Threshold Collision-induced Dissociation Research Articles

Collision-induced dissociation pathways of protonated Gly2NH2 and Gly3NH2 in the short time-scale limit by chemical dynamics and ion spectroscopy

In this work we have studied the collision induced dissociation (CID) of C-terminally amidated, protonated di- and tri-glycine by means of chemical dynamics simulations from on-the-fly electronic structure calculations using a semi-empirical Hamiltonian. The simulations represent a collision event between the peptide and an Ar-atom addressing the reactivity at “short” time-scales, i.e. up to 5ps. Simulations were performed for different protonation sites, greatly influencing the reactivity in agreement with what is known from the “mobile proton” model of peptide dissociation. Results are then combined with ESI-MS/MS experiments to determine the fragmentation patterns. Additionally, we used IRMPD spectra to elucidate the structure of these peptides before collisional activation and the structures of some of the CID products. Results are also compared with threshold CID experiments reported in the literature for the non-amidated peptides.Chemical dynamics simulations can provide details on the fragmentation pathways observed. We also show that it is possible to identify the protonation state(s) that are populated in the different steps involved in the fragmentation process. Finally, the chemical dynamics approach is shown to be complementary to the more typical theoretical study of the potential energy surface that becomes more problematic (and sometimes impossible) for systems of increasing complexity.

Base-Pairing Energies of Proton-Bound Dimers and Proton Affinities of 1-Methyl-5-Halocytosines: Implications for the Effects of Halogenation on the Stability of the DNA i-Motif.

(CCG)(n)•(CGG)(n) trinucleotide repeats have been found to be associated with fragile X syndrome, the most widespread inherited cause of mental retardation in humans. The (CCG)(n)•(CGG)(n) repeats adopt i-motif conformations that are preferentially stabilized by base-pairing interactions of noncanonical proton-bound dimers of cytosine (C(+)•C). Halogenated cytosine residues are one form of DNA damage that may be important in altering the structure and stability of DNA or DNA-protein interactions and, hence, regulate gene expression. Previously, we investigated the effects of 5-halogenation and 1-methylation of cytosine on the base-pairing energies (BPEs) using threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) techniques. In the present study, we extend our work to include proton-bound homo- and heterodimers of cytosine, 1-methyl-5-fluorocytosine, and 1-methyl-5-bromocytosine. All modifications examined here are found to produce a decrease in the BPEs. However, the BPEs of all of the proton-bound dimers examined significantly exceed those of Watson-Crick G•C, neutral C•C base pairs, and various methylated variants such that DNA i-motif conformations should still be preserved in the presence of these modifications. The proton affinities (PAs) of the halogenated cytosines are also obtained from the experimental data by competitive analysis of the primary dissociation pathways that occur in parallel for the proton-bound heterodimers. 5-Halogenation leads to a decrease in the N3 PA of cytosine, whereas 1-methylation leads to an increase in the N3 PA. Thus, the 1-methyl-5-halocytosines exhibit PAs that are intermediate.

Hydrated copper ion chemistry: guided ion beam and computational investigation of Cu2+(H2O)n (n = 7-10) complexes.

Cross sections for the threshold collision-induced dissociation of Cu(2+)(H(2)O)(n), where n = 8 - 10, are measured using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The primary dissociation pathway is found to be loss of a single water molecule followed by the sequential loss of additional water molecules until n = 8, at which point charge separation to form CuOH(+)(H(2)O)(4) (+) H(+)(H(2)O)(3) is observed to occur at a slightly lower energy than loss of a water molecule. Competition from charge separation prohibits the formation of appreciable amounts of the n = 7 or smaller complexes as reactants in the source. These findings indicate that Cu(2+) has a critical size of 8. Analysis of the data using statistical modeling techniques that account for energy distributions and lifetime effects yields primary and sequential bond dissociation energies (BDEs) for loss of one and two water molecules from n = 8 - 10 complexes as well as the barrier for charge separation from n = 8. More speculative analysis extends the thermochemistry obtained down to n = 5 and 6. Theoretical BDEs are determined from quantum chemical calculations using structures optimized at the B3LYP/6 311(+)G(d,p) level along with the lowest-energy isomers suggested by single point energies at the MP2(full), M06, B3LYP, and B3P86 levels of theory using a 6- 311(+)G(2d,2p) basis set. BDEs at 0K are converted to 298 K thermodynamic values using a rigid rotor/harmonic oscillator approximation. Experimental and theoretical entropies of activation suggest that a third solvent shell forms at n = 9, in accord with previous findings. The present work represents the first experimentally determined hydration enthalpies for the Cu(2+)(H(2)O)n system.

