Determination of the Stereochemistry of 3-Hydroxymethyl-2,3-dihydro-[1,4]dioxino[2,3-b]- pyridine by Vibrational Circular Dichroism and the Effect of DFT Integration Grids

Synthesis and absolute configuration of cyclic synthetic cathinones derived from α-tetralone

The emergence of new synthetic cathinones continues to be a matter of public health concern. In fact, already known products (drugs) are being rapidly replaced by new structurally related alternatives, whereby modifications in the basic cathinone structure are used by manufacturers to circumvent the legislation. On the other hand, some derivatives of synthetic cathinones represent important pharmaceuticals with antidepressant properties. In the search for pharmaceutically relevant analogs, the main goal of the present study was to design and characterize novel cyclic α-tetralone-based derivatives of synthetic cathinones. We synthesized a series of derivatives and verified their chemical structure. Subsequently, chiral separation has been accomplished by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) equipped with a circular dichroism (CD) detector, which directly provided CD spectra of the enantiomers of the analyzed substances at 252 nm. Using density functional theory calculations, we have obtained stable conformers of selected enantiomers in solution and their relative abundances, which we used to simulate their spectra. The experimental and calculated data have been used to assign the absolute configuration of six as-yet unknown synthetic cathinones.

Comparison of different density functional theory methods for the calculation of vibrational circular dichroism spectra

The determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of an organic molecule is still a challenging task for which the combination of spectroscopic with quantum-mechanical methods has become a promising approach. In this study, we investigated the accuracy of DFT methods (480 overall combinations of 15 functionals, 16 basis sets, and 2 solvation models) to calculate the VCD spectra of six chiral organic molecules in order to benchmark their capability to facilitate the determination of the AC.

Can the absolute configuration of cyclic peptides be determined with vibrational circular dichroism?

Cyclic peptides show a wide range of biological activities, among others as antibacterial agents. These peptides are often large and flexible with multiple chiral centers. The determination of the stereochemistry of molecules with multiple chiral centers is a challenging and important task in drug development. Chiroptical spectroscopies such as vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) can distinguish between different stereoisomers. The absolute configuration (AC) of a stereoisomer can be determined by comparing its experimental spectra to computed spectra of stereoisomers with known AC. In this way, the AC of rigid molecules with up to seven chiral centers has been assigned (Bogaerts et al., Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2020, 22, 18014). The question arises whether this is possible with more conformationally flexible molecules such as cyclic peptides. We here investigate to what extent the AC of cyclic peptides can be determined with VCD. More specifically, we investigate the maximum number of chiral centers a cyclic peptide can have in order to be able to unambiguously assign the AC with VCD. We present experimental and computed IR and VCD spectra for a series of eight tetrapeptides and hexapeptides with two, three and four chiral centers. We use our recently developed computational protocol with a conformational search based on sampling with meta-dynamics. We use visual inspection to compare the computed spectra of different stereoisomers with an experimental spectrum of the corresponding cyclic peptide with known AC. We find that the AC of the investigated cyclic peptides with two chiral centers can be unambiguously assigned with VCD. This is however not possible for all of the cyclic peptides with three chiral centers and for none of those with four chiral centers. At best, one can limit the number of possible stereoisomers in those cases. Our work shows that other techniques are needed to assign the AC of cyclic peptides with three or more chiral centers. Our study also constitutes a warning that the spectra of all stereoisomers should be computed before attempting to match to an experimental spectrum, to avoid an accidental erroneous match.

Conformational analysis of amphetamine and methamphetamine: a comprehensive approach by vibrational and chiroptical spectroscopy

After cannabis, the most commonly used illicit substance worldwide is amphetamine and its derivatives, such as methamphetamine, with an ever-increasing number of synthetic modifications. Thus, fast and reliable methods are needed to identify them according to their spectral patterns and structures. Here, we have investigated the use of molecular spectroscopy methods to describe the 3D structures of these substances in a solution that models the physiological environment. The substances were analyzed by Raman and infrared (IR) absorption spectroscopy and by chiroptical methods, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and Raman optical activity (ROA). The obtained experimental data were supported by three different computational approaches based on density functional theory (DFT) and molecular dynamics (MD). Successful interpretation relies on good agreement between experimental and predicted spectra. The determination of the conformer populations of the studied molecules was based on maximizing the similarity overlap of weighted conformer spectra by a global minimization algorithm. Very good agreement was obtained between the experimental spectra and optimized-population weighted spectra from MD, providing a detailed insight into the structure of the molecules and their interaction with the solvent. The relative population of three amphetamine and six methamphetamine conformers was determined and is consistent with a previous NMR study. However, this work shows that only a few isolated conformers are not sufficient for the successful interpretation of the spectra, but the entire conformational space needs to be sampled appropriately and explicit interaction with the solvent needs to be included.

