TITLE:
Computational Investigation of Mannopyranoside Derivatives as Potential Dopamine D2 Inhibitors Using DFT and Molecular Docking Approaches
AUTHORS:
Md. Raihan Sarker, Sarkar M. A. Kawsar
KEYWORDS:
DFT, Methyl α-D-Mannopyranoside, Dopamine, Molecular Docking, ADMET, PASS
JOURNAL NAME:
Computational Chemistry,
Vol.14 No.3,
June
30,
2026
ABSTRACT: Methyl α-D-mannopyranoside derivatives were investigated to overcome the limited stability and weak receptor-binding affinity of native mannopyranosides. Previously synthesized derivatives were computationally evaluated for their stability, pharmacokinetic properties, and dopamine D2 receptor-binding potential using DFT optimization, ADMET prediction, and molecular docking studies. Density Functional Theory (DFT) geometry optimization provided important molecular descriptors, including HOMO, LUMO, ionization potential, electron affinity, hardness, softness, electronegativity, and electrophilicity indices. Among the studied compounds, derivative 7 exhibited the lowest energy gap (5.3042 eV), indicating higher chemical reactivity, whereas the parent compound (1) showed the highest energy gap (7.4074 eV). Thermodynamic parameters and molecular electrostatic potential (MEP) analyses further explained their chemical stability and reactive behavior. Molecular docking studies demonstrated that compound 7 possessed the strongest binding affinity (?9.7 kcal/mol) toward the dopamine D2 receptor, forming hydrogen bonds and several hydrophobic interactions within the active binding pocket. ADMET predictions suggested favorable pharmacokinetic characteristics for the synthesized derivatives, while PASS analysis indicated several potential biological activities. Overall, this study provides valuable insights into the stability, reactivity, pharmacokinetic behavior, and potential dopamine D2 inhibitory activity of methyl α-D-mannopyranoside derivatives.