Molecular modeling encompasses applied theoretical approaches and computational techniques to model structures and properties of molecular compounds and materials in order to predict and / or interpret their properties. The modeling covered in this book ranges from methods for small chemical to large biological molecules and materials. With its comprehensive coverage of important research fields in molecular and materials science, this is a must-have for all organic, inorganic and biochemists as well as materials scientists interested in applied theoretical and computational chemistry. The 28 chapters, written by an international group of experienced theoretically oriented chemists, are grouped into four parts: Theory and Concepts; Applications in Homogeneous Catalysis; Applications in Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry; and Applications in Main Group, Organic and Organometallic Chemistry. The various chapters include concept papers, tutorials, and research reports.

Table of Contents:
Preface

PART I: Theory and Concepts

ACCURATE DISPERSION-CORRECTED DENSITY FUNCTIONALS FOR GENERAL CHEMISTRY APPLICATIONS
Introduction
Theoretical Background
Examples
Summary and Conclusions

FREE-ENERGY SURFACES AND CHEMICAL REACTION MECHANISMS AND KINETICS
Introduction
Elementary Reactions
Two Consecutive Steps
Multiple Consecutive Steps
Competing Reactions
Catalysis
Conclusions

THE ART OF CHOOSING THE RIGHT QUANTUM CHEMICAL EXCITED-STATE METHOD FOR LARGE MOLECULAR SYSTEMS
Introduction
Existing Excited-State Methods for Medium-Sized and Large Molecules
Basic Theory of Paramagnetic NMR
Signal Assignments
Case Studies

TRACING ULTRAFAST ELECTRON DYNAMICS BY MODERN PROPAGATOR APPROACHES
Charge Migration Processes
Interatomic Coulombic Decay in Noble Gas Clusters

NATURAL BOND ORBITALS AND LEWIS-LIKE STRUCTURES OF COPPER BLUE PROTEINS
Introduction: Localized Bonding Concepts in Copper Chemistry
Localized Bonds and Molecular Geometries in Polytomic Cu Complexes
Copper Blue Proteins and Localized Bonds
Summary

PREDICTIVE MODELING OF MOLECULAR PROPERTIES: CAN WE GO BEYOND INTERPRETATION?
Introduction
Models and Modeling
Parameterized Classical and Quantum Mechanical Theories
Predictive Energies and Structures
Other Gas-Phase Properties
Solvent Effects: The Major Problem
Reaction Selectivity
Biological and Parmaceutical Modeling
Conclusions

INTERPRETATION AND PREDICTION OF PROPERTIES OF TRANSITION METAL COORDINATION COMPOUNDS
Introduction
Molecular Structure Optimization
Correlation of Molecular Structures and Properties
Computation of Molecular Properties
A Case Study: Electronic and Magnetic Properties of Cyano-Bridged Homodinuclear Copper(II) Complexes
Conclusions

HOW TO REALIZE THE FULL POTENTIAL OF DFT: BUILD A FORCE FIELD OUT OF IT
Introduction
Spin-Crossover in Fe(II) Complexes
Ligand Field Molecular Mechanics
Molecular Discovery for New SCO Complexes
Dynamic Behavior of SCO Complexes
Light-Induced Excited Spin-State Trapping
Summary and Future Prospects

PART II: Applications in Homogeneous Catalysis

DENSITY FUNCTIONAL THEORY FOR TRANSITION METAL CHEMISTRY: THE CASE OF A WATER-SPLITTING RUTHENIUM CLUSTER
Introduction
Shortcomings of Present-Day Density Functionals
Strategies for Constructing Density Functionals
A Practical Example: Catalytic Water Splitting
Conclusions

RATIONAL END EFFICIENT DEVELOPMENT OF A NEW CLASS OF HIGHLY ACTIVE RING-OPENING METATHESIS POLYMERIZATION CATALYSTS
Introduction
A New Lead Structure: Introduction of Chelating, Bulky, Electron-Rich Bisphosphines with Small Bite Angles
ROMP Activity of the Neutral Systems
Cationic Carbene Complexes: Synthesis and Structure
Olefin Metathesis with Cationic Carbene Complexes: Mechanistic Considerations
ROMP Kinetics in Solution
Summary and Outlook

EFFECTS OF SUBSTITUENTS ON THE REGIOSELECTIVITY OF PALLADIUM-CATALYZED ALLYLIC SUBSTITUTIONS: A DFT STUDY
Introduction
Computational Details
Results and Discussion
Conclusions

DICOPPER CATALYSTS FOR THE AZIDE ALKYNE CYCLOADDITION: A MECHANISTIC DFT STUDY
Introduction
Theoretical Methods
Discussion of the CuAAC Mechanism
Conclusion and Summary