A Computational Protocol for Vibrational Circular Dichroism Spectra of Cyclic Oligopeptides

Cyclic peptides are a promising class of compounds for next-generation antibiotics as they may provide new ways of limiting antibiotic resistance development. Although their cyclic structure will introduce some rigidity, their conformational space is large and they usually have multiple chiral centers that give rise to a wide range of possible stereoisomers. Chiroptical spectroscopies such as vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) are used to assign stereochemistry and discriminate enantiomers of chiral molecules, often in combination with electronic structure methods. The reliable determination of the absolute configuration of cyclic peptides will require robust computational methods than can identify all significant conformers and their relative population and reliably assign their stereochemistry from their chiroptical spectra by comparison with ab initio calculated spectra. We here present a computational protocol for the accurate calculation of the VCD spectra of a series of flexible cyclic oligopeptides. The protocol builds on the Conformer-Rotamer Ensemble Sampling Tool (CREST) developed by Grimme and co-workers ( Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys. 2020, 22, 7169-7192 and J. Chem. Theory. Comput. 2019, 15, 2847-2862) in combination with postoptimizations using B3LYP and moderately sized basis sets. Our recommended computational protocol for the computation of VCD spectra of cyclic oligopeptides consists of three steps: (1) conformational sampling with CREST and tight-binding density functional theory (xTB); (2) energy ranking based on single-point energy calculations as well as geometry optimization and VCD calculations of conformers that are within 2.5 kcal/mol of the most stable conformer using B3LYP/6-31+G*/CPCM; and (3) VCD spectra generation based on Boltzmann weighting with Gibbs free energies. Our protocol provides a feasible basis for generating VCD spectra also for larger cyclic peptides of biological/pharmaceutical interest and can thus be used to investigate promising compounds for next-generation antibiotics.

Toward Fully Unsupervised Anharmonic Computations Complementing Experiment for Robust and Reliable Assignment and Interpretation of IR and VCD Spectra from Mid-IR to NIR: The Case of 2,3-Butanediol and trans-1,2-Cyclohexanediol

The infrared (IR) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra of 2,3-butanediol and trans-1,2-cyclohexanediol from 900 to 7500 cm^–1 (including mid-IR, fundamental CH and OH stretchings, and near-infrared regions) have been investigated by a combined experimental and computational strategy. The computational approach is rooted in density functional theory (DFT) computations of harmonic and leading anharmonic mechanical, electrical, and magnetic contributions, followed by a generalized second-order perturbative (GVPT2) evaluation of frequencies and intensities for all the above regions without introducing any ad hoc scaling factor. After proper characterization of large-amplitude motions, all resonances plaguing frequencies and intensities are taken into proper account. Comparison of experimental and simulated spectra allows unbiased assignment and interpretation of the most interesting features. The reliability of the GVPT2 approach for OH stretching fundamentals and overtones is confirmed by the remarkable agreement with a local mode model purposely tailored for the latter two regions. Together with the specific interest of the studied molecules, our results confirm that an unbiased assignment and interpretation of vibrational spectra for flexible medium-size molecules can be achieved by means of a nearly unsupervised reliable, robust, and user-friendly DFT/GVPT2 model.

More complex, less complicated? Explicit solvation of hydroxyl groups for the analysis of VCD spectra

With increasing size of the molecules, hydrogen bonding induced solvent effects on the IR and VCD spectra become more negligible.

A combined Raman optical activity and vibrational circular dichroism study on artemisinin-type products

Artemisinin and two of its derivatives, dihydroartemisinin and artesunate, front line drugs against malaria, were studied using Raman optical activity (ROA), vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) experiments and density functional theory (DFT) calculations.

