Topology-Dependent Dissociation Mode of the O-H Bond in Monohydroxycoumarins

All possible monohydroxycoumarin derivatives are modeled using density functional theory computations in order to investigate the role of the hydroxyl group position for the radical-scavenging and antioxidant activity of these compounds. Geometry optimization is performed using the B3LYP functional with the 6-311++G(d,p) basis set. The enthalpy changes are assessed in gas phase and in implicit water using the polarized continuum model. Structure-reactivity patterns are delineated. The most reactive isomers as well as the most probable mechanism of interaction between monohydroxycoumarins and free radicals are outlined.