Molecular similarity analysis on biologically active macrocyclic bis(bibenzyls)

Conformational analysis of marchantin A (1), a bis(diarylether) type, and riccardin A (2), a diarylether-biphenyl type macrocyclic bis(bibenzyl) was carried out by systematic unbounded multiple minimum search (SUMM). Mobility of the macrocyclic rings was analysed by variable temperature 1H-NMR study. Molecular similarity analysis was performed on the minimum energy conformers of 1 and 2 comparing their steric, electrostatic and hydrophobic properties. Correlation between complexation properties and calmodulin inhibitor activity was established. Differences in steric and electrostatic profiles may be responsible for the reduced Ca2+ affinity and activity of 2.