Absolute Configuration of Alkaloids from Uncaria longiflora through Experimental and Computational Approaches

The structure elucidation of three new alkaloids named isoformosaninol (1), formosaninol (2), and longiflorine (3), isolated from the leaves of Uncaria longiflora var. pteropoda (Miq.) Ridsdale, along with their biosynthetic pathways are discussed. Their absolute structures were determined through a combination of physical data interpretation and quantum chemical calculations using the time-dependent density functional theory (TDDFT) method.

Unbiased Determination of Absolute Configurations by vis-à-vis Comparison of Experimental and Simulated Spectra: The Challenging Case of Diplopyrone

A new experimental-computational strategy for the determination of the absolute configuration (AC) of complex chiral molecules is proposed by combining diverse experimental spectroscopies with quantum-mechanical simulations well beyond the current computational practice. Key features are the conformer search and relative stability evaluation performed by a new stochastic two-level tool followed by a vis-à-vis comparison of experimental and computed spectra without any ad hoc adjustment. The entire computational procedure is embedded in the user-friendly VMS software, and its reliability is granted by the inclusion of mechanic/electric/magnetic anharmonicity as well as ro-vibrational and vibronic couplings by means of generalized perturbation theory in conjunction with double-hybrid functionals combined with empirical dispersion contributions and suitable basis sets. To test and validate the new approach, the puzzling case of diplopyrone, a fungal phytotoxic metabolite, has been chosen: the close match between new experimental and simulated infrared absorption and vibrational circular dichroism spectra has led to the unbiased evaluation of its AC.

CF3: an overlooked chromophore in VCD spectra. A review of recent applications in structural determination

The VCD spectra of several chiral compounds containing the CF3 group are reviewed and analyzed. The list of compounds contains pharmaceutically relevant molecules as well as simple model molecules, having the value of case studies. In particular we point out the importance of the sign of the VCD band relative to some stretching normal mode of CF3 in the region 1110-1150 cm-1, as diagnostic of the configuration of stereogenic carbons C* to which the CF3 group is bound: the correspondence (-) ↔ (R) and (+) ↔ (S) holds for 100% of 1-aryl-2,2,2-trifluoroethanols. DFT calculations confirm these conclusions, but for the rule established here they serve just as a check. This rule is tested on two new compounds, namely N-tert-butanesulfinyl-1-(quinoline-4-yl)-2,2,2-trifluoroethylamine, 8, and 4-[2-(2,2,2-trifluoro-1-hydroxyethyl)pyrrolidin-1-yl]-2-(trifluoromethyl)benzonitrile, 10, both containing two stereogenic elements, one of them being an asymmetric carbon C* of unknown configuration binding a CF3 group. Discussion of the general validity of the rule is provided and some further tests are run on compounds in well-established drugs.

Solution Structure of Mannobioses Unravelled by Means of Raman Optical Activity

Structural analysis of carbohydrates is a complicated endeavour, due to the complexity and diversity of the samples at hand. Herein, we apply a combined computational and experimental approach, employing molecular dynamics (MD) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations together with NMR and Raman optical activity (ROA) measurements, in the structural study of three mannobiose disaccharides, consisting of two mannoses with varying glycosidic linkages. The disaccharide structures make up the scaffold of high mannose glycans and are therefore important targets for structural analysis. Based on the MD population analysis and NMR, the major conformers of each mannobiose were identified and used as input for DFT analysis. By systematically varying the solvent models used to describe water interacting with the molecules and applying overlap integral analysis to the resulting calculational ROA spectra, we found that a full quantum mechanical/molecular mechanical approach is required for an optimal calculation of the ROA parameters. Subsequent normal mode analysis of the predicted vibrational modes was attempted in order to identify possible marker bands for glycosidic linkages. However, the normal mode vibrations of the mannobioses are completely delocalised, presumably due to conformational flexibility in these compounds, rendering the identification of isolated marker bands unfeasible.

