FTIR spectroscopic analysis
FTIR spectroscopic analysis was performed to study the vibrational characteristics of functional groups, bonds, and intermolecular/intramolecular hydrogen bonds in the compound 4-A3NBA-P. The compound was exposed to infrared light, and its absorption spectra were analyzed (Fig. 1). The amino group (-NH2) in the compound exhibited one-way valence vibration under the influence of infrared light. The absorption spectrum showed a long-peaked band at 3477.66 cm− 1, indicating the stretching vibrations of the amino group. Deformational vibrations of this group were observed at 1626 and 1519.91 cm− 1, while out-of-plane vibrations appeared at 831.32 cm− 1[8]. In the carboxyl group of the compound, specific excitations were observed. Due to the involvement of the -OH group in intermolecular hydrogen bonding, the characteristic broad-band peak typical of the hydroxyl group transformed into a narrow and intense peak at 3360 cm− 1 for stretching vibrations. Deformation vibrations of the carboxyl group were observed at lower wavenumbers of 920 cm− 1. The C = O bond valence vibrations appeared as a single peak at an average absorption region of 1674.21 cm− 1, and its deformation vibrations were observed at 1165 and 1145.72 cm− 1 [9–10]. The C-H bonds of the aromatic ring, which form the core of the compound, exhibited vibrations at 3080.31 cm− 1, indicating angular changes. Deformational vibrations of the C-H bonds were observed between 1165 cm− 1 and 1145.72 cm− 1, while aromatic ring bending vibrations were observed in the range of 1475.54-1417.68 cm− 1. The nitro group (-NO2) in the compound showed three types of vibrations under the influence of infrared light, depending on the nature of the bonds. The rotation of the N = O bond along the stretching and bonding axis resulted in a peak at 1626 cm− 1, coinciding with the deformation vibration of the amino group. The valence vibration with changes in the O = N = O angles appeared at 1271-1251.8 cm− 1. Additionally, vibrations of C-N bonds in the nitro group were observed at 1373 − 1354 cm− 1 with low absorption [11]. Overall, the specific infrared absorption regions, ranges, and intensities of 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoic acid were thoroughly analyzed through FTIR spectroscopy, providing valuable insights into its molecular structure and interactions.
UV-Visible spectral studies
According to the wavelength of ultraviolet light, a "bow-like" rise occurred in the UV-A (400 − 320 nm) region due to the partial absorption of light with a wavelength of 409 nm (Fig. 2). In this area, n→π* transitions of unshared electron pairs in nitro group (-NO2) oxygens in 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoic acid was observed. In the UV-C region (280 − 100 nm), the highest increase was observed due to n→σ* transitions in the amine (-NH2) group under the influence of UV rays with a wavelength of 259 nm [12–13]. The n→π* transition in the carboxyl group and the π→π* transitions in the aromatic ring were recorded in < 200 fields, so it is not possible to obtain complete information [14].
Thermal analysis
Thermal stability of 4-A3NBA-P was examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TG) and differential thermal analysis (DTA). The TG–DTA response curve is displayed in Fig. 3. The TG curve indications a single-step weight loss in appears from 211.7°C to 331.6°C and the weight loss is up to be 93.46%. In DTA curve the endothermic peak observed at 291.5°C is attributed to melting of the crystal. The sharp endothermic peak shows good degree of crystallinity of the as-grown crystal. There is no endothermic or exothermic peak was detected below the melting point of the endotherm, indicating the nonexistence of any isomorphic phase transitions in the specimen [15].
