Antioxidant action of phenols: Revisiting theoretical calculations of their thermodynamics

Theoretical prediction ability of M06-2X functional was tested for thermodynamics of phenol, 15 para and 15 meta phenol derivatives. Calculations were done for gas phase as well as for polar and nonpolar solvents. Although predicted values might be shifted from the experimental ones in the framework of the employed DFT functional and basis set, the calculated and experimental data sets correlate well together. Very good linearity was found especially for the correlation of experimental and theoretical proton affinities. Hammett type correlations between the environments considered were compared. The phenolic C—O bond length was also tested as an alternative substituent effect descriptor while the type and position of the functional group on the aromatic ring have a direct effect on the phenolic bond.