Base-Pairing Energies of Protonated Nucleoside Base Pairs of dCyd and m(5)dCyd: Implications for the Stability of DNA i-Motif Conformations.

Hypermethylation of cytosine in expanded (CCG)n•(CGG)n trinucleotide repeats results in Fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of inherited mental retardation. The (CCG)n•(CGG)n repeats adopt i-motif conformations that are preferentially stabilized by base-pairing interactions of protonated base pairs of cytosine. Here we investigate the effects of 5-methylation and the sugar moiety on the base-pairing energies (BPEs) of protonated cytosine base pairs by examining protonated nucleoside base pairs of 2'-deoxycytidine (dCyd) and 5-methyl-2'-deoxycytidine (m(5)dCyd) using threshold collision-induced dissociation techniques. 5-Methylation of a single or both cytosine residues leads to very small change in the BPE. However, the accumulated effect may be dramatic in diseased state trinucleotide repeats where many methylated base pairs may be present. The BPEs of the protonated nucleoside base pairs examined here significantly exceed those of Watson-Crick dGuo•dCyd and neutral dCyd•dCyd base pairs, such that these base-pairing interactions provide the major forces responsible for stabilization of DNA i-motif conformations. Compared with isolated protonated nucleobase pairs of cytosine and 1-methylcytosine, the 2'-deoxyribose sugar produces an effect similar to the 1-methyl substituent, and leads to a slight decrease in the BPE. These results suggest that the base-pairing interactions may be slightly weaker in nucleic acids, but that the extended backbone is likely to exert a relatively small effect on the total BPE. The proton affinity (PA) of m(5)dCyd is also determined by competitive analysis of the primary dissociation pathways that occur in parallel for the protonated (m(5)dCyd)H(+)(dCyd) nucleoside base pair and the absolute PA of dCyd previously reported.

Hydration Enthalpies of Ba(2+)(H2O)x, x = 1-8: A Threshold Collision-Induced Dissociation and Computational Investigation.

The sequential bond dissociation energies (BDEs) of Ba(2+)(H2O)x complexes, where x = 1-8, are determined using threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The electrospray ionization source generates complexes ranging in size from x = 6 to x = 8 with smaller complexes, x = 1-5, formed by an in-source fragmentation technique. The only products observed result from sequential loss of water ligands. Charge separation, a process in which both hydrated singly charged barium hydroxide and hydronium ion are formed, was not observed except for Ba(2+)(H2O)3 yielding BaOH(+) + H5O2(+). Modeling of the kinetic energy-dependent cross sections, taking into account the number of collisions, energy distributions, and lifetime effects for both primary and secondary water loss, provides 0 K BDEs. Experimental thermochemistry for the x = 1-3 complexes is obtained here for the first time. Hydration enthalpies and reaction coordinate pathways for charge separation are also examined computationally at several levels of theory. Our experimental and computational work are in excellent agreement in the x = 1-6 range. The present experimental values and theoretical calculations are also in reasonable agreement with the available literature values for experiment, x = 4-8, and theory, x = 1-6. Of the numerous calculations performed in the current study, B3LYP/DHF/def2-TZVPP calculations including counterpoise corrections reproduce our experimental values the best, although MP2(full)/DHF/def2-TZVPP//B3LYP/DHF/def2-TZVPP results are comparable.

Experimental Gas-Phase and in Silico Investigation of β-Methyl Elimination from Cationic Palladium Alkyl Species

Herein we disclose experimental and in silico gas-phase studies of β-methyl and β-hydride elimination from cationic diphosphine palladium(II) neopentyl and isobutyl complexes. In particular, we have determined activation barriers for these transformations through mass-spectrometric threshold collision-induced dissociation (T-CID) studies. These systems can undergo at least one of the several competitive processes: (1) β-methyl elimination, (2) Pd–C bond homolysis, or (3) β-hydride elimination. We also confirm that qualitative trends in the branching ratios between these processes depend on the diphosphine bite angle, whereas electronic modifications of phosphine electron-donating ability have no significant effect on the barriers for β-methyl elimination within the experimental error. The full reaction manifold has been investigated with density functional theory (DFT) and affords a valuable experimental benchmark for types of organometallic transformations described herein.

