Exploring the Interplay of Aminobenzyl Alcohol and Chloranilic Acid: A Comprehensive Study of Charge Transfer Complex, DNA Binding, Spectroscopic Characterization and DFT/PCM Analysis

A fascinating charge transfer hydrogen-bonded complex was created by combining proton acceptor (electron donor) aminobenzyl alcohol (ABA) with proton donor (electron acceptor) chloranilic acid (CHLA). This innovative synthesis and subsequent experimental and theoretical studies revealed that the complex boasts an impressively high stability constant, underscoring its remarkable stability. The stoichiometric ratio of 1 : 1 was found in methanol and acetonitrile. Electron absorption analysis was conducted to examine the DNA interaction ability of the complex. This revealed an intercalative binding mechanism for the CT complex with an intrinsic binding constant (Kb) of 4.8 × 106 M–1. The high intrinsic binding constant indicates a strong affinity between the complex and DNA, suggesting that the compound may effectively intercalate between DNA base pairs. The solid complex was meticulously synthesized and examined using spectroscopic methods. FTIR and 1H NMR analyses revealed charge and proton transfers within the complex. DFT computations in the gas, acetonitrile, and methanol phases further supported charge and hydrogen transfers. The remarkable alignment between experimental and theoretical findings affirmed the appropriateness of the chosen basis set for this intricate system.