FROM DYNAMICS TO KINETICS: INVESTIGATION OF INTERCONVERTING STEREOISOMERS AND CATALYZED REACTIONS
Investigation of Interconversions by Gas Chromatography
Evaluation Tools
Investigation of Catalyzed Reactions
Perspectives

MECHANISTIC DICHOTOMIES IN COUPLING-ISOMERIZATION-CLAISEN PERICYCLIC DOMINO REACTIONS IN EXPERIMENT AND THEORY
Introduction
Computation of the Concluding Intramolecular Diels-Alder Reaction in the Domino Formation of (Tetrahydroisobenzofuran) spiro-Benzofuranones or spiro-Indolones
Computation of the Pericyclic Dichotomies of Propargyl Tritylethers
Conclusions

PART III: Applications in Pharmaceutical and Biological Chemistry

COMPUTATIONAL DESIGN OF NEW PROTEIN CATALYSTS
Introduction
The Inside-Out Approach
Catalyst Selection and the Catalytic Unit
Theozymes
Scaffold Selection and Theozyme Incorporation
Design
Evaluating Matches and Designs
Experiments
Successful Enzyme Designs
Rational Redesign and Directed Evolution of Designed Enzymes with Low Activities
Summary

COMPUTER-ASSISTED DRUG DESIGN
Neuraminidase Inhibitors
Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
Concluding Remarks

STATICS OF BIOMACROMOLECULES
Introduction
Rigidity Theory and Analysis
Application of Regidity Analysis to Biomacromolecules
Conclusions

STRAINED MOLECULES: INSIGHTS FROM FORCE DISTRIBUTION ANALYSIS
Strain in Molecules
Frce Distribution Analysis
Outlook

MERCURY DETOXIFICATION BY BACTERIA: SIMULATIONS OF TRANSCRIPTION ACTIVATION AND MERCURY-CARBON BOND CLEAVAGE
Introduction
Transcription Activation of MerOP by MerR upon Hg(II)-Binding
Hg-C Bond Cleavage Catalyzed by the MerB
Summary and Conclusions

ELUCIDATION OF THE CONFORMATIONAL FREEDOM OF FERROCENE AMINO ACID (BIO)CONJUGATES: A COMPLEMENTARY THEORETICAL AND EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH
Introduction
Simple Ferrocene Amino Acid (Bio)Conjugates
Systems with Amide-Bridged Fca Units
Modeling Responses to External Stimuli
Conclusions

PART IV: Applications in Main Group, Organic, and Organometallic Chemistry

THEORETICAL INVESTIGATION OF THE 13C NMR CHEMICAL SHIFT-NCN ANGLE CORRELATION IN N-HETEROCYCLIC CARBENES
Introduction
Method Validation
13C-NMR Chemical Shift-N-C-N Angle Correlation Within Various Carbene Types
N-C-N Angle-Shielding Tensor Correlations: Carbene A
Correlation Between N-C-N Angle and HOMO-LUMO Gap DeltaE: Carbene A
Correlations in N-Heterocyclic Carbenes

STRUCTURES OF AZOLE-CONTAINING MACROCYCLIC PEPTIDES
Azoles in Nature and Civilization
Azole-Containing Macrocyclic Peptides in Nature: Opening New Boundaries in Science
Achiral Applications of Lissoclinum-Related Macrocyclic Peptides
Applications of Lissoclinum-Related Macrocyclic Peptides as Chiral Tools

MODELING OF COMPLEX POLYKETIDES: STEREOCHEMICAL DETERMINATION BY A COMBINATION OF COMPUTATIONAL AND NMR METHODS
Myxobacterial Polyketides
Development of Computational and NMR Methods for Stereochemical Determination: Case Studies with the Archazolids
Selected Applications of Combined Computational and NMR Methods for Stereochemical Determination
Conclusion and Perspectives

QUANTIFYING BUILDING PRINCIPLES OF BORANE CLUSTERS
Introduction
Structural Features and Energy Penalties
Macropolyhedral Boranes
Conclusions

HYDROGENATION AND DEHYDROGENATION OF DINUCLEAR BORON- AND GALLIUM HYDRIDES: QUANTUM CHEMICAL CALCULATIONS AND EXPERIMENTS
Dihydrogen Activation with Main-Group Element Compounds
Preliminary Quantum Chemical Calculations
Experimental Studies in Concert with Quantum Chemical Calculations

CAGES AND CLUSTERS OF INDIUM: SPHERICAL AROMATICITY?
Introduction
Synthesis of Polyhedral Indium Clusters
Quantum Chemical Calculations
Summary

LIPOPHILIC ANIONS