Guided ion beam and computational studies of the decomposition of a model thiourea protein cross-linker.

The dissociation of protonated methyl-d3 thiourea-4-butyric acid methyl amide (1), a model of thiourea-based protein cross-linking compounds, is examined both experimentally and computationally. Using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS), the threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) of [1 + H](+) with Xe is examined as a function of collision energy. Analysis of the kinetic energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0 K barriers for four primary and four secondary dissociation pathways, after accounting for competition between channels, sequential dissociations, unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, and multiple ion-neutral collisions. Computations are used to explore the pathways for the various processes and elucidation of their rate-limiting transition states. These results indicate that dissociation is initiated by migration of the excess proton from sulfur to one of three nitrogen atoms in 1, similar to the "mobile proton" model of peptide fragmentation. The computational energies for the rate-limiting transition states are generally in good agreement with the experimentally derived threshold energies, with MP2(full)/6-311+G(2d,2p)//B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) results being particularly favorable. This good comparison validates the mechanisms explored theoretically and allows identification of the structures of the various product ions and neutrals.

Base-Pairing Energies of Protonated Nucleobase Pairs and Proton Affinities of 1-Methylated Cytosines: Model Systems for the Effects of the Sugar Moiety on the Stability of DNA i-Motif Conformations

Expansion of (CCG)n·(CGG)n trinucleotide repeats leads to hypermethylation of cytosine residues and results in Fragile X syndrome, the most common cause of inherited intellectual disability in humans. The (CCG)n·(CGG)n repeats adopt i-motif conformations that are preferentially stabilized by base-pairing interactions of noncanonical protonated nucleobase pairs of cytosine (C(+)·C). Previously, we investigated the effects of 5-methylation of cytosine on the base-pairing energies (BPEs) using threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) techniques. In the present work, we extend our investigations to include protonated homo- and heteronucleobase pairs of cytosine, 1-methylcytosine, 5-methylcytosine, and 1,5-dimethylcytosine. The 1-methyl substituent prevents most tautomerization processes of cytosine and serves as a mimic for the sugar moiety of DNA nucleotides. In contrast to permethylation of cytosine at the 5-position, 1-methylation is found to exert very little influence on the BPE. All modifications to both nucleobases lead to a small increase in the BPEs, with 5-methylation producing a larger enhancement than either 1-methyl or 1,5-dimethylation. In contrast, modifications to a single nucleobase are found to produce a small decrease in the BPEs, again with 5-methylation producing a larger effect than 1-methylation. However, the BPEs of all of the protonated nucleobase pairs examined here significantly exceed those of canonical G·C and neutral C·C base pairs, and thus should still provide the driving force stabilizing DNA i-motif conformations even in the presence of such modifications. The proton affinities of the methylated cytosines are also obtained from the TCID experiments by competitive analyses of the primary dissociation pathways that occur in parallel for the protonated heteronucleobase pairs.

Guided ion beam studies of the collision-induced dissociation of CuOH+(H2O)n (n = 1-4): comprehensive thermodynamic data for copper ion hydration.

Threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer is performed on CuOH(+)(H2O)n where n = 1-4. The primary dissociation pathway for the n = 2-4 reactants consists of loss of a single water molecule followed by the sequential loss of additional water molecules at higher collision energies. The n = 1 reactant departs from this trend by losing the OH ligand and the H2O ligand competitively. Loss of the OH ligand is thermodynamically favored, whereas H2O loss is the kinetically favored process, consistent with heterolytic cleavage of the dative bond. The data are analyzed using a statistical model after accounting for internal and kinetic energy distributions, multiple collisions, and kinetic shifts to obtain 0 K bond dissociation energies (BDEs). These are also converted using a rigid rotor/harmonic oscillator approximation to yield thermodynamic values at room temperature. Experimental BDEs are compared to theoretical BDEs determined at the B3LYP, cam-B3LYP, B3P86, M06, CCSD(T), and MP2(full) levels of theory with a 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis set using geometries and vibrational frequencies determined at the B3LYP/6-311+G(d,p) level. In addition, BDEs for the loss of OH from CuOH(+)(H2O)n where n = 0, 2-4 are derived using the experimental BDEs for dissociation of CuOH(+)(H2O)n and literature values for Cu(+)(H2O)n.

