Multicenter bond index analysis of influence of metal cations on the aromaticity of aromatic amino acids: Phenylalanine and tyrosine

In order to provide insight into the influence of metal cations on the aromaticity of amino acids, evaluation of six-center delocalization indices is accomplished in the context of quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM). Aromaticity of two amino acids, phenylalanine and tyrosine, is investigated as typical amino acids containing aromatic ring in their isolated state and complexed by some metal cations. The results showed that the metal cations affect the most important three connectivities differently. Also, it is shown that the existence of metal cations can increase two-center delocalization in certain parts of the aromatic rings.

Graphical abstractQTAIM multicenter bond index analysis of amino acid's aromaticity in the isolated and complexed states. Six-, two- and three-center bond indices are evaluated.Download full-size image