π–π Noncovalent Interaction Involving 1,2,4- and 1,3,4-Oxadiazole Systems: The Combined Experimental, Theoretical, and Database Study

A series of N-pyridyl ureas bearing 1,2,4- (1a, 2a, and 3a) and 1,3,4-oxadiazole moiety (1b, 2b, 3b) was prepared and characterized by HRMS, 1H and 13C NMR spectroscopy, as well as X-ray diffraction. The inspection of the crystal structures of (1–3)a,b and the Hirshfeld surface analysis made possible the recognition of the (oxadiazole)···(pyridine) and (oxadiazole)···(oxadiazole) interactions. The presence of these interactions was confirmed theoretically by DFT calculations, including NCI analysis for experimentally determined crystal structures as well as QTAIM analysis for optimized equilibrium structures. The preformed database survey allowed the verification of additional examples of relevant (oxadiazole)···π interactions both in Cambridge Structural Database and in Protein Data Bank, including the cocrystal of commercial anti-HIV drug Raltegravir.

In Silico Studies on Sennidines—Natural Dianthrones from Senna

The rapid development of technology allows for more accurate research of biological systems with the use of in silico methods. One of the tools is the quantum-chemical method used for determining the structure, properties and interactions of molecules of great pharmacological importance. The accuracy of theoretical models is increasing and can be a real help in biology, chemistry and pharmacy. The aim of the study is to determine the spatial structure and intramolecular interactions of sennidines—natural pharmaceutical substances present in Senna species. Calculations carried out in the gas-phase and in the solvent model, compared with the available experimental data indicate the possibility of sennidines to form conformers. QTAIM and NCI analysis suggests the presence of many intramolecular interactions in the sennidin structure. Taking into account the lowest energy optimized structure, it can be predicted that the sennidin in the gauche conformation will be present in the plant material. The single C-C bond connecting the anthrone moieties is elongated and its reduced Bond Dissociation Energy (BDE) could be the cause of an easy breakdown of the sennidin molecule into monoanthrones. This work contains data on theoretical, vibrational and electron excitation spectra, which can be used in the analysis of experimental samples.

Interplay of Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding in a Series of Heteroleptic iron(III) Complexes

<div>The influence of the halogen substituent on crystal packing and redox properties is investigated in a series of heteroleptic complexes [Fe(qsal-X)(dipic)]MeOH (qsal-X = 4-halogen-2-[(8-quinolylimino)methyl]phenolate; dipic = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate; X = F 1, Cl 2, Br 3 and I 4).</div><div>Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit triclinic symmetry (P1̅), whereas 3 and 4 crystallise in monoclinic P21/n. The crystal packing shows self-sorting of the ligands with - interactions between the qsal-X ligands and overlap of the dipic ligands to form a 1D chain, that is supported by C-H···O interactions. In 1 and 2, the cross-section of the 1D chain is square, while for 3 and 4, it is rectangular. In the former, the dipic ligands interact through C=O··· interactions, while - interactions are found in 3 and 4. Neighbouring chains are connected via - interactions involving the quinoline rings, but their relative position is driven by the preference of 1 and 2, for C-H···X interactions, whereas 3 and 4 form O···X halogen bonds. The nature and topology of the electron density of these interactions have been investigated using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) mapping, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and ‘non-covalent interactions’ (NCI) analysis. UV-Visible experiments show MLCT bands associated with the qsal-X ligands, confirming the structure is stable in solution. Electrochemical studies reveal slight tuning of the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple showing a linear relationship between E° and the Hammett parameter σp.</div><div><br></div>

Interplay of Halogen and Hydrogen Bonding in a Series of Heteroleptic iron(III) Complexes

<div>The influence of the halogen substituent on crystal packing and redox properties is investigated in a series of heteroleptic complexes [Fe(qsal-X)(dipic)]MeOH (qsal-X = 4-halogen-2-[(8-quinolylimino)methyl]phenolate; dipic = 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylate; X = F 1, Cl 2, Br 3 and I 4).</div><div>Compounds 1 and 2 exhibit triclinic symmetry (P1̅), whereas 3 and 4 crystallise in monoclinic P21/n. The crystal packing shows self-sorting of the ligands with - interactions between the qsal-X ligands and overlap of the dipic ligands to form a 1D chain, that is supported by C-H···O interactions. In 1 and 2, the cross-section of the 1D chain is square, while for 3 and 4, it is rectangular. In the former, the dipic ligands interact through C=O··· interactions, while - interactions are found in 3 and 4. Neighbouring chains are connected via - interactions involving the quinoline rings, but their relative position is driven by the preference of 1 and 2, for C-H···X interactions, whereas 3 and 4 form O···X halogen bonds. The nature and topology of the electron density of these interactions have been investigated using molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) mapping, quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) and ‘non-covalent interactions’ (NCI) analysis. UV-Visible experiments show MLCT bands associated with the qsal-X ligands, confirming the structure is stable in solution. Electrochemical studies reveal slight tuning of the Fe3+/Fe2+ redox couple showing a linear relationship between E° and the Hammett parameter σp.</div><div><br></div>

Reactivity Indices related to DFT Theory, the Electron Localization Function (ELF) and Non-Covalent Interactions (NCI) Calculations in the Formation of the non-Halogenated Pyruvic Esters in Solution

The non-halogenated pyruvic esters are essential compounds, considering that they exhibit particular properties, due to the proximity of two functional groups: carbonyl and ester. These molecules can be obtained from the approach of the Lewis acid MgI2 on the iodinated pyruvic ester by using sodium hydrogen sulfite in aqueous solution, which selectively reduces the carbon-iodine bond of the iodinated pyruvic ester. The sites of attack of hydrogen sulfite of this reaction remained uncertain and were the subject of a debate between the experimenters. Our aim in this work is to determine the more favorable sites of attack by using the local indices (Parr functions). To approve the structure of the reagents, we have conducted a topological analysis of electron localization function (ELF). To reveal the type of interaction in the "ester pyruvic-hydrogen sulfite" complex, we have performed a non-covalent interactions (NCI) calculation. The analysis of local indices and NCI analysis of electron density indicate that the approach of the hydrogen sulfite ion will take place on the iodine atom elucidating the preferable site of the attack.