Substituent Control of σ-interference Effects in the Transmission of Saturated Molecules

The single-molecule conductance of saturated molecules can potentially be fully suppressed by destructive quantum interference in their σ-system. However, only few molecules with σ-interference have been identified and the structure-property relationship remains to be elucidated. Here, we explore the role of substituents in modulating the electronic transmission of saturated molecules. In functionalized bicyclo[2.2.2]octanes, the transmission is suppressed by σ- interference when fluorine substituents are applied. For bicyclo[2.2.2]octasilane and - octagermanes the transmission is suppressed when carbon-based substituents are used, and such molecules are likely to be highly insulating. For the carbon-based substituents we find a strong correlation between the appropriate Hammett constants and the transmission. The substituent effect enables systematic optimization of the insulating properties of saturated molecular cores.

Azobenzene/Tetraethyl Ammonium Photochromic Potassium Channel Blockers: Scope and Limitations for Design of Para-Substituted Derivatives with Specific Absorption Band Maxima and Thermal Isomerization Rate

Azobenzene/tetraethyl ammonium photochromic ligands (ATPLs) are photoactive compounds with a large variety of photopharmacological applications such as nociception control or vision restoration. Absorption band maximum and lifetime of the less stable isomer are important characteristics that determine the applicability of ATPLs. Substituents allow to adjust these characteristics in a range limited by the azobenzene/tetraethyl ammonium scaffold. The aim of the current study is to find the scope and limitations for the design of ATPLs with specific spectral and kinetic properties by introducing para substituents with different electronic effects. To perform this task we synthesized ATPLs with various electron acceptor and electron donor functional groups and studied their spectral and kinetic properties using flash photolysis and conventional spectroscopy techniques as well as quantum chemical modeling. As a result, we obtained diagrams that describe correlations between spectral and kinetic properties of ATPLs (absorption maxima of E and Z isomers of ATPLs, the thermal lifetime of their Z form) and both the electronic effect of substituents described by Hammett constants and structural parameters obtained from quantum chemical calculations. The provided results can be used for the design of ATPLs with properties that are optimal for photopharmacological applications.

Binding Constants of Substituted Benzoic Acids with Bovine Serum Albumin

Experimental data on the affinity of various substances to albumin are essential for the development of empirical models to predict plasma binding of drug candidates. Binding of 24 substituted benzoic acid anions to bovine serum albumin was studied using spectrofluorimetric titration. The equilibrium constants of binding at 298 K were determined according to 1:1 complex formation model. The relationships between the ligand structure and albumin affinity are analyzed. The binding constant values for m- and p-monosubstituted acids show a good correlation with the Hammett constants of substituents. Two- and three-parameter quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models with theoretical molecular descriptors are able to satisfactorily describe the obtained values for the whole set of acids. It is shown that the electron-density distribution in the aromatic ring exerts crucial influence on the albumin affinity.

Quantum theory of atoms in molecules, electron localization function, and localized-orbital locator investigations on trans-(NHC)PtI2(para-NC5H4X) complexes

In this study, the MPW1PW91 method is applied to analyze the quantum theory of atoms in molecules, the electron localization function, and the localized-orbital locator in trans-(NHC)PtI2( para-NC5H4X) (X = H, F, COOH, CN, NO2, Me, OH, NH2) complexes. The substituent effect is assessed in the presence of electron-withdrawing groups and electron-donating groups and their influence on the Pt–C and Pt–N bonds of the molecules is analyzed using quantum theory of atoms in molecules, electron localization function, and localized-orbital locator methods. In addition, the eta index (η) is used to evaluate the Pt–C and Pt–N bonds in the studied complexes. The correlations between electron localization function, localized-orbital locator, and the η index values of Pt–C and Pt–N bonds with Hammett constants (σp) and dual parameters (σI and σR) are given.

Polysubstituted ferrocenes as tunable redox mediators

A series of four ferrocenyl ester compounds, 1-methoxycarbonyl- (1), 1,1’-bis(methoxycarbonyl)- (2), 1,1’,3-tris(methoxycarbonyl)- (3) and 1,1’,3,3’-tetrakis(methoxycarbonyl)ferrocene (4), has been studied with respect to their potential use as redox mediators. The impact of the number and position of ester groups present in 1–4 on the electrochemical potential E 1/2 is correlated with the sum of Hammett constants. The 1/1 + –4/4 + redox couples are chemically stable under the conditions of electrolysis as demonstrated by IR and UV–vis spectroelectrochemical methods. The energies of the C=O stretching vibrations of the ester moieties and the energies of the UV–vis absorptions of 1–4 and 1 + –4 + correlate with the number of ester groups. Paramagnetic 1H NMR redox titration experiments give access to the chemical shifts of 1 + –4 + and underline the fast electron self-exchange of the ferrocene/ferrocenium redox couples, required for rapid redox mediation in organic electrosynthesis.

Quantification and classification of substituent effects in organic chemistry: a theoretical molecular electrostatic potential study

The molecular electrostatic potential parameters show a strong linear correlation with Hammett constants and serve as tools for designing π-conjugated organic molecules with highly tuned electronic properties.