Molecular modelling and optical properties of a novel fluorinated chalcone

Abstract

Chalcones exhibit a broad spectrum of biological activities, mainly due to α,β-unsaturated ketone, and are precursors of the biosynthesis of flavonoids present in plants. These compounds have been shown to be useful in the biological approach, proven by the broad spectrum of biological activities reported, and also in the technological approach, considering their potential as nonlinear optic (NLO) material. In this context, this work aimed to examine the crystallization and characterization of fluorinated chalcone (E)-1-(4-fluorophenyl)-3-(4-isopropylphenyl)prop-2-en-1-one (DFC). A comprehensive structural study of DFC was carried out to understand the process of stabilizing the crystalline lattice through X-ray diffraction, infrared spectroscopy, and molecular modeling studies. Finally, the electrical properties of DFC were calculated by using the supermolecule method (SM). DFC molecules are connected by means of CH···O and CH···F intermolecular contacts, forming dimers which play an important role in the stabilization of crystal packing. Molecular modeling studies indicated that this compound could act as an anti-tuberculosis ligand because of its high binding affinity with the M. tuberculosis enoyl-acyl carrier protein, InhA. On the other hand, theoretical calculations were performed to evaluate the NLO properties of DFC and indicated that it showed good potential. Keywords: Molecular modeling, NLO properties, Fluorinated chalcone