Semi-empirical Calculation for the Electronic Structure of Schiff Base

Abstract

Ninhydrin is a triketo compound which is stable in hydrated form and
is used in the detection and estimation of amino acids. It reacts with amino
acids producing purple coloured Schiff base. Experimental data are available
for this compound, so it prompted us to study the electronic structure
of the reaction with substituted amines, by using quantum mechanical
calculations. The theoretical study reveals that the para position of amines
makes ninhydrin a high-potential ligand , when they react with each other.