Conformational Landscape and Properties of Psilocybin: A Computational Approach

Psilocybin, a psychedelic molecule, exists in two stable shapes (conformers) that are nearly equal in energy, with the second most stable being 2.08 kcal/mol higher than the most stable. Rotating between these shapes requires overcoming an energy barrier of 14.63 kcal/mol. Both conformers have very strong internal hydrogen bonds and their structures closely match the previously known crystal form of psilocybin. Computed spectroscopic data (ultraviolet-visible, infrared, and proton nuclear magnetic resonance) also agree well with earlier reports.

Study at a glance

Abstract

Abstract The conformational manifold of psilocybin, a psychedelic molecule, was extensively explored using DFT method. Two most stable conformers were identified and the second most stable conformer was found to be 2.08 kcal/mol higher than the global minimum. The barrier of rotation between the two conformers was found to be 14.63 kcal/mol. The structural and spectroscopic parameters of both these conformers were similar. AIM (Atoms in molecule) calculation revealed very strong intramolecular H‐bond interactions in both the conformers. The structural parameters of these two conformers significantly matched with the earlier reported crystal structure of psilocybin. Further properties of these conformers were investigated using FMO (Frontier molecular orbital), AIM (Atoms in molecule), ESP (Electrostatic potential) calculations. UV (Ultraviolet)‐visible, IR (Infrared) and 1 H‐NMR (Proton nuclear magnetic resonance) spectra were also computed. All the predicted results matched exceedingly well with the earlier reported literature.