Solvation Of Transition State Research Articles

A Study of Micellar Catalyses on Oxidation of Glycine by QDC in the Presence of Sodium Dodecyl Sulphate (SDS) in Aqueous Perchloric Acid Medium

Aims: To study the micellar effect of SDS on the oxidation of glycine by Quinolinium Dichromate (QDC) in perchloric acid medium. Background: Among the amino acids, glycine plays a major role in multiple metabolic reactions, such as glutathione synthesis and one-carbon metabolism. The oxidation of glycine has received importance because it is the major neurotransmitter inhibitor in the spinal cord and brainstem. In the oxidation process of amino acids, highly toxic chromium (VI) compounds are converted into non-toxic chromium (III) by quinolinium dichromate (QDC) oxidant in an appropriate pH value medium. Objective: 1. To study the catalytic role of anionic surfactant (SDS) on the oxidation of glycine by QDC through micellization, evaluation of critical micelles concentration (CMC) in the presence and absence of glycine and other surface properties along with thermodynamic quantities. 2. Determination of rate constant and order of reaction with respect to QDC, glycine, acid and surfactant which will help to study the kinetics of the reaction 3. Analysis of oxidation product by FT-IR and calculation of activation parameters. 4. Synthesis of oxidant (QDC) and its characterization by UV-Visible spectrophotometer and NMR spectroscopy. Results: First-order kinetics was observed with respect to oxidant, glycine and hydrogen ions. The rate of reaction increased remarkably with an increase in the concentration of surfactant (SDS). The kinetic results show that the ionic strength variation does not have any significant effect on the rate whereas the increase in the dielectric constant of the medium shows a remarkable effect on the rate constant. From stoichiometry study, it was found that 2 moles of oxidant (QDC) consumed 3 moles of glycine to produce aldehyde (Formaldehyde). Conclusion: The observed negative value of (ΔS) entropy of activation and positive (ΔH) enthalpy of activation suggests a more ordered activated complex formation and highly solvated transition state. The kinetics of the reaction in a perchloric acid medium is found to be accelerated in the presence of surfactant (SDS). The kinetics of the reaction follow pseudo first-order decay of Cr(VI) species (QDC), a unity dependence of rate on glycine and perchloric acid. The oxidation product formaldehyde was identified by FTIR. NMR spectrum analysis of synthesized QDC shows a resemblance with pure QDC.

On the"Staple" Effect in the d-Glucose Acetylation by Choline-Chloride Ethylene Glycol and Choline-Chloride Urea Deep Eutectic Solvents.

This work employs hybrid quantum mechanics molecular mechanics simulations coupled with an umbrella sampling technique to investigate the acetylation of d-glucose with acetic anhydride in two deep eutectic solvents (DESs): choline-chloride ethylene glycol (ChCl/Etg) and choline-chloride urea (ChCl/U). The reaction proceeds spontaneously, with activation free energy barriers of 18.19 ± 0.15 and 19.83 ± 0.15 kcal/mol for ChCl/Etg and ChCl/U, respectively. These values align with literature data for similar reactions in ionic liquids, highlighting the potential of DESs as green reaction media for wood modifications, while minimizing lignocellulosic matrix degradation. Energy pair distribution analysis, radial distribution functions, and noncovalent interactions reveal a more solvated transition state compared to the initial reactant state within ChCl/Etg, facilitating the acetylation reaction. Interestingly, combined distribution function analysis unveils a "staple" effect in both solvents, potentially hindering efficient product separation. The work further explores hydrogen bond networks and Kamlet-Taft solvatochromic parameters to elucidate the role of solvents in the reaction mechanism. It was observed that a notable decrease in activation energy is accompanied by increasing net basicity, along with a reduction in the "staple" effect. This suggests that solvent parameters could serve as an effective screening tool for identifying novel and efficient DESs for wood modifications.

Premicellar effects on the reduction of N, N′-phenylenebis(salicylideneiminato)iron(III) by thioglycolic acid: Kinetic study and mechanism

The reduction kinetics of N,N′-phenylenebis(salicylideneiminato)iron(III), [Fe(salphen)]+ by thioglycolic acid (TSH) has been carried out in mixed aqueous medium (DMSO:H2O; 1:4) in pseudo-first order condition at 26 ± 1 °C. A CORNING colorimeter 253 was used to monitor the reaction rates by detecting the absorbance reduction of the reaction at 435 nm. The reaction was acid independent, second order overall and demonstrated zero Brønsted-Debye salt effect. Ions such as Mg2+ and CH3COO- catalyzed the reaction. The thermodynamic parameters indicated an activated complex that is much ordered and a highly solvated transition state. Reaction catalysis was observed in the case of sodium dodecylsulphate (SDS) and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) inclusion. The critical micelle concentrations obtained for SDS were 8.0 × 10−3 and 3.3 × 10−3 mol dm−3 whereas that observed for CTAB were 2.0 × 10−3 and 2.8 × 10−3 mol dm−3 in water and [Fe(salphen)]+ reaction media respectively. Piszkiewicz model was used to analyze the results which indicated the existence of pre-micellar aggregates and significant electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions between the metal complex and the pre-micellar aggregates of the surfactants. The cooperativity index and binding constants obtained were n = 1.22, K = 4.78 × 104 dm3 mol−1, n = 1.27 and K = 4.55 × 104 dm3 mol−1 respectively for SDS and CTAB. A plausible mechanism suggesting an outer-sphere mechanism has been postulated.