Asymmetric Synthesis of Spirooxindoles via Nucleophilic Epoxidation Promoted by Bifunctional Organocatalysts

Taking into account the postulated reaction mechanism for the organocatalytic epoxidation of electron-poor olefins developed by our laboratory, we have investigated the key factors able to positively influence the H-bond network installed inside the substrate/catalyst/oxidizing agent. With this aim, we have: (i) tested a few catalysts displaying various effects that noticeably differ in terms of steric hindrance and electron demand; (ii) employed α-alkylidene oxindoles decorated with different substituents on the aromatic ring (11a-g), the exocylic double bond (11h-l), and the amide moiety (11m-v). The observed results suggest that the modification of the electron-withdrawing group (EWG) weakly conditions the overall outcomes, and conversely a strong influence is unambiguously ascribable to either the N-protected or N-unprotected lactam framework. Specifically, when the NH free substrates (11m-u) are employed, an inversion of the stereochemical control is observed, while the introduction of a Boc protecting group affords the desired product 12v in excellent enantioselectivity (97:3 er).

Importance and Difficulties in the Use of Chiroptical Methods to Assign the Absolute Configuration of Natural Products: The Case of Phytotoxic Pyrones and Furanones Produced by Diplodia corticola

α-Pyrones and furanones are metabolites produced by Diplodia corticola, a pathogen of cork oak. Previously, the absolute configuration (AC) of diplopyrone was defined by chiroptical methods and Mosher's method. Using X-ray and chiroptical methods, the AC of sapinofuranone C was assigned, while that of the (4S,5S)-enantiomer of sapinofuranone B was established by enantioselective total synthesis. Diplofuranone A and diplobifuranylones A-C ACs are still unassigned. Here electronic and vibrational circular dichroism (ECD and VCD) and optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) spectra are reported and compared with density functional theory computations. The AC of the (4S,5S)-enantiomer of sapinofuranone B and sapinofuranone C is checked for completeness. The AC of diplobifuranylones A-C is assigned as (2S,2'S,5'S,6'S), (2S,2'R,5'S,6'R), and (2S,2'S,5'R,6'R), respectively, with the Mosher's method applied to define the absolute configuration of the carbinol stereogenic carbon. The AC assignment of sapinofuranones is problematic: while diplofuranone A is (4S,9R), sapinofuranones B and C are (4S,5S) according to ORD and VCD, but not to ECD. To eliminate these ambiguities, ECD and VCD spectra of a di-p-bromobenzoate derivative of sapinofuranone C are measured and calculated. For phytotoxicity studies, it is relevant that all six compounds share the S configuration for the stereogenic carbon atom of the lactone moiety.

CDSpecTech: A single software suite for multiple chiroptical spectroscopic analyses

The program CDSpecTech was developed to facilitate the analysis of chiroptical spectra, which include the following: vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) and corresponding vibrational absorption (VA) spectra; vibrational Raman optical activity (VROA) and corresponding vibrational Raman spectra; electronic circular dichroism (ECD) and corresponding electronic absorption (EA) spectra. In addition, the program allows for generating optical rotatory dispersion (ORD) as the Kramers-Kronig transform of ECD spectra. The simulation of theoretical spectra from transition strengths can be achieved using different bandshape profiles. The experimental and simulated theoretical spectra can be visually compared by displaying them together. A unique feature of CDSpecTech is performing spectral analysis using the ratio spectra; i.e., the dimensionless dissymmetry factor (DF) spectrum, which is the ratio of CD to absorption spectra, and the dimensionless circular intensity difference (CID) spectrum, which is the ratio of VROA to vibrational Raman spectra. The quantitative agreement between experimental and simulated theoretical spectra can also be assessed from the numerical similarity overlap between them. Two different similarity overlap methods are available. The program uses a graphical user interface which allows for ease of use and facilitates the analysis. All these features make CDSpecTech a valuable tool for the analysis of chiroptical spectra. The program is freely available on the World Wide Web.

Model-averaging of ab initio spectra for the absolute configuration assignment via vibrational circular dichroism

Unescapable errors of calculations are taken into account through a model-averaging technique, opening the way to a quantitative comparison with experiment.

