Solution conformation of the two alditols obtained by sodium borohydride reduction of N-acetylneuraminic acid
摘要:
The stereochemistries and the conformations of the two alditols 1 and 2 (3:2) obtained upon reduction of N-acetylneuraminic acid were determined in aqueous solution using proton and carbon nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Molecular mechanics calculation was proved to be not applicable onto alditols, if the balance of the conformational equilibrium is maintained by 1,3-diaxial interactions. No measurable amount of the alpha-N-acetylneuraminic acid like triple bent alditol form, which is believed to be the substrate of the Clostridium perfringens lyase, could be detected in solution. In aqueous solution compound 2 is present in its extended form. One can expect that the necessary energy contribution of approximately 1 kcal to fold 2 into the form which is recognized by the enzyme is easily available.