Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 21, 2026

Interactive Molecular Model Assembly with 3D Printing
Published on: August 13, 2020
Conformational changes in a flexible, encapsulated dicarboxylate: evidence from density functional theory simulations
Ali Kachmar1, Marc Bénard, Marie-Madeleine Rohmer
1Laboratoire de Chimie Quantique, Institut de Chimie, UMR 7177 CNRS et Université de Strasbourg, 4, rue Blaise Pascal, F-67000 Strasbourg, France.
First-principles molecular dynamics reveal that [Mo12O12S12(OH)12{O2C-(CH2)N-CO2}]2- complexes exhibit diverse stable and metastable configurations. These diverse molecular dynamics simulations show that these complexes are thermally accessible, indicating significant flexibility for guest encapsulation.
Area of Science:
- Inorganic Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Molybdenum-sulfide clusters are known for their unique structural and electronic properties.
- Understanding the conformational flexibility of such complex inorganic structures is crucial for designing new functional materials.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the dynamical behavior and conformational landscape of [Mo12O12S12(OH)12{O2C-(CH2)N-CO2}]2- complexes.
- To determine the thermal accessibility of different conformers and their implications for guest encapsulation.
Main Methods:
- First-principles molecular dynamics (FPMD) simulations were employed.
- Experimental X-ray diffraction data were used as starting configurations for simulations.
- Simulations were performed at T = 500 K to explore thermal activation.
Main Results:
- Multiple stable and metastable conformers of the [Mo12O12S12(OH)12{O2C-(CH2)N-CO2}]2- complex were identified.
- These conformers are thermally accessible at relatively low temperatures, consistent with experimental NMR data.
- The study demonstrates a large manifold of folding configurations available for encapsulated guest species.
Conclusions:
- The [Mo12O12S12(OH)12{O2C-(CH2)N-CO2}]2- complex exhibits significant structural flexibility.
- This flexibility allows for the accommodation of diverse functional groups, suggesting potential applications in various fields.
- Computational simulations provide valuable insights into the dynamic behavior of complex inorganic systems.
More Related Videos
08:54Vibrational Spectra of a N719-Chromophore/Titania Interface from Empirical-Potential Molecular-Dynamics Simulation, Solvated by a Room Temperature Ionic Liquid
Published on: January 25, 2020
16:24Controlling the Size, Shape and Stability of Supramolecular Polymers in Water
Published on: August 2, 2012
Related Concept Videos
¹H NMR of Conformationally Flexible Molecules: Temporal Resolution
¹H NMR of Conformationally Flexible Molecules: Variable-Temperature NMR
Conformations of Cyclohexane
The chair form is the most stable and derives its name from its resemblance to the “easy chair.” In the chair conformation, two carbon atoms are arranged out-of-plane — one above and one below, minimizing the torsional strain. In the chair form, the bond angle is very close to the ideal tetrahedral value,...
Stability of Conjugated Dienes
A comparison of the enthalpies of hydrogenation of dienes reveals that conjugated dienes release less heat on hydrogenation, rendering them more stable than their nonconjugated analogs.
Chair Conformation of Cyclohexane
The hydrogen atoms linked to carbons are arranged in two different axial and equatorial orientations to achieve this staggered...
Stability of Substituted Cyclohexanes
The two chair conformations of cyclohexanes undergo rapid interconversion at room temperature. Both forms have identical energies and stabilities, each comprising equal amounts of the equilibrium mixture. Replacing a hydrogen atom with a functional group makes the two conformations energetically non-equivalent.
For example, in...