Anion-π Interactions in Flavoproteins Involve a Substantial Charge-Transfer Component

Anion-pi interactions have been shown to stabilize flavoproteins and to regulate the redox potential of the flavin cofactor. They are commonly attributed to electrostatic forces. Herein we show that anion-flavin interactions can have a substantial charge-transfer component. Our conclusion emanates from a multi-approach theoretical analysis and is backed by previously reported observations of absorption bands, originating from charge transfer between oxidized flavin and proximate cysteine thiolate groups. This partial covalency of anion-flavin contacts renders classical simulations of flavoproteins questionable.