13C nuclear magnetic resonance study of the cis-trans isomerism in X-Pro-Pro tripeptides

13C nuclear magnetic resonance has been used to characterize quantitatively the cis-trans isomerism about both peptide bonds in the tripeptides Ser-Pro-Pro and Arg-Pro-Pro. Detailed pH titration data indicate that the configuration about both peptide bonds is closely linked to titration of the terminal carboxyl group and, to a lesser extent, to titration of the terminal amino group. The Pro2 C-3 resonance has been found particularly useful for interpretation due to its sensitivity to the isomerization about both peptide bonds. Analysis of the probabilities of the trans-trans, cic-cis, cis-trans, and trans-cis isomers in aqueous solution indicates a stability decrease in the order given. Similarities in the isomerization behavior of the two peptides indicate that side chain interactions involving the first residue have very little effect on the observed cis/trans ratios. The sensitivity of the cis/trans ratio to titration of the terminal amino group is most readily explained on the basis of an indirect effect on carbonyl-carbonyl repulsion.