Multiple isomers and protonation sites of the phenylalanine/serine dimer

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Jul 11;134(27):11053-5. doi: 10.1021/ja3023708. Epub 2012 Jun 26.

Abstract

Our investigation of the phenylalanine/serine (Phe/Ser) protonated dimer suggests that the intermolecular interaction between the two amino acids is more complex than could have been anticipated from previous studies of similar systems. Isomer-specific infrared (IR) spectra, recorded at an internal temperature of ~10 K, demonstrate the presence of at least five isomers with nonzwitterionic structures. Moreover, isotopic substitution experiments provide evidence for different protonation sites among these isomers.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Dimerization
  • Isomerism
  • Phenylalanine / chemistry*
  • Protons*
  • Serine / chemistry*
  • Spectrophotometry, Infrared

Substances

  • Protons
  • Serine
  • Phenylalanine