Solvation energy models

The solute-solvent interaction in equation A2.4.19 is a measure of the solvation energy of the solute species at infinite dilution. The basic model for ionic hydration is shown in figure A2.4.3 [5] there is an iimer hydration sheath of water molecules whose orientation is essentially detemiined entirely by the field due to the central ion. The number of water molecules in this iimer sheath depends on the size and chemistry of the central ion ... 

This fomuila does not include the charge-dipole interaction between reactants A and B. The correlation between measured rate constants in different solvents and their dielectric parameters in general is of a similar quality as illustrated for neutral reactants. This is not, however, due to the approximate nature of the Bom model itself which, in spite of its simplicity, leads to remarkably accurate values of ion solvation energies, if the ionic radii can be reliably estimated [15],... 

Kamlet-Taft Linear Solvation Energy Relationships. Most recent works on LSERs are based on a powerfiil predictive model, known as the Kamlet-Taft model (257), which has provided a framework for numerous studies into specific molecular thermodynamic properties of solvent—solute systems. This model is based on an equation having three conceptually expHcit terms (258). 

The continuum model, in which solvent is regarded as a continuum dielectric, has been used to study solvent effects for a long time [2,3]. Because the electrostatic interaction in a polar system dominates over other forces such as van der Waals interactions, solvation energies can be approximated by a reaction field due to polarization of the dielectric continuum as solvent. Other contributions such as dispersion interactions, which must be explicitly considered for nonpolar solvent systems, have usually been treated with empirical quantity such as macroscopic surface tension of solvent. 

For solvent models where the cavity/dispersion interaction is parameterized by fitting to experimental solvation energies, the use of a few explicit solvent molecules for the first solvation sphere is not recommended, as the parameterization represents a best fit to experimental data without any explicit solvent present. 

Given the diversity of different SCRF models, and the fact that solvation energies in water may range from a few kcal/mol for say ethane to perhaps 100 kcal/mol for an ion, it is difficult to evaluate just how accurately continuum methods may in principle be able to represent solvation. It seems clear, however, that molecular shaped cavities must be employed, the electiostatic polarization needs a description either in terms of atomic charges or quite high-order multipoles, and cavity and dispersion terms must be included. Properly parameterized, such models appear to be able to give absolute values with an accuracy of a few kcal/mol." Molecular properties are in many cases also sensitive to the environment, but a detailed discussion of this is outside the scope of this book. ... 

Exercise 2.2. Implement the Langevin Dipole method in a computer program. Use this model to evaluate the solvation energy of the CH30 ion. 

Although the LD model is clearly a rough approximation, it seems to capture the main physics of polar solvents. This model overcomes the key problems associated with the macroscopic model of eq. (2.18), eliminating the dependence of the results on an ill-defined cavity radius and the need to use a dielectric constant which is not defined properly at a short distance from the solute. The LD model provides an effective estimate of solvation energies of the ionic states and allows one to explore the energetics of chemical reactions in polar solvents. 

The main point of this exercise and considerations is that you can easily examine the feasibility of the desolvation hypothesis by using well-defined thermodynamic cycles. The only nontrivial numbers are the solvation energies, which can however be estimated reliably by the LD model. Thus for example, if you like to examine whether or not an enzymatic reaction resembles the corresponding gas-phase reaction or the solution reaction you may use the relationship... 

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