Description of X-ray crystal structure
Single crystals of 4-A3NBA-P suitable for X-ray analysis were obtained by the slow evaporation method. Crystal data, data collection and refinement parameters and the results of the analysis of the compound are presented in Table 2. Selected bond parameters are listed in Table S1. The ORTEP (35% probability level) of 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoic acid is displayed in Fig. 4(a). The asymmetric unit of the compound consists of two crystallographically independent molecules (I and II) that differ insignificantly in their geometrical parameters (Fig. 4(b)). Figure 4(c) shows the packing diagram of the compound it consists of four molecules of 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoic acid. The crystal packs in the triclinic system, with a centrosymmetric space group, Pī whereas the previously reported 4-A3NBA-P belongs to the monoclinic crystal system with centric space group P21/c (at 100 K) with one molecule in the asymmetric unit. The molecules are interconnected by O–H•••O, N–H•••O and C–H•••O interactions. The intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonds are listed in Table 3. The torsion angles for molecule (I) [N(1)-C(4)-C(3)-N(2)] is 3.60° and molecule II [N(3)-C(10)-C(11)-N(4)] is 1.65° whereas previously reported molecule torsion angle is 7.59° [16]. Remarkable changes were observed between the two packing arrangements (Pī and P21/c). The hydrogen bonding network of the compound is presented in Fig. 5. A strong hydrogen bond is observed between the carboxylic (–OH) group (H(6A)) and the nearest carboxylic (carbonyl C = O) group of 4-A3NBA-P with a contact distance of 1.76(4) Å [H•••A]. Weak intermolecular interactions observed the C(13)-H(13)•••O(5) with the distance is 2.709 Å [H•••A].
Table 2
Crystal data and structure refinement for 4-A3NBA-P.
CCDC | 2268042 |
Chemical formula | C7H6N2O4 |
Formula weight (g/mol) | 182.14 |
Temperature (K) | 293(2) |
Wavelength (Å) | 1.54184 |
Crystal size (mm) | 0.190 x 0.230 x 0.270 |
Crystal system | Triclinic |
Space group | Pī |
a, b, c (Å) | 3.7325(1), 6.7599(2), 30.5116(5) |
α, β, γ (°) | 84.363(2), 86.618(2), 79.963(2) |
Volume (Å3) | 753.71(3) |
Z | 4 |
Density (calculated) (g/cm3) | 1.605 |
Absorption coefficient (mm− 1) | 1.165 |
F(000) | 376 |
Theta range for data collection | 2.913 to 71.279° |
Index ranges | -4 ≤ h ≤ 4, -8 ≤ k ≤ 8, -35 ≤ l ≤ 37 |
Reflections collected | 6262 |
Independent reflections | 2909 |
Max. and min. transmission | 0.756 and 0.870 |
Structure solution technique | direct methods |
Structure solution program | SHELXT (Sheldrick, 2015) |
Refinement method | Full-matrix least-squares on F2 |
Refinement program | SHELXL 2018/3 (Sheldrick, 2015) |
Data / restraints / parameters | 2909 / 2 / 245 |
Goodness-of-fit on F2 | 1.071 |
Final R indices | R1 = 0.0473, wR2 = 0.1427 |
all data | R1 = 0.0554, wR2 = 0.1517 |
Largest diff. peak and hole (eÅ−3) | 0.205 and − 0.190 |
R.M.S. deviation from mean (eÅ−3) | 0.047 |
Table 3
Hydrogen bonds for 4-A3NBA-P [Å] and [°].
