A Schiff Base with Polymorphic Structure (Z′ = 2): Investigations with Computational Techniques and in Silico Predictions

Abstract

In this study, we report a newly synthesized Schiff base molecule named (E)-N-(2-chloropyridin-3-yl)-1-(5-nitro-2-(piperidin-1-yl)phenyl)methanimine. We also report its structural, chemical, surface, and electronic properties, potential targets, drug-likeness, ADME and toxicity profile, and docking studies for the main protease (Mpro) of SARS-CoV-2. The scope of this study includes the topological and electronic properties, intermolecular interactions, physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties, metabolic pathways, toxicity endpoints, blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability, and intestinal absorption activities. We performed the above analyses using bioinformatics/chemoinformatics tools and computational techniques. The topic crystal/compound (TC) contains two crystallographically independent molecules in the asymmetric unit (Z′ = 2). TC is open to attack by electrophilic and nucleophilic species and is a soft, chemically reactive, kinetically unstable material. There are no deviations from the known drug-likeness rules. BBB penetration and GI absorption of TC are possible. The docking values of the complex Mpro/TC and Mpro/native ligand N3 were calculated to be −8.10 and −7.11 kcal/mol, respectively. Therefore, we can say that TC is a potential Mpro inhibitor and can be investigated for further laboratory studies.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• SARS-CoV-2
• Schiff base
• polymorphic crystal
• ADME
• docking

Acknowledgment

This research did not receive any specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sector.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).