Structures of inclusion complexes of halogenbenzoic acids and alpha-cyclodextrin based on AM₁ calculations

Semi-empirical quantum mechanics calculations using AM₁ (Austin Method 1) were carried out for various host-guest combinations of alpha-cyclodextrin and mono-halogen benzoic acids. The energetically favorable inclusion structures were identified. The AM₁ results show that alpha-cyclodextrin complexes with mono-halogen benzoic acid acids (where the halogen is chlorine, bromide, iodine) as guest compounds are more stable in the "head first" position than in the "tail-first" position for meta and para isomers while ortho mono-halogen benzoic acids complexes with alpha-cyclodextrin are more stable in "tail-first" position. The calculated structures were found to be in good agreement with those obtained from crystalographic databases.