Theoretical Study of the Dissociation Energy of First-Row Metallocenium Ions.

The bond dissociation energy of a series of metallocenium ions, i.e., the energy difference of the reaction MCp2(+) → MCp(+) + Cp· (with M = Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, and Ni), was studied by means of multiconfigurational perturbation theory (CASPT2, RASPT2, NEVPT2) and restricted coupled cluster theory (CCSD(T)). From a comparison between the results obtained from these different methods, and a detailed analysis of their treatment of electron correlation effects, a set of MCp(+)-Cp binding energies are proposed with an accuracy of 5 kcal/mol. The computed results are in good agreement with the experimental data measured by threshold photoelectron photoion coincidence (TPEPICO) spectroscopy but disagree with the more recent threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) experiments.

Alkali metal cation-hexacyclen complexes: effects of alkali metal cation size on the structure and binding energy.

Threshold collision-induced dissociation (CID) of alkali metal cation-hexacyclen (ha18C6) complexes, M(+)(ha18C6), with xenon is studied using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry techniques. The alkali metal cations examined here include: Na(+), K(+), Rb(+), and Cs(+). In all cases, M(+) is the only product observed, corresponding to endothermic loss of the intact ha18C6 ligand. The cross-section thresholds are analyzed to extract zero and 298 K M(+)-ha18C6 bond dissociation energies (BDEs) after properly accounting for the effects of multiple M(+)(ha18C6)-Xe collisions, the kinetic and internal energy distributions of the M(+)(ha18C6) and Xe reactants, and the lifetimes for dissociation of the activated M(+)(ha18C6) complexes. Ab initio and density functional theory calculations are used to determine the structures of ha18C6 and the M(+)(ha18C6) complexes, provide molecular constants necessary for the thermodynamic analysis of the energy-resolved CID data, and theoretical estimates for the M(+)-ha18C6 BDEs. Calculations using a polarizable continuum model are also performed to examine solvent effects on the binding. In the absence of solvent, the M(+)-ha18C6 BDEs decrease as the size of the alkali metal cation increases, consistent with the noncovalent nature of the binding in these complexes. However, in the presence of solvent, the ha18C6 ligand exhibits selectivity for K(+) over the other alkali metal cations. The M(+)(ha18C6) structures and BDEs are compared to those previously reported for the analogous M(+)(18-crown-6) and M(+)(cyclen) complexes to examine the effects of the nature of the donor atom (N versus O) and the number donor atoms (six vs four) on the nature and strength of binding.

Intrinsic affinities of alkali metal cations for diaza-18-crown-6: Effects of alkali metal cation size and donor atoms on the binding energies

Threshold collision-induced dissociation of alkali metal cation-diaza-18-crown-6 complexes, M+(da18C6), with xenon is studied using guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometry techniques. The alkali metal cations examined here include: Na+, K+, Rb+, and Cs+. In all cases, M+ is the only product observed, corresponding to endothermic loss of the intact da18C6 ligand. The cross section thresholds are analyzed to extract zero and 298K M+da18C6 bond dissociation energies (BDEs) after properly accounting for the effects of multiple ion-neutral collisions, the kinetic and internal energy distributions of the reactants, and the lifetimes for dissociation. Density functional theory calculations at the B3LYP/def2-TZVPPD and B3LYP/6-31+G* levels of theory are used to determine the structures of da18C6 and the M+(da18C6) complexes and provide molecular constants necessary for the thermodynamic analysis of the experimental data. Theoretical BDEs are determined from single point energy calculations at the B3LYP and MP2(full) levels of theory using the def2-TZVPPD and 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis sets using the B3LYP/def2-TZVPPD and B3LYP/6-31+G* optimized geometries. The agreement between B3LYP/def2-TZVPPD theory and experiment is excellent for all four M+(da18C6) complexes. The M+da18C6 BDEs decrease as the size of the alkali metal cation increases, consistent with the electrostatic nature of the binding in these complexes. The M+(da18C6) structures and BDEs are compared to those previously reported for the analogous complexes of 18-crown-6 and hexaaza-18-crown-6, to examine the effects of the donor atoms (N versus O) on the structure and strength of binding.

