Theoretical Characterization of the Hydrogen Bonding Interaction Sites of Mycolactone C Using the ONIOM Method

Abstract

<p>In this work, the ONIOM method, recognized for its effectiveness on large molecules, was used to determine the geometric, energetic, and spectroscopic parameters of hydrogen bond interactions of mycolactone C. Mycolactone C; one of the most virulent forms of toxin, found in Africa and Australia. It has eight (08) oxygen heteroatoms which are all hybridized sp<sup>2</sup> and sp<sup>3</sup>. Using quantum chemistry methods, at the ONIOM level (B3LYP/6-311+G (d, p): AM1), we have determined the preferential binding sites of the hydrogen bonds in the eight mycolactone C oxygen heteroatoms studied. Analysis of the results revealed that the heteroatom O<sub>5</sub>sp<sup>2</sup> is the most suitable site for creating a strong hydrogen bond based on the geometric, energetic (free enthalpy of complexation), and spectroscopic (vibration frequency shifts) parameters. Identifying this O5sp2 heteroatom is a significant step forward in developing a methodology for eradicating the infection and the destructive effects of this toxin.</p>