D-H•••A | d(D-H) Å | d(H•••A) Å | d(D•••A) Å | <(DHA) ° |
N(1)-H(1A)•••O(7) | 0.86 | 2.641 | 3.348(2) | 140.4 |
N(1)-H(1A)•••O(4) | 0.86 | 2.035 | 2.642(2) | 126.8 |
N(1)-H(1B)•••O(8) | 0.86 | 2.564 | 3.010(2) | 113.3 |
N(1)-H(1B)•••O(3) | 0.86 | 2.293 | 3.085(2) | 153.1 |
N(3)-H(3A)•••O(4) | 0.86 | 2.348 | 3.033(2) | 142.4 |
N(3)-H(3A)•••O(8) | 0.86 | 2.018 | 2.627(2) | 127 |
N(3)-H(3B)•••O(7) | 0.86 | 2.401 | 3.127(2) | 136.9 |
O(6)-H(6A)•••O(5) | 0.85(4) | 1.76(4) | 2.613(2) | 178(4) |
C(13)-H(13)•••O(5) | 0.93 | 2.709 | 3.545(2) | 150.1 |
Symmetry transformations used to generate equivalent atoms: |
The molecule (I) amino group hydrogens (H(1A) and H(1B)) makes bifurcated hydrogen bonds with oxygen atoms nitro group [N(1)-H(1A)•••O(7), N(1)-H(1A)•••O(4) and N(1)-H(1B)•••O(8) N(1)-H(1B)•••O(3)]. Molecule (II) amino group hydrogen (H(3A)) makes bifurcated hydrogen bonds with nitro group [N(3)-H(3A)•••O(4) and N(3)-H(3A)•••O(8)] (Fig. 5(a)). Figure 5(b) displays the intramolecular hydrogen bonding interactions for the compound. Figure 6(a) shows the centroid-centroid (π•••π) contact between the adjacent aromatic rings aromatic rings of 4-A3NBA-P d molecules. The centroid-centroid contact distance is ~ 3.733 Å, with an angle of 21.52° and it looks like slipped packing stacking arrangement. The plane-plane distance is 3.415 Å and the ring horizontal displacement distance is ~ 1.34 Å. Figure 6(b) shows the space-filling representation viewing the layered architecture assembled along the a-axis.
Hirschfeld surface analysis
Hirschfeld surface analysis serves as a methodological approach aimed at scrutinizing intermolecular interactions within the crystalline matrices of diverse chemical compounds. The derivation of Hirschfeld surfaces, coupled with the concomitant generation of two-dimensional fingerprint plots, is facilitated by the computational framework of Crystal Explorer. This program, which is amenable to files structured in the CIF format, orchestrates the intricate computations underpinning this analytical endeavor. In the context of this analysis, the metric designated as "di" signifies the spatial span between the Hirschfeld surface and the nearest nucleus ensconced within said surface. Correspondingly, the metric "de" encapsulates the spatial extent from the Hirschfeld surface to the closest nucleus positioned beyond its contours. By further introducing the dimensions of "di" and "de" and juxtaposing these measurements against the backdrop of the normalized contact distance ("dnorm"), a quantifiable lens emerges for discerning the locales of heightened significance within the tapestry of intermolecular interactions. This calibration process is further facilitated by the integration of Van der Waals radii (vdW), an elemental attribute encapsulating atomic size and intrinsic propensities for interaction. As such, the amalgamation of these dimensions furnishes an avenue through which to elucidate, with enhanced granularity, the specific enclaves that underscore the import of intermolecular interplays within the studied chemical milieu.
The utilization of this formula has proven instrumental in mitigating the inherent disparities in atomic dimensions, particularly within the ambit of intricate associations involving sizeable molecular entities that may not, on the surface, command immediate attention. In instances where the Van der Waals (vdW) radius (denoted as "rvdW") of a given atom is pertinent, its positioning can either reside internally or externally within the domain of the Hirschfeld analysis. This duality accommodates a comprehensive assessment of the interplay.
The parameter of "dnorm," a quantitative variable, assumes a dualistic character, potentially oscillating between positive and negative valuations. These "dnorm" values find graphical representation upon the Hirschfeld surface map, employing a tripartite color scheme composed of red, blue, and white. This schema facilitates interpretation: areas tinged with red emblemize proximate contacts coupled with negative "dnorm" values; conversely, blue regions connote distal contacts interlaced with positive "dnorm" values. In the interstices, white sectors denote instances where the contact span aligns with the complete Van der Waals cross-section, yielding a "dnorm" value of zero.
Collectively, the amalgamation of "de" and "di" synthesizes into a composite entity, furnishing a 2D fingerprint plot that encapsulates the intricate network of intermolecular contacts woven into the crystalline matrix. This plot, an analytical distillation, casts an illuminating spotlight on the nuanced intermolecular interplays residing within the crystalline construct [17]. Utilizing Crystal Explorer 17 (P. R. Spackman, et al., 2021), Hirschfeld surfaces were generated for 4-amino-3-nitrobenzoic acid, whose structural configuration underwent scrutiny via X-ray structural analysis.
