Optimization of the Lennard-Jones parameters for a combined ab initio quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical potential using the 3-21G basis set

A combined ab initio quantum mechanical and molecular mechanical (AI-QM/MM) potential for use in molecular modeling and simulation has been described. In this article, we summarize a procedure for deriving the empirical parameters embedded in a combined QM/MM model and suggest a set of Lennard-Jones parameters for the combined ab initio 3-21G and MM OPLS-TIP3P (AI-3/MM) potential. Interaction energies and geometrical parameters predicted with the AI-3/MM model for over 80 hydrogen-bonded complexes of organic compounds with water were found to be in good accord with ab initio 6-31G(d) results. We anticipate that the AI-3/MM potential should be reasonable for use in condensed phase simulations.