Journal of Physical Chemistry A, Vol.108, No.1, 92-96, 2004
Structure, conformation, and electronic properties of apigenin, luteolin, and taxifolin antioxidants. A first principle theoretical study
The structural and electronic properties of apigenin, luteolin, and taxifolin and their radicals were investigated at density functional level of theory employing the B3LYP exchange-correlation potential coupled with the 6-311++G** basis set. Results indicated that the presence of a dihydroxy functionality increases the radical stability through H-bonds formation and favors hydrogen atom abstraction. Bond dissociation energy and ionization potential were also determined in order to know if the antioxidant activity of these compounds proceeds via an H-atom or an electron-transfer mechanism.