Kinetics and mechanism of peroxysulfate/NaNO2 mediated nitration of phenols in aqueous bisulfate medium

Peroxy sulfates (PS) like peroxydisulfate (PDS), and peroxymosulfate (PMS) have been accomplished as an efficient reagents for KHSO4/NaNO2 mediated nitration of aromatic compounds (S) such as phenols in aqueous bisulfate and acetonitrile medium, under the conditions [NaNO2] ≫ [PS]. The kinetics of the reaction depicted first order dependence on [S], [NaNO2], and [PS]. Reaction rates were sensitive to the introduction of electron donating or withdrawing groups. However, our efforts to correlate the kinetic results into Hammett’s structure–reactivity equation were not fruitful. Observed deviations from the linearity of Hammett’s equation have been interpreted in terms of effective Hammett’s constants ( $${\bar{\upsigma }}$$ or σeff), para resonance interaction energy (ΔΔGp) values and Yukawa–Tsuno’s resonance stabilization parameter (r). The observed negative magnitude of entropy of activation (∆S#) values suggests greater solvation and/or cyclic transition state before yielding products.

Reactivity Variation of Tetracyanoethylene and 4-Phenyl-1,2,4-Triazoline-3,5-Dione in Cycloaddition Reactions in Solutions

The reasons for the very high reactivity and variability of reactivity of two dienophiles, tetracyanoethylene (1) and 4-phenyl-1,2,4-triazoline-3,5-dione (2), in the Diels–Alder reactions were considered. The data on the rate of reactions with anthracene (3), benzanthracene (4) and dibenzanthracene (5) in 14 solvents over a range of temperatures and high pressures, data on the change in the enthalpy of solvation of reagents, transition state, and adducts in the forward and backward reactions, and the enthalpies of these reactions in solution were obtained. Strong π-acceptor dienophile 1 has sharply reduced reactivity in reactions in π-donor aromatic solvents. It was observed that the π-acceptor properties of dienophile 1 disappear upon passage to the transition state and adduct. Large solvent effects on the reaction rate can be predicted for all types of reactions involving tetracyanoethylene. Very high reactivity of dienophiles 1 and, especially, 2 can be useful to catch such carcinogenic impurities such as 3–5 and neutralize them by transformation into less dangerous adducts.

Sodium perborate/NaNO2/KHSO4-triggered synthesis and kinetics of nitration of aromatic compounds

Sodium perborate (SPB) was used as efficient green catalyst for NaNO2/KHSO4-mediated nitration of aromatic compounds in aqueous acetonitrile medium. Synthesis of nitroaromatic compounds was achieved under both conventional and solvent-free microwave conditions. Reaction times were comparatively shorter in the microwave-assisted than conventional reaction. The reaction kinetics for nitration of phenols in aqueous bisulfate and acetonitrile medium indicated first-order dependence on [Phenol], [NaNO2], and [SPB]. Reaction rates accelerated with introduction of electron-donating groups but retarded with electron-withdrawing groups. Kinetic results did not fit well quantitatively with Hammett’s equation. Observed deviations from linearity were addressed in terms of exalted Hammett’s constants (\( \bar{\sigma } \) or σeff), para resonance interaction energy (ΔΔGp) parameter, and Yukawa–Tsuno parameter (r). This term provides a measure of the extent of resonance stabilization for a reactive structure that builds up charge (positive) in its transition state. The observed negative entropy of activation (−ΔS#) suggests greater solvation and/or cyclic transition state before yielding products.

