Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations for the structure of the aqueous trimethylammonium chloride solution in the 0.2-1 molar range

Phys Chem Chem Phys. 2011 Apr 7;13(13):6270-9. doi: 10.1039/c0cp02898c. Epub 2011 Feb 26.

Abstract

Molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo simulations have been performed for characterizing the structure of the 0.2 and 1 molar aqueous trimethylammonium chloride solutions. Atomic charges were derived through the CHELPG and RESP fits to the molecular electrostatic potentials calculated for the cation in water at the IEF-PCM/B3LYP level using the 6-31G* and 6-311++G** basis sets. Maxima and minima of the calculated radial distribution functions were not sensitive to the four atomic charge sets. Simulated solution structures suggest non-negligible solute-solute interactions and remarkable inhomogeneity at both concentrations. This means that equilibrium ratios, derived for conformers/tautomers by means of ab initio calculations with the IEF-PCM continuum dielectric solvent model, should be corrected for free energy changes following solute association when compared to experimental data obtained for the 0.1-1 molar aqueous solutions.

MeSH terms

  • Molecular Dynamics Simulation*
  • Monte Carlo Method
  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Water / chemistry*

Substances

  • Quaternary Ammonium Compounds
  • Water