Solvent Effects on the Monomer/Hydrogen-Bonded Dimer Equilibrium in Carboxylic Acids: (+)-(S)-Ketopinic Acid as a Case Study

The hydrogen-bond-assisted self-association process of a chiral semirigid carboxylic acid, namely, (+)-(S)-ketopinic acid, has been studied. The multiconformational monomer/dimer equilibrium has been evaluated by means of a concentration-dependent FTIR study that enabled the experimental equilibrium constants of the dimer formation reaction (Kdim ) to be determined in two solvents of different polarity. In CDCl3 , dimeric forms predominate, even in diluted solutions (KdimCF =5.074), whereas in CD3 CN the self-association process is hindered and monomers are always the main species, irrespective of solute concentration (KdimAN =0.194). The reliability of the dimerization constants and the derived mono- and dimeric experimental fractions have been proven by means of accurate matching between the experimental vibrational circular dichroism spectra of the species and the theoretical spectra generated by considering the simultaneous weighted contributions of the concomitant monomers and dimers.

Ramachandran mapping of peptide conformation using a large database of computed Raman and Raman optical activity spectra

A novel ROA database is reported that assigns peptide structures in detail by pattern recognition of the experimental spectrum.

Comparison of experimental and calculated chiroptical spectra for chiral molecular structure determination

For three different chiroptical spectroscopic methods, namely, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD), electronic circular dichroism (ECD), and Raman optical activity (ROA), the measures of similarity of the experimental spectra to the corresponding spectra predicted using quantum chemical theories are summarized. In determining the absolute configuration and/or predominant conformations of chiral molecules, these similarity measures provide numerical estimates of agreement between experimental observations and theoretical predictions. Selected applications illustrating the similarity measures for absorption, circular dichroism, and corresponding dissymmetry factor (DF) spectra, in the case of VCD and ECD, and for Raman, ROA, and circular intensity differential (CID) spectra in the case of ROA, are presented. The analysis of similarity in DF or CID spectra is considered to be much more discerning and accurate than that in absorption (or Raman) and circular dichroism (or ROA) spectra, undertaken individually.

SpecDis: quantifying the comparison of calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism spectra

This article outlines theory and practice of the comparison of calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves to determine the absolute configuration of chiral molecules. The focus is on the evaluation of excited-state calculations giving hints at the identification of the correct bandwidth and the application of the so-called "UV shift" as a correction factor. A similarity factor is introduced, which helps to quantify the degree of matching of curves. In addition, a few common errors are described that can be made during the measurements of ECD and UV spectra-and advice is given of how to avoid these mistakes. All equations mentioned in the article are implemented in our SpecDis software, which has been developed to rapidly compare calculated ECD and UV curves with experimental ones, and to produce graphics in publication quality.

On the determination of the stereochemistry of semisynthetic natural product analogues using chiroptical spectroscopy: desulfurization of epidithiodioxopiperazine fungal metabolites

Isolation and semisynthetic modification of the fungal metabolite chaetocin gave access to a desulfurized analogue of this natural product. Detailed chiroptical studies, comparing experimentally obtained optical rotation values, electronic circular dichroism spectra, and vibrational circular dichroism spectra to computationally simulated ones, reveal the desulfurization of chaetocin to unambiguously proceed with retention of configuration. Consideration of the plausible mechanisms for this process highlighted inconsistencies in the stereochemical assignment of related molecules in the literature. This in turn allowed the stereochemical reassignment of the natural product analogue dethiodehydrogliotoxin.

A novel computational method for comparing vibrational circular dichroism spectra

A novel method, SimIR/VCD, for comparing experimental and calculated VCD (vibrational circular dichroism) spectra is developed, based on newly defined spectra similarities. With computationally optimized frequency scaling and shifting, a calculated spectrum can be easily identified to match an observed spectrum, which leads to an unbiased molecular chirality assignment. The time-consuming manual band-fitting work is greatly reduced. With (1S)-(-)-alpha-pinene as an example, it demonstrates that the calculated VCD similarity is correlated with VCD spectra matching quality and has enough sensitivity to identify variations in the spectra. The study also compares spectra calculated using different DFT methods and basis sets. Using this method should facilitate the spectra matching, reduce human error and provide a confidence measure in the chiral assignment using VCD spectroscopy.

Vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy of chiral molecules

In this chapter, new developments and main applications of vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy reported in the last 5 years are described. This includes the determinations of absolute configurations of chiral molecules, understanding solvent effects and modeling solvent-solute explicit hydrogen bonding networks using induced solvent chirality, studies of transition metal complexes and their peculiar and enormous intensity enhancements in VCD spectra, investigations of conformational preference of chiral ligands bound to gold nano particles, and two new advances in applying matrix isolation VCD spectroscopy to flexible, multi-conformational chiral molecules and complexes, and in development of femtosecond laser based VCD instruments for transient VCD monitoring. A brief review of the experimental techniques and theoretical methods is also given. The purpose of this chapter is to provide an up-to-date perspective on the capability of VCD to solve significant problems about chiral molecules in solution, in thin film states, or on surfaces.

C-15-functionalized eudesmanolides from Mikania campanulata

The aerial parts of Mikania campanulata Gardner afforded the nine new eudesmanolides (1S,4S,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1-hydroxy-15-acetoxyeudesm-11(13)-en-6,12-olide (1), (1S,4S,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1,4-dihydroxy-15-acetoxyeudesm-11(13)-en-6,12-olide (2), (1R,4S,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1,4-dihydroxy-15-acetoxyeudesm-11(13)-en-6,12-olide (3), (1R,4S,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1-hydroxy-4,15-diacetoxyeudesm-11(13)-en-6,12-olide (4), (1S,4R,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1,15-diacetoxy-4-hydroxyeudesm-11(13)-en-6,12-olide (5), (1S,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1-hydroxy-15-acetoxyeudesma-4(15),11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (6), (1S,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1,15-dihydroxyeudesma-3,11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (7a), (1S,2R,5S,6S,7S,10R)-1,2,15-trihydroxyeudesma-3,11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (8a), and (1R,6S,7S,10R)-1,15-dihydroxyeudesma-4,11(13)-dien-6,12-olide (9a), among which the last three were characterized as their corresponding peracetates (7b-9b). The structures of 1-6 and 7b-9b were elucidated using 1D and 2D NMR measurements, while that of major constituent 1 was confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis, and its absolute configuration evidenced from vibrational circular dichroism measurements, which were compared to results obtained from density functional theory calculations. The chemistry of the large genus Mikania is briefly analyzed.

A DFT conformational analysis and VCD study on methyl tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylate

DFT calculations were performed on (S)-methyl tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylate to facilitate the interpretation of IR and VCD spectra. The potential energy surface could not be described unambiguously using the 6-31G* basis set in combination with different density functionals including B1LYP, B3LYP, B3P86, B3PW91, B98, BHandH, BHandHLYP, MPW1PW91 and PBE1PBE. In contrast, a uniform conformational picture could be found using the cc-pVTZ basis set. Using this large basis set and the collection of nine functionals from above, the dipole and rotational strengths were calculated, and compared to experimental values which were extracted from the experimental IR and VCD spectra for (+)-(S)-methyl tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylate. A detailed analysis on the agreement between experiment and simulated spectra was performed by assigning the experimental bands based on the harmonic fundamentals obtained for all functionals except BHandH, which performs badly over the whole line. Assessing the dipole strengths, all tested functionals perform equally well. For the rotational strengths, differences can be observed: B3LYP, B1LYP and B98 give the highest correlation with experiment, while PBE1PBE gives the lowest correlation. Comparable conclusions are obtained using a neighborhood similarity measure.

An investigation of the absolute configuration of the potent histamine H3 receptor antagonist GT-2331 using vibrational circular dichroism

GT-2331 [(+)-1] is one of the most potent members of a class of chiral drug substances used to regulate the synthesis and release of histamine by the histamine H3 receptor, and as such, is an important biomarker for pharmaceutical companies conducting research in this field. In addition to overall structural features, the bioactivity of this molecule has also been found to be highly dependent on absolute stereochemistry, making the reliable assignment of this property a necessity. X-ray diffraction studies have provided conflicting data, leaving its three-dimensional structure uncertain. In view of this, its absolute configuration was investigated by vibrational circular dichroism. Results from this study provided independent assignment of this important molecule as the (1S,2S)-enantiomer.

