The X-C center dot center dot center dot Y (X = O/F, Y = O/S/F/Cl/Br/N/P) `carbon bond' and hydrophobic interactions

Mani, Devendra and Arunan, E (2013) The X-C center dot center dot center dot Y (X = O/F, Y = O/S/F/Cl/Br/N/P) `carbon bond' and hydrophobic interactions. In: PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS, 15 (34). pp. 14377-14383.

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Abstract

While the tetrahedral face of methane has an electron rich centre and can act as a hydrogen bond acceptor, substitution of one of its hydrogens with some electron withdrawing group (such as -F/OH) can make the opposite face electron deficient. Electrostatic potential calculations confirm this and high level quantum calculations show interactions between the positive face of methanol/methyl fluoride and electron rich centers of other molecules such as H2O. Analysis of the wave functions of atoms in molecules shows the presence of an unusual C center dot center dot center dot Y interaction, which could be called `carbon bonding'. NBO analysis and vibrational frequency shifts confirm the presence of this interaction. Given the properties of alkyl groups bonded to electronegative elements in biological molecules, such interactions could play a significant role, which is yet to be recognized. This and similar interactions could give an enthalpic contribution to what is called the `hydrophobic interactions'.

Item Type:	Journal Article
Publication:	PHYSICAL CHEMISTRY CHEMICAL PHYSICS
Publisher:	ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
Additional Information:	Copyright of this article is belongs to ROYAL SOC CHEMISTRY
Department/Centre:	Division of Chemical Sciences > Inorganic & Physical Chemistry
Date Deposited:	26 Sep 2013 06:42
Last Modified:	26 Sep 2013 06:42
URI:	http://eprints.iisc.ac.in/id/eprint/47374

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