Alkali metal cation binding affinities of cytosine in the gas phase: revisited.

Binding of metal cations to the nucleobases can influence base pairing, base stacking and nucleobase tautomerism. Gas-phase condensation of dc discharge generated alkali metal cations and thermally vaporized cytosine (DC/FT) has been found to produce kinetically trapped excited tautomeric conformations of the M(+)(cytosine) complexes, which influences the threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) behavior. In order to elucidate the effects of the size of alkali metal cation on the strength of binding to the canonical form of cytosine, the binding affinities of Na(+) and K(+) to cytosine are re-examined here, and studies are extended to include Rb(+) and Cs(+) again using TCID techniques. The M(+)(cytosine) complexes are generated in an electrospray ionization source, which has been shown to produce ground-state tautomeric conformations of M(+)(cytosine). The energy-dependent cross sections are interpreted to yield bond dissociation energies (BDEs) using an analysis that includes consideration of unimolecular decay rates, the kinetic and internal energy distributions of the reactants, and multiple M(+)(cytosine)-Xe collisions. Revised BDEs for the Na(+)(cytosine) and K(+)(cytosine) complexes exceed those previously measured by 31.9 and 25.5 kJ mol(-1), respectively, consistent with the hypothesis proposed by Yang and Rodgers that excited tautomeric conformations are accessed when the complexes are generated by DC/FT ionization. Experimentally measured BDEs are compared to theoretical values calculated at the B3LYP and MP2(full) levels of theory using the 6-311+G(2d,2p)_HW* and def2-TZVPPD basis sets. The B3LYP/def2-TZVPPD level of theory is found to provide the best agreement with the measured BDEs, suggesting that this level of theory can be employed to provide reliable energetics for similar metal-ligand systems.

Alkali Metal Cation Interactions with 15-Crown-5 in the Gas Phase: Revisited

Quantitative interactions of the alkali metal cations with the cyclic 15-crown-5 polyether ligand (15C5) are studied. In this work, Rb(+)(15C5) and Cs(+)(15C5) complexes are formed using electrospray ionization and studied using threshold collision-induced dissociation with xenon in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. The energy-dependent cross sections thus obtained are interpreted to yield bond dissociation energies (BDEs) using an analysis that includes consideration of unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of the reactant ions, and multiple ion-neutral collisions. 0 K BDEs of 175.0 ± 9.7 and 159.4 ± 9.6 kJ/mol, respectively, are determined and exceed those previously measured [J. Am. Chem. Soc. 1999, 121, 417-423] by 68 and 57 kJ/mol, respectively, consistent with the hypothesis proposed there that excited conformers had been studied. Because the analysis techniques have advanced since this early study, we also reanalyze the published data for the Na(+)(15C5) and K(+)(15C5) systems to ensure a self-consistent interpretation of all four systems. Revised BDEs for these systems are 296.1 ± 15.5 and 215.6 ± 10.6 kJ/mol, respectively, which are within experimental uncertainty of the previously reported values. In addition, quantum chemical calculations are conducted at the B3LYP/def2-TZVPPD level of theory with theoretical BDEs in reasonable agreement with experiment. Computations are also used to explore features of the potential energy surfaces for isomerization of the M(+)(15C5) complexes.

