules using discrete frequency, transparent spectral region optical rotations calculated using density functional theory (DFT). The ACs of 2H-naphtho[1,8-bc]thiophene 1-oxide (3), naphtho[1,8-cd]-1,2-dithiole 1-oxide (4), and 9-phenanthryl methyl sulfoxide (5) are determined by comparison of their specific rotations to values calculated via the time-dependent DFT/gauge-invariant atomic orbital (TDDFT/GIAO) methodology using the B3LYP functional and the aug-cc-pVDZ basis set.

Configurational and conformational analysis of chiral molecules using IR and VCD spectroscopies: spiropentylcarboxylic acid methyl ester and spiropentyl acetate

The chiral monosubstituted derivatives of spiropentane, spiropentylcarboxylic acid methyl ester, 1, and spiropentyl acetate, 2, have been synthesized in optically active form. Configurational and conformational analysis of 1 and 2 has been carried out using infrared (IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopies. Analysis of the experimental IR and VCD spectra has been carried out using ab initio density functional theory (DFT). For both 1 and 2, DFT predicts two populated conformations. Comparison to experiment of the conformationally averaged IR and VCD spectra of 1 and 2, predicted using DFT, provides unequivocal evidence of the predicted conformations and yields the absolute configurations R(-)/S(+) for 1 and R(+)/S(-) for 2. These absolute configurations are consistent with the R(-)/S(+) absolute configuration of spiropentylcarboxylic acid, assigned previously via X-ray crystallography of its alpha-phenylethylammonium salt.

Ab initio prediction of optical rotation: comparison of density functional theory and Hartree-Fock methods for three 2,7,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octanes

We report ab initio calculations of the frequency-dependent electric dipole-magnetic dipole polarizabilities, beta(nu), at the sodium D line frequency and, thence, of the specific rotations, [alpha](D), of 2,7,8-trioxabicyclo[3.2.1]octane, 1, and its 1-methyl derivative, 2, using the Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Hartree-Fock/Self-Consistent Field (HF/SCF) methodologies. Gauge-invariant (including) atomic orbitals (GIAOs) are used to ensure origin-independent [alpha](D) values. Using large basis sets which include diffuse functions DFT [alpha](D) values are in good agreement with experimental values (175.8 degrees and 139.2 degrees for (1S,5R)-1 and -2, respectively); errors are in the range 25-35 degrees. HF/SCF [alpha](D) values, in contrast, are much less accurate; errors are in the range 75-95 degrees. The use of small basis sets which do not include diffuse functions substantially lowers the accuracy of predicted [alpha](D) values, as does the use of the static limit approximation: beta(nu) approximately beta(o). The use of magnetic-field-independent atomic orbitals, FIAOs, instead of GIAOs, leads to origin-dependent, and therefore nonphysical, [alpha](D) values. We also report DFT calculations of [alpha](D) for the 1-phenyl derivative of 1, 3. DFT calculations find two stable conformations, differing in the orientation of the phenyl group, of very similar energy, and separated by low barriers. Values of [alpha](D) predicted using two different algorithms for averaging over phenyl group orientations are in good agreement with experiment. In principle, the absolute configuration (AC) of a chiral molecule can be assigned by comparison of the optical rotation predicted ab initio to the experimental value. Our results demonstrate the critical importance of the choice of ab initio methodology in obtaining reliable optical rotations and, hence, ACs, and show that, at the present time, DFT constitutes the method of choice.

Extending the VSEPR model through the properties of the Laplacian of the charge density

The Laplacian of the electronic charge density demonstrates the presence of local concentrations of charge in the valence shell of an atom in a molecule. These local maxima faithfully duplicate in number, location, and size the spatially localized electron pairs of the VSEPR model. Thus the Laplacian of the charge density provides a physical basis for the Lewis and VSEPR models. The VSEPR model can fail to predict the observed geometry when a transition metal is the central atom in the system. In such a case there is no basis within the model itself to predict the existence of the nonbonded pair or pairs of electrons whose presence would account for the observed geometry. By appealing to the Laplacian of the charge density in one such system, namely VOCl3, one observes that the penultimate shell of charge concentration of this transition metal atom exhibits nonbonded concentrations of charge with the locations and properties required to account for the observed geometry of the molecule. Thus the properties of the Laplacian distribution, which are model independent, can be used to extend the applicability of the VSEPR model to those cases where the usual arguments fail to account for the number and type of charge concentrations that exist within the outer shell of an atom. Keywords: Laplacian of the charge density, VSEPR model, transition metal.