Molecular dynamics and cluster-continuum insights on bulk alcohols effects on SN2 reactions of potassium and cesium fluorides with alkyl halides

Bulk alcohols like tert-butanol have been investigated as reaction medium for SN2 reactions, especially nucleophilic fluorination. Nevertheless, details of alkali metal salts in tert-butanol solution, as well as the transition state solvation, have not been investigated. This work presents a molecular dynamics study of pure tert-butanol and solution of KF in tert-butanol. The interaction and structure of the SN2 transition state in tert-butanol solution has also been investigated using both molecular dynamics and density functional theory calculations. In the last case, the transition state is solvated by a cluster of four tert-butanol molecules and by a dielectric continuum. The present study point out the KF and CsF salts form ion pairs in tert-butanol, and the strong interaction of hydroxyl groups of tert-butanol with both cation and anion, combined with low entropy for formation of cluster in solution, facilitates the solubilization of inorganic salts, although the solubility is predicted be low. The reaction of solubilized KF and CsF has low free energy of activation and the transition states involve participation of the tert-butanol molecules. This fact turns the CsF more reactive than KF. The free energy of activation for CsF reaction with ethyl bromide is predicted to be 28.4kcalmol−1, close to the experimental value of 28.9kcalmol−1 for a similar system.

Catalysis in Transamination of 6‐chloro‐2‐(3‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐benz[de]isoquinoline‐1,3‐(2H)‐dione and its Implications in Laser Tissue Welding

The transamination of 6‐chloro‐2‐(3‐chlorophenyl)‐1H‐benz[de]isoquinoline‐1,3‐(2H)‐dione with primary alkylamines under pseudo‐first‐order conditions is shown to be unimolecular in both reagents as well as unimolecular in methanol (in methanol solution). The reaction is subject to both general acid and general base catalysis. A termolecular, solvated transition state model and a putative model for the early steps of laser tissue welding with aminonaphthalimide dyes are proposed.

Unusual reaction of bromoalkyl trifluoromethyl ketones with symmetrically disubstituted ethylenediamines. Theoretic investigation applying methods of density functional and multiparticle perturbation theory МР-2

Mechanism of a multistage reaction between α-bromotrifluoromethylenones and N,N′-dialkylethylenediamines was examined in detail using quantum chemical methods of density functional (non-empirical functional РВЕ, extended split TZp-basis) and multiparticle perturbation theory МР-2, basis 6-311+G(d,p), in the gas phase approximation, and also including solvents molecules (water and 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol). The specific solvation of transition states owing to the hydrogen bonds formation with solvent molecules is the main factor governing the direction of the reaction. Trifluoroethanol forms a strong H-bond with the carbonyl oxygen atom of the trifluoroacetyl group increasing its electrophilicity. It also solvates the departing bromide anion facilitating the occurrence of the S N 2-substitution reaction. An essential but less important factor is the ability of trifluoroethanol to play the role of a nucleophilic partner by forming hydrogen bonds at the expense of the unshared electron pair of the hydroxyl oxygen facilitating the proton abstraction from the nitrogen atom of the diamine attacking the carbon atom in the course of S N 2-substitution.

Oxidation Efficiencies of High Spin Fe(II)–Azo Amino Acid Complexes by Potassium Peroxydisulfate: Initial State–Transition State Solvation Effects

Syntheses of four iron(II)–azo amino acid complexes (1–4) with the general formula [FeIIL2(H2O)2]Cl2·nH2O, where L represents azo amino acid ligands, were carried out by direct mixing of N,N-diethylamino-4-nitrosoaniline, amino acids (alanine, histidine, tryptophan or phenylalanine) and Fe(II) ions in aqueous–methanol media. Azo ligands act as bidentate ligands and coordinate to Fe(II) ions through O-carboxylic and N-azo groups. Complexes 1–4 were characterized by IR, UV–visible spectra, thermogravimetric analyses (TGA) and conductance measurements. Kinetics of 1–4 oxidation by peroxydisulfate ions were studied spectrophotometrically in an aqueous media and in various aqueous–methanol binary mixtures at 25 °C. Kinetics of the oxidation followed pseudo-first-order reaction kinetics, $$ k_{\text{obs}} = (k_{2} [{\text{S}}_{2} {\text{O}}_{8}^{2 - } ])[{\text{complex}}] $$ . Reactivity trends and their rate constants are discussed in terms of polarity, hydrophobicity of 1–4, and solvation effect of methanol. The effect of methanol ratios on the oxidation reaction is analyzed into initial (is) and transition state (ts) components. The decrease in the rate constant of the 1–4 oxidation, as the ratio of methanol increases, is predominantly caused by the effect of methanol on the initial state (ts) or by an increase in the Gibbs energy difference between is and ts.