Metal Cation Dependence of Interactions with Amino Acids: Bond Dissociation Energies of Rb+ and Cs+ to the Acidic Amino Acids and Their Amide Derivatives

Metal cation-amino acid interactions are key components controlling the secondary structure and biological function of proteins, enzymes, and macromolecular complexes comprising these species. Determination of pairwise interactions of alkali metal cations with amino acids provides a thermodynamic vocabulary that begins to quantify these fundamental processes. In the present work, we expand a systematic study of such interactions by examining rubidium and cesium cations binding with the acidic amino acids (AA), aspartic acid (Asp) and glutamic acid (Glu), and their amide derivatives, asparagine (Asn) and glutamine (Gln). These eight complexes are formed using electrospray ionization and their bond dissociation energies (BDEs) are determined experimentally using threshold collision-induced dissociation with xenon in a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer. Analyses of the energy-dependent cross sections include consideration of unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of the reactant ions, and multiple ion-neutral collisions. Quantum chemical calculations are conducted at the B3LYP, MP2(full), and M06 levels of theory using def2-TZVPPD basis sets, with results showing reasonable agreement with experiment. At 0 and 298 K, most levels of theory predict that the ground-state conformers for M(+)(Asp) and M(+)(Asn) involve tridentate binding of the metal cation to the backbone carbonyl, amino, and side-chain carbonyl groups, although tridentate binding to the carboxylic acid group and side-chain carbonyl is competitive for M(+)(Asn). For the two longer side-chain amino acids, Glu and Gln, multiple structures are competitive. A comparison of these results to those for the smaller alkali cations, Na(+) and K(+), provides insight into the trends in binding energies associated with the molecular polarizability and dipole moment of the side chain. For all four metal cations, the BDEs are inversely correlated with the size of the metal cation and follow the order Asp < Glu < Asn < Gln.

Thermodynamics and Mechanism of Protonated Cysteine Decomposition: A Guided Ion Beam and Computational Study

A quantitative molecular description of the decomposition of protonated cysteine, H(+)Cys, is provided by studying the kinetic energy dependence of threshold collision-induced dissociation (CID) with Xe using a guided ion beam tandem mass spectrometer (GIBMS). Primary dissociation channels are deamidation (yielding both NH3 loss and NH4(+) formation) and (H2O + CO) loss reactions, followed by an additional six subsequent decompositions. Analysis of the kinetic energy-dependent CID cross sections provides the 0 K barriers for six different reactions after accounting for unimolecular decay rates, internal energy of reactant ions, multiple ion-molecule collisions, and competition among the decay channels. To identify the mechanisms associated with these reactions, quantum chemical calculations performed at the B3LYP/6-311 + G(d,p) level were used to locate the transition states (TSs) and intermediates for these processes. Single point energies of the reactants, products, and key optimized TSs and intermediates are calculated at B3LYP, B3P86, and MP2(full) levels using a 6-311 + G(2d,2p) basis set. The computational characterization of the elementary steps of these reactions, including the structures of the final products, is validated by quantitative agreement with the experimental energetics. In agreement with previous work, deamidation is facilitated by anchimeric assistance of the thio group, which also leads to an interesting rearrangement of the intact amino acid identified computationally.

Base-Pairing Energies of Proton-Bound Heterodimers of Cytosine and Modified Cytosines: Implications for the Stability of DNA i-Motif Conformations

The DNA i-motif conformation was discovered in (CCG)•(CGG)n trinucleotide repeats, which are associated with fragile X syndrome, the most widespread inherited cause of mental retardation in humans. The DNA i-motif is a four-stranded structure whose strands are held together by proton-bound dimers of cytosine (C(+)•C). The stronger base-pairing interactions in C(+)•C proton-bound dimers as compared to Watson-Crick G•C base pairs are the major forces responsible for stabilization of i-motif conformations. Methylation of cytosine results in silencing of the FMR1 gene and causes fragile X syndrome. However, the influence of methylation or other modifications such as halogenation of cytosine on the base-pairing energies (BPEs) in the i-motif remains elusive. To address this, proton-bound heterodimers of cytosine and 5-methylcytosine, 5-fluorocytosine, 5-bromocytosine, and 5-iodocytosine are probed in detail. Experimentally, the BPEs of proton-bound heterodimers of cytosine and modified cytosines are determined using threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) techniques. All modifications at the 5-position of cytosine are found to lower the BPE and therefore would tend to destabilize DNA i-motif conformations. However, the BPEs in these proton-bound heterodimers still significantly exceed those of the Watson-Crick G•C and neutral C•C base pairs, suggesting that C(+)•C mismatches are still energetically favored such that i-motif conformations are preserved. Excellent agreement between TCID measured BPEs and B3LYP calculated values is found with the def2-TZVPPD and 6-311+G(2d,2p) basis sets, suggesting that calculations at these levels of theory can be employed to provide reliable energetic predictions for related systems.

