Determining absolute configuration in flexible molecules: a case study

J Am Chem Soc. 2001 Sep 19;123(37):8961-6. doi: 10.1021/ja0104406.

Abstract

Assigning absolute configuration of molecules continues to be a major problem. Determining absolute configuration in conformationally flexible systems is challenging, even for experts. Here, we present a case study in which we use a combination of molecular modeling, solution NMR, and X-ray crystallography to illustrate why it is difficult to use solution methods alone for configuration assignment. For the case examined, a comparison of calculated and experimental optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) data provides the most straightforward way to assign the absolute configuration.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Benzoates / chemistry*
  • Circular Dichroism
  • Crystallography, X-Ray
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Naphthalenes / chemistry*
  • Optical Rotatory Dispersion / methods*
  • Solutions
  • Stereoisomerism
  • Thermodynamics

Substances

  • Benzoates
  • Naphthalenes
  • Solutions