Theoretical studies on the reaction of pentafulvenone with water in gas phase and aqueous solvent

In gas phase, the hydrations of pentafulvenone to generate three types of cyclopentadienyl carboxylic acids are studied theoretically at the MP2/6-311+G**//B3LYP/6-311+G**level. A water molecule attacking the C=O double bond of pentafulvenone can yield cyclopentadienyl carboxylic acids via the formation of fulvenediols, and attacking the C=C double bond of pentafulvenone can directly yield cyclopentadienyl carboxylic acid. The barriers of rate-determining transition states are 42.2 and 30.4 kcal mol ^-1, respectively. The barriers of rate-determining transition states for two water molecules system are 20.2 and 19.6 kcal mol^-1, respectively. The products can isomerize to each other. In aqueous solvent, the hydrations of pentafulvenone are investigated using PCM-UAHF model at the MP2 (PCM)/6-311+G**// B3LYP (PCM)/6-311+G**and MP2 (PCM)/6-311+G**// B3LYP/6-311+G**levels. The barriers of all rate-determining transition states are decreased. The added water molecule acts as catalyst in both gas phase and aqueous solvent.