Crystal structure optimization

Single-crystal structure Optimized structure at B3LYP/6-31G level From Ref. [18]... 

The program system COBRA [118, 119] can be regarded as a rule- and data-based approach, but also applies the principles of fragment-based (or template-based) methods extensively (for a detailed description sec Chapter 11, Sections 7.1 and 7.2 in the Handbook). COBRA uses a library of predefined, optimized 3D molecular fragments which have been derived from crystal structures and foi ce-field calculations. Each fi agment contains some additional information on... 

The next step is to obtain geometries for the molecules. Crystal structure geometries can be used however, it is better to use theoretically optimized geometries. By using the theoretical geometries, any systematic errors in the computation will cancel out. Furthermore, the method will predict as yet unsynthesized compounds using theoretical geometries. Some of the simpler methods require connectivity only. 

For crystalline polymers, the bulk modulus can be obtained from band-structure calculations. Molecular mechanics calculations can also be used, provided that the crystal structure was optimized with the same method. 

In many respects the fragment approach is ideally suited to projects which have X-ray crystal structures available. The fragments are small and relatively weak binders, but they often only possess one pharmacophoric element that binds to a specific feature on the target. If this interaction is identified by X-ray structure determination, then project teams can propose specific plans which maintain that critical interaction, and ideally optimize binding through other vectors in their fragments. 

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