Solvent effect on the isomerization rate of calix[4]arene studied by molecular dynamics simulations

The isomerization rates of a calix[4]arene in benzene and in chloroform have been calculated by using molecular dynamics simulations. The reaction coordinate that is employed is based on the unstable normal mode at the saddle point of the potential energy surface. The free energy as a function of this coordinate has been calculated by means of umbrella sampling. Comparison of the free energies in the solvents with those in vacuum reveals that both solvents destabilize the pace conformation and stabilize the transition state region. In chloroform the calix[4]arene shows a stronger preference for the cone conformation than in benzene or in vacuum. The isomerization rate has been determined by the reactive flux method. In benzene the transmission coefficient is about a third higher than in chloroform. The calculated rates are in perfect agreement with experimental data.