Computational insights into the role of external and local electric fields in macrocyclic chemical and biological systems

TitleComputational insights into the role of external and local electric fields in macrocyclic chemical and biological systems
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2021
AuthorsMukherjee, A, Ghule, S, Vanka, K
JournalChemPhysChem
Volume22
Issue23
Pagination2484-2492
Date PublishedDEC
Type of ArticleArticle
ISSN1439-4235
Keywordscounter anions, Density functional calculations, electric field, ion selectivity, macrocyclic systems
AbstractThe investigation of the role of the electric field in systems of widespread interest employing computational techniques is an emerging area of research. The outcome of applying an oriented external electric field (OEEF) on the geometric and electronic properties of the chemically unique pi-conjugated cyclic carbon ring compounds has been explored with density functional theory (DFT). Distinct changes in the structural and electronic features of such ring compounds are observed upon the application of OEEFs. Importantly, the calculations indicate that a mixed aliphatic-aromatic conjugated ring converts from a singlet to a triplet after the application of an OEEF, suggesting potential applications in optoelectronics for such molecules, without the need for photochemically induced change in the spin state. Furthermore, the influence of built-in local electric fields (LEFs) present in naturally occurring macrocyclic systems such as valinomycin has also been explored. Static and ab initio molecular dynamics (AIMD) calculations indicate that LEFs are the primary driving factor in determining the energetically favoured position of counter anions such as chloride (Cl-) in the potassium (K+) and sodium (Na+) coordinated valinomycin macrocycle structures: they exist inside the cage in the case of K+ sequestration by valinomycin and outside for Na+. This divergence has been proposed to be the determining factor for the selectivity of the valinomycin macrocycle for binding a K+ cation over Na+.
DOI10.1002/cphc.202100581
Type of Journal (Indian or Foreign)Foreign
Impact Factor (IF)3.102
Divison category: 
Physical and Materials Chemistry

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