The cis – trans isomerization of (thio)amides was studied by DFT calculations to get the model for the higher preference for the cis conformation by guided predictive chemistry, suggesting how to select the alkyl/aryl substituents on the C/N atoms that lead to the trans isomer. Multilinear analysis, together with cross-validation analysis, helped to select the best fitting parameters to achieve the energy barriers of the cis to trans interconversion, as well as the relative stability between both isomers. Double experimental check led to the synthesis of the best trans candidate with sterically demanding t -butyl substituents, confirming the utility of predictive chemistry, bridging organic and computational chemistry.
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Relative hydrophilicities of cis and trans formamides
Secondary formamides are widely encountered in biology and exist as mixtures of both cis and trans isomers. Here, we assess hydrophilicity differences between isomeric formamides through direct competition experiments. Formamides bearing long aliphatic chains were sequestered in a water-soluble molecular container having a hydrophobic cavity with an end open to the aqueous medium. NMR spectroscopic experiments reveal a modest preference (<1 kcal/mol) for aqueous solvation of the trans formamide terminals over the cis isomers. With diformamides, the supramolecular approach allows staging of intramolecular competition between short-lived species with subtle differences in hydrophobic properties.
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- Award ID(s):
- 1801153
- PAR ID:
- 10157139
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
- Volume:
- 116
- Issue:
- 40
- ISSN:
- 0027-8424
- Page Range / eLocation ID:
- 19815 to 19820
- Format(s):
- Medium: X
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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