Computational Study of the Structure of a Sepiolite/Thioindigo Mayan Pigment
The interaction of thioindigo and the phyllosilicate clay sepiolite is investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular orbital theory (MO). The best fit to experimental UV/Vis spectra occurs when a single thioindigo molecule attaches via Van der Waals forces to a tetrahedrally coord...
Main Authors: | , , |
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Format: | Article |
Language: | English |
Published: |
Hindawi Limited
2012-01-01
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Series: | Bioinorganic Chemistry and Applications |
Online Access: | http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/672562 |
Summary: | The interaction of thioindigo and the phyllosilicate clay sepiolite is investigated using density functional theory (DFT) and molecular orbital theory (MO). The best fit to experimental UV/Vis spectra occurs when a single thioindigo molecule attaches via Van der Waals forces to a tetrahedrally coordinated cation with an additional nearby tetrahedrally coordinated also present. The thioindigo molecule distorts from its planar structure, a behavior consistent with a color change. Due to the weak interaction between thioindigo and sepiolite we conclude that the thioindigo molecule must be trapped in a channel, an observation consistent with previous experimental studies. Future computational studies will look at the interaction of indigo with sepiolite. |
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ISSN: | 1565-3633 1687-479X |