Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 19, 2026
13:42
Solid-phase Submonomer Synthesis of Peptoid Polymers and their Self-Assembly into Highly-Ordered Nanosheets
Published on: November 2, 2011
Solution structure of the aqueous model peptide N-methylacetamide
Susan K Allison1, Simon P Bates, Jason Crain
1School of Physics, University of Edinburgh, Mayfield Road, Edinburgh EH9 3JZ, United Kingdom. susie.allison@ed.ac.uk
The Journal of Physical Chemistry. B
|October 20, 2006
Summary
Molecular dynamics simulations show N-methylacetamide (NMA) self-associates in water, forming clusters and disrupting water structure. This provides a model for water-peptide interactions in protein cavities.
Area of Science:
- Computational chemistry
- Biophysics
- Physical chemistry
Background:
- N-methylacetamide (NMA) serves as a model for peptide behavior in aqueous solutions.
- Understanding water-peptide interactions is crucial for protein structure and function.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the self-association of N-methylacetamide (NMA) in water using molecular dynamics simulations.
- To explore the impact of NMA on bulk water structure and hydrogen bonding.
Main Methods:
- Classical molecular dynamics simulations.
- Simulations performed at 308 K across a range of NMA concentrations.
Main Results:
- Significant NMA self-association observed even at low concentrations.
- Increased ratio of branched to linear NMA clusters with concentration.
- Water-mediated NMA contacts and water bridge motifs were identified.
- Disruption of bulk water structure with increasing NMA concentration.
- Water molecules become isolated, forming dimers/trimers hydrogen-bonded to NMA.
Conclusions:
- NMA self-association and water structure disruption are concentration-dependent.
- The NMA-water system models water behavior in protein cavities.
- Provides insights into water-peptide hydrogen bond competition.
Related Concept Videos
01:28Structures of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Structure of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives
Carboxylic acid derivatives contain an acyl group attached to a heteroatom such as chlorine, oxygen, or nitrogen. The carbonyl carbon and oxygen are both sp2-hybridized with an unhybridized p orbital.
The three sp2 orbitals of the carbonyl carbon form three σ bonds, one each with the carbonyl oxygen, the α carbon, and the heteroatom, whereas the other two sp2 orbitals of the carbonyl oxygen are occupied by the lone pairs. Further, the unhybridized p...
Carboxylic acid derivatives contain an acyl group attached to a heteroatom such as chlorine, oxygen, or nitrogen. The carbonyl carbon and oxygen are both sp2-hybridized with an unhybridized p orbital.
The three sp2 orbitals of the carbonyl carbon form three σ bonds, one each with the carbonyl oxygen, the α carbon, and the heteroatom, whereas the other two sp2 orbitals of the carbonyl oxygen are occupied by the lone pairs. Further, the unhybridized p...
01:19Structure of Amines
The hybridized nitrogen atom in amines possesses a lone pair of electrons and is bound to three substituents with a bond angle of around 108°, which is less than the tetrahedral angle of 109.5°. However, the C–N–H bond angle is slightly larger at 112°, with a carbon–nitrogen bond length of 147 pm. This carbon–nitrogen bond length of of amines is longer than the carbon–oxygen bond of alcohols (143 pm) but shorter than alkanes’ carbon–carbon bond (154 pm). These aspects are illustrated in Figure...
01:11Nomenclature of Carboxylic Acid Derivatives: Amides and Nitriles
Naming Amides
The IUPAC and common names of amides are derived from the parent carboxylic acid, by replacing the suffix “oic acid” and “ic acid,” respectively, with “amide.” In the following example, the IUPAC name ethanamide is derived from ethanoic acid, and the common name, acetamide, is obtained from acetic acid.
The IUPAC and common names of amides are derived from the parent carboxylic acid, by replacing the suffix “oic acid” and “ic acid,” respectively, with “amide.” In the following example, the IUPAC name ethanamide is derived from ethanoic acid, and the common name, acetamide, is obtained from acetic acid.
01:28Amides to Carboxylic Acids: Hydrolysis
Amides can undergo either acid-catalyzed hydrolysis or base-promoted hydrolysis through a typical nucleophilic acyl substitution. Each hydrolysis requires severe conditions.
Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis:
Hydrolysis of amides under acidic conditions yields carboxylic acids. Since the reaction occurs slowly, hydrolysis requires the conditions of heat.
The mechanism begins with the protonation of the carbonyl oxygen by the acid catalyst. The protonation makes the amide carbonyl carbon more...
Acid-catalyzed hydrolysis:
Hydrolysis of amides under acidic conditions yields carboxylic acids. Since the reaction occurs slowly, hydrolysis requires the conditions of heat.
The mechanism begins with the protonation of the carbonyl oxygen by the acid catalyst. The protonation makes the amide carbonyl carbon more...
01:29Preparation of Amides
Amides are synthesized by treating carboxylic acids with amines in the presence of dehydrating agents like dicyclohexylcarbodiimide (DCC).
The DCC-promoted synthesis of amides begins with the protonation of DCC by carboxylic acid. The protonation makes it a better acceptor. Next, the addition of carboxylate to the protonated carbodiimide gives a reactive acylating agent.
Subsequently, the amine acts as a nucleophile that attacks the acylating agent to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the...
The DCC-promoted synthesis of amides begins with the protonation of DCC by carboxylic acid. The protonation makes it a better acceptor. Next, the addition of carboxylate to the protonated carbodiimide gives a reactive acylating agent.
Subsequently, the amine acts as a nucleophile that attacks the acylating agent to form a tetrahedral intermediate. In the...
01:19Amines to Amides: Acylation of Amines
Various carboxylic acid derivatives (such as acid chlorides, esters, and anhydrides) can be used for the acylation of amines to yield amides. The reaction requires two equivalents of amines. The first amine molecule functions as a nucleophile and attacks the carbonyl carbon to produce a tetrahedral intermediate. This is followed by the loss of the leaving group and restoration of the C=O bond.
Next, the second equivalent of amine serves as a Brønsted base and deprotonates the quaternary amide...
Next, the second equivalent of amine serves as a Brønsted base and deprotonates the quaternary amide...