Base-Pairing Energies of Proton-Bound Homodimers Determined by Guided Ion Beam Tandem Mass Spectrometry: Application to Cytosine and 5-Substituted Cytosines

Base-pairing interactions in proton-bound dimers of cytosine(C(+)·C) are the major forces responsible for stabilization of DNA i-motif conformations. Permethylation of cytosine in extended (CCG)·(CGG)n trinucleotide repeats has been shown to cause fragile-X syndrome, the most widespread inherited cause of mental retardation in humans. Oligonucleotides containing 5-bromo- or 5-fluorocytosine can bind to proteins that selectively bind methylated DNA, suggesting that halogenated cytosine damage products can potentially mimic methylation signals. However, the influence of methylation or halogenation on the base-pairing energies (BPEs) of proton-bound dimers of cytosine and their impact on the stability of DNA i-motif conformations is presently unknown. To address this, proton-bound homodimers of cytosine and 5-methyl-, 5-fluoro-, 5-bromo-, and 5-iodocytosine are investigated in detail both experimentally and theoretically. The BPEs of proton-bound homodimers of cytosine and the modified cytosines are measured by threshold collision-induced dissociation (TCID) techniques. 5-Methylation of cytosine is found to increase the BPE and would therefore tend to stabilize DNA i-motif conformations. In contrast, 5-halogenation lowers the BPE. However, the BPEs of the proton-bound 5-halocytosine homodimers examined here still significantly exceed that of Watson-Crick G·C base pairs, such that DNA i-motif conformations should be preserved in the presence of these modifications. Excellent agreement between TCID measured and B3LYP calculated BPEs is found, suggesting that B3LYP calculations can be used to provide reliable energetic predictions for related systems.

Co–C Bond Energies in Adenosylcobinamide and Methylcobinamide in the Gas Phase and in Silico

Essential to biological activity of adenosylcobalamin (AdoCbl) and methylcobalamin (MeCbl) is the Co-C bond cleavage step. Hence, we report an accurate determination of the homolytic gas-phase Co-C bond dissociation energies in the related adenosyl- and methylcobinamides (41.5 ± 1.2 and 44.6 ± 0.8 kcal/mol, respectively) utilizing an energy-resolved threshold collision-induced dissociation technique. This approach allows for benchmarking of electronic structure methods separate from (often ill-defined) solvent effects. Adequacy of various density functional theory methods has been tested with respect to the experimentally obtained values.

Energy-Resolved Collision-Induced Dissociation Studies of 2,2'-Bipyridine Complexes of the Late First-Row Divalent Transition-Metal Cations: Determination of the Third-Sequential Binding Energies.

The third-sequential binding energies of the late first-row divalent transition-metal cations with 2,2'-bipyridine (Bpy) are determined using guided-ion-beam tandem mass spectrometry (GIBMS) techniques. The metal cations investigated include the late first-row divalent transition-metal cations, Fe2+ , Co2+ , Ni2+ , Cu2+ , and Zn2+ . The kinetic-energy-dependent cross sections for collision-induced dissociation (CID) of the M2+ (Bpy)3 complexes are analyzed to extract absolute 0 and 298 K bond dissociation energies (BDEs) for the loss of an intact Bpy ligand. Theoretical electronic structure calculations at the B3LYP, BHandHLYP, and M06 levels of theory are performed to determine stable geometries and sequential BDEs of the M2+ (Bpy)x complexes (x=1-3). BDEs computed using the M06 functional are the largest, BHandHLYP values are intermediate, whereas B3LYP produces the smallest values. Very good agreement between the B3LYP theoretically calculated and threshold collision-induced dissociation experimentally determined BDEs is found, which suggests that the B3LYP functional is capable of accurately describing the binding in these M2+ (Bpy)3 complexes. Periodic trends in the binding of the M2+ (Bpy)x complexes are examined and compared to the analogous complexes with 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen), M2+ (Phen)x . Comparisons are also made to the analogous Bpy complexes, M+ (Bpy)x , with the late first-row monovalent transition-metal cations, Co+ , Ni+ , Cu+ , and Zn+ investigated previously.