The use of density functional theory-based reactivity descriptors in molecular similarity calculations

Molecular similarity is studied via density functional theory-based similarity indices using a numerical integration method. Complementary to the existing similarity indices, we introduce a reactivity-related similarity index based on the local softness. After a study of some test systems, a series of peptide isosteres is studied in view of their importance in pharmacology. The whole of the present work illustrates the importance of the study of molecular similarity based on both shape and reactivity.