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DFT conformational studies of alpha-maltotriose
Udo Schnupf1, Julious L Willett, Wayne B Bosma
1Plant Polymer Research, National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research, ARS, USDA, 1905 N. University Street, Peoria, Illinois 61604, USA.
This study investigated alpha-maltotriose conformations using DFT, finding significant energy differences between hydroxyl rotamers. Solvent effects, however, favor alternative conformations, highlighting the role of solvation in carbohydrate structure.
Area of Science:
- Carbohydrate Chemistry
- Computational Chemistry
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Previous DFT studies elucidated alpha-maltose preferred conformations.
- Alpha-maltotriose (DP-3) consists of three alpha-D-glucopyranose units linked by alpha-[1-->4] glycosidic bonds.
Purpose of the Study:
- To extend DFT optimization studies to alpha-maltotriose.
- To investigate the influence of hydroxymethyl and hydroxyl rotamer configurations on DP-3 conformations.
- To explore the impact of solvation on DP-3 energy profiles.
Main Methods:
- Density Functional Theory (DFT) optimization was employed.
- Exploration of various hydroxymethyl (gg, gt, tg) and hydroxyl (c, r) rotamer combinations.
- Conformational analysis of glycosidic dihedral angles (phi(H) and psi(H)).
- Preliminary solvation studies using the COSMO method.
Main Results:
- DP-3 relative energies between 'c' and 'r' hydroxyl rotamers differed by over 1 kcal/mol, favoring the 'c' form in gas phase.
- Lowest energy DP-3 conformations exhibited glycosidic dihedral angles similar to alpha-maltose.
- COSMO solvation studies reversed energy preferences, favoring the 'r' rotamer forms.
Conclusions:
- Hydroxyl rotamer configuration significantly impacts DP-3 energetics in the gas phase.
- Solvent effects play a crucial role, potentially altering preferred conformations.
- Further investigation into solvation effects on oligosaccharide structure is warranted.
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