Absolute configuration of natural diastereoisomers of 6beta-hydroxyhyoscyamine by vibrational circular dichroism

The absolute configuration of the two natural diastereoisomers of 6beta-hydroxyhyoscyamine has been determined using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectroscopy. The predicted VCD and IR spectra of (3R,6R,2'S)-6beta-hydroxyhyoscyamine (1) and (3S,6S,2'S)-6beta-hydroxyhyoscyamine (2) were calculated using density functional theory (DFT) with the B3LYP functional and 6-31G(d) basis set and considering the eight lower energy conformations of each diastereoisomer. In both cases, the first four conformers showed the N-Me group in the syn orientation, permitting the formation of a hydrogen bond between the hydroxy group at the tropane ring and the tertiary nitrogen atom. In addition the eight conformers showed an intramolecular hydrogen bond between the hydroxy and carbonyl groups of the tropic ester moiety. The calculated IR spectra of both molecules showed good agreement with the experimental spectra, while comparison of the experimental and calculated VCD spectra showed that the absolute configuration of dextrorotatory 6beta-hydroxyhyoscyamine is (3R,6R,2'S), while the levorotatory isomer is (3S,6S,2'S).

Intermolecular Association of Tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic Acid in Solution: A Vibrational Circular Dichroism Study

Carboxylic acids are known for their strong intermolecular associations. With chiral carboxylic acids, this behavior can be studied using vibrational circular dichroism (VCD). Tetrahydrofuran-2-carboxylic acid 1, a chiral building block for beta-lactam antibiotics, is studied by emphasizing the effect of the dimerization. Experimental results indicate that for solutions of 1 in CDCl3 and CS2, a complex equilibrium exists between the monomers and dimers. B3LYP/aug-cc-pVTZ calculations are performed on both monomer and dimer structures. To simulate IR and VCD spectra, populations for monomer and dimers were approximated using a semiquantitative model. A good agreement between experimental and simulated spectra is obtained by taking into account both the monomeric and the dimeric structures, weighted using the experimentally determined populations.

Direct Determination of Absolute Configuration of Methyl-Substituted Phenyloxiranes: Combined Experimental and Theoretical Approach

Three possible methyl-substituted phenyloxiranes have been synthesized in enantioenriched form (89-99% enantiomeric excess (ee)), and their vibrational absorption (VA) and vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) spectra have been recorded. The experimental spectra are compared to theoretical spectra obtained from quantum mechanical calculations (density functional theory with the B3LYP hybrid exchange correlation functional with 6-31++G*, aug-cc-pVDZ, or aug-cc-pVTZ basis set) and related to the physical structure of the compounds. The absolute configuration could be established directly in each case by comparing experimental and theoretical spectra. In addition, we have been able to document the changes that occur both in structures and in the VA and VCD spectra due to substituent effects on the oxirane ring.

Elucidation of the absolute configuration of JNJ-27553292, a CCR2 receptor antagonist, by vibrational circular dichroism analysis of two precursors

The absolute configurations of two precursors, that is, 1-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-propanol and 1-(3',4'-dichlorophenyl)-propanamine, of a potent 2-mercapto-imidazole CCR-2 receptor antagonist, JNJ-27553292, were determined using vibrational circular dichroism. As a consequence, the absolute configuration of the antagonist itself was also determined. The two precursor compounds were subjected to a thorough conformational analysis and rotational strengths were calculated at the B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level of theory. Based on these data, vibrational circular dichroism spectra were simulated, which in turn were compared with experimental spectra. Agreement between the spectra allowed the assignment of the absolute configuration, which is in agreement with the proposed configuration based on stereospecific reactions on similar compounds.

Determination of the Absolute Configuration of Three as-Hydrindacene Compounds by Vibrational Circular Dichroism

[Structure: see text]. The absolute configurations of three compounds with a rigid 1,8-disubstituted as-hydrindacene skeleton have been determined using vibrational circular dichroism spectroscopy and quantum chemical calculations. Experimental spectra were compared to B3LYP/6-31G and B3LYP/cc-pVTZ level predicted spectra. Based on the agreement between the predicted and experimental spectra, the stereochemistry could be assigned with high confidence. The results were found to be in agreement with ECD determinations and/or predictions based on the applied asymmetric methods in the synthetic route.

Determination of absolute configuration via vibrational circular dichroism

Vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) provides a growing and promising technology for the determination of the absolute configuration of molecules in solution, including drug molecules. The practical application of VCD spectroscopy consists of the experimental determination and comparison to quantum chemically calculated data. The key features of the VCD technology are presented and an example of an application of the technique is discussed.: