Ester hydrolysis rate constant prediction from quantum topological molecular similarity descriptors

U. A. Chaudry, P. L A Popelier

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    Abstract

    A previously established method [J. Chem. Inf. Comput. Sci. 2001, 41, 764], called quantum topological molecular similarity, is applied to obtain an excellent and statistically validated quantitative structure - activity relationship (QSAR) of base-promoted hydrolysis rate constants for a set of 40 esters. This work is relevant for environmental exposure and risk analysis and proposes a reliable and cheaper alternative to measuring infrared group frequencies for that purpose. Our method draws descriptors from modern ab initio wave functions, which have become affordable by the current abundance of inexpensive computing power. We acquire a 3D geometry-optimized picture of each molecule and characterize its bonds further with four quantities defined by the theory of quantum chemical topology. Without molecular superposition we then construct a variety of models, which all point toward the molecular fragment (O=C)-C-O being most significant to explain the range of hydrolysis rate constants. This highlighted zone is called the active center, and when the model is confined to it, a QSAR of r2 = 0.930 and q2 = 0.863 is obtained for all 40 esters.
    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)4578-4582
    Number of pages4
    JournalJournal of Physical Chemistry A
    Volume107
    Issue number22
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 5 Jun 2003

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