The accompanying illustration portrays the Hirschfeld surface, meticulously charted employing the dnorm parameter. The dnorm spectrum spans from − 0.7624 to 1.1278. Emanating vibrant crimson hues, the Hirschfeld surface conspicuously elucidates the repercussions ensuing from intermolecular hydrogen bonding interactions (Fig. 7). The cumulative expanse of the Hirschfeld surface encompasses 362.65 Å2. Within this intricate mosaic, a substantive 41.9% is ascribed to interactions of the O•••H/H•••O ilk, while a notable 21.8% is attributable to H•••H interactions. Furthermore, 10.1% stems from C•••C interactions, 7.6% emanates from C•••H/H•••C interactions, and 5.6% is associated with O•••C/C•••O interplays. The portrayal of these distinct surface strata, alongside the ensuing 2D fingerprint images, is elegantly encapsulated within Fig. 8. The configuration of molecules is intricately orchestrated in a coherent fashion, as discerned from the shape index of the Hirschfeld surface. This coherence stems from the enshrouding of specific orbitals. Notably, an illustrative instance is the p–p overlap distance between the C•••N nuclei, spanning a length of 3.309 (Å). Similarly, the p–p overlap between the C•••C nuclei encapsulates a range of 3.360 to 3.412 Å. These interatomic overlaps cumulatively culminate in an overarching π•••π overlap between the individual molecular entities. This intriguing phenomenon is vividly expounded in Fig. 9.
Molecular docking study of antitumor activity of 4-A3NBA-P
The KDM4 histone lysine demethylase family has recently emerged as a target for tumor therapy [18–20]. Therefore, we have analyzed possible antitumor activity of 4-A3NBA-P through molecular docking studies by CB-Dock server [21]. X-Ray determined structures of the KDM4 (PDB ID: 4LXL and 7JM5) in protein data bank (PDB data bank [22]) were obtained from PDB data bank and prepared for docking investigations using BIOVIA DS Visualizer [23] (Fig. 10.). The structure of the ligand 4-A3NBA-P is converted to pdb file from cif file. Native ligands lutidinic acid (LA) and 9DJ of 4LXL and of 7JM5 proteins respectively were separated by BIOVIA DS Visualizer. Both native ligands are bonded with Ni2+ (covalent bonded with O and donor-acceptor bonded with N) in the active site of the proteins. According to this it was considered interaction of non-bonded and bonded ligand molecules with the target proteins (Table 4).
Table 4
Binding energies of 4-A3NBA-P and native ligands to target proteins.
PDB ID | Ligand | Binding energy | H-bond contacting residue |
4LXL | 4-A3NBA-P | -7.8 | TYR133, TYR178, SER197, HIS277, SER289 |
4LXL | LA | -7.1 | TYR133 |
4LXL | LA-Ni | -7.6 | TYR133, LYS207 |
7JM5 | 4-A3NBA-P | -7.8 | TYR133, HIS189, GLU191, SER197, ASN199, SER289 |
7JM5 | 9DJ-Ni | -9.4 | ASN87, ASP136 |
7JM5 | 9DJ | -8.4 | ASN87, ASP136 |
The native ligand of 4LXL in neutral form has contact with TYR133 through H-bond. Additionally has contact with LYS207 in Ni bonded form (Table 4). While the 4-A3NBA-P is fits well to the active site of 4LXL protein and forms H-bonds with five amino acid residues. It should be noted that the strongest contact of -NH2 group of the ligand with SER197 and HIS277, where the H-bond distances are 2.2–2.4 Ǻ. The distances of all other H-bonds within 2.8-3.0 Ǻ. The protein binding energy of 4LXL 1337 is much better than that of LA. But in the case of its interaction with the 7JM5 protein, it is inferior to the native ligand (9DJ). As a result of the theoretical work carried out, a high tendency of the ligand to bind to KDM4 proteins was established, and this work contributes to the preparation of coordination compounds on its basis.