Tertiary Butyl Nitrite Triggered Nitration of Phenols: Solvent‐ and Structure‐Dependent Kinetic Study

ABSTRACTNitration of phenols with tertiary butyl nitrite (TBN) obeyed second‐order kinetics with a first‐order dependence on [TBN] and [phenol] under acid‐free conditions. Reaction rates were significantly altered by a change in the dielectric constant and other physical properties of solvent. The rate of nitration increased with an increase in temperature (303–323 K) in different solvent media (acetonitrile, dichloroethane, CCl4, dimethyl formamide (DMF), and toluene). The rates of nitration (log k) could not fit into either Amis or Kirkwood plots [log k’ vs. (1/D) or [(D – 1)/(2D + 1)], but the trends were better explained by the basic form of multivariate linear solvent energy relationships (MLSER) suggested by the Koppel and Palm approach on the one hand and the Kamlet and Taft approach on the other hand. These observations probably substantiate that cumulative contributions of basic solvent parameters (equilibrium as well as frictional solvent effects) and solvent–solute interactions for solvation of transition state during nitration of phenols. Reaction rates accelerated with the introduction of electron‐donating groups and retarded with electron‐withdrawing groups. Accordingly, the reactivity of structurally different phenols was found to follow the following sequence: p‐OH > p‐MeO > p‐Me > H > m‐Me > p‐Cl > p‐Br > m‐Cl > p‐NO2 > m‐OH. The results are interpreted by Hammett's theory of linear free energy relationship. The reaction constant (Hammett's ρ) is a measure of the sensitivity of the reaction toward the electronic effects of the substituent. The rho (ρ) values obtained from the present experiments are fairly large negative values (ρ < 0), indicating attack of an electrophile on the aromatic ring. An increase in temperature decreases the reaction constant (ρ) values. According to Exner, ρ values for a given reaction are influenced by the temperature according to the following relation: ρ = A [1 – β/T]. Obtained “isokinetic temperature (β)” values are in the range of 225–290. These values are far below the experimental temperature range (303–323 K), indicating that the entropy factors are probably more important in controlling the reaction. This point can be seen from the negative entropy values and linearity of multiple linear regression analysis (MLRA). Furthermore, in the present study, rate constants for TBN nitration of ortho‐substituted phenols could not fit into Taft's plots of log(k/kCH3) versus σ* or, Es or combined Taft's relationship. However, Charton's MLRA of the log k with polar, resonance, steric, hydrophobicity, and molar refractivity showing a very good linear relationship was obtained. It is of interest to note that when log kexp values are correlated with log kcal a perfect linearity is obtained with a correlation coefficient of unity, indicating the consonance between experimental and calculated rate constants in the present work.

The effects of an ionic liquid on unimolecular substitution processes: the importance of the extent of transition state solvation.

The reaction of bromodiphenylmethane and 3-chloropyridine, which proceeds concurrently through both unimolecular and bimolecular mechanisms, was examined in mixtures of acetonitrile and an ionic liquid. As predicted, the bimolecular rate constant (k2) gradually increased as the amount of ionic liquid in the reaction mixture increased, as a result of a minor enthalpic cost offset by a more significant entropic benefit. Addition of an ionic liquid had a substantial effect on the unimolecular rate constant (k1) of the reaction, with at least a 5-fold rate enhancement relative to acetonitrile, which was found to be due to a significant decrease in the enthalpy of activation, partially offset by the associated decrease in the entropy of activation. This is in contrast to the effects seen previously for aliphatic carbocation formation, where the entropic cost dominated reaction outcome. This change is attributed to a lessened ionic liquid-transition state interaction, as the incipient charges in the transition state were delocalized across the neighbouring π systems. By varying the mole fraction of ionic liquid in the reaction mixture the ratio between k1 and k2 could be altered, highlighting the potential to use ionic liquids to control which pathway a reaction proceeds through.

Oxidation of Antitubercular Drug Isoniazid by a Lipopathic Oxidant, Cetyltrimethylammonium Dichromate: A Mechanistic Study

The oxidation of an antitubercular drug isoniazid by a lipopathic oxidant cetyltrimethylammonium dichromate (CTADC) in a nonpolar medium generates isonicotinic acid both in the presence and the absence of acetic acid. The conventional UV–vis spectrophotometric method is used to study the reaction kinetics. The occurrence of the Michaelis–Menten–type kinetics with respect to isoniazid confirms the binding of oxidant and substrate to form a complex before the rate-determining step. The existence of the inverse solvent kinetic isotope effect, k(H2O)/ k(D2O) = 0.7, in an acid-catalyzed reaction proposes a multistep reaction mechanism. A decrease in the rate constant with an increase in [CTADC] reveals the formation of reverse micellar–type aggregates of CTADC in nonpolar solvents. In the presence of different ionic and nonionic surfactants, CTADC forms mixed aggregates and controls the reaction due to the charge on the interface and also due to partition of oxidant and substrate in two different domains. High negative entropy of activation (ΔS‡ = –145 and –159 J K−1 mol−1 in the absence and presence of acetic acid) proposes a more ordered and highly solvated transition state than the reactants. Furthermore, the solvent polarity-reactivity relationship reveals (i) the presence of less polar and less ionic transition state compared to the reactants during the oxidation, (ii) differential contribution from nonpolar and dipolar aprotic solvents toward the reaction process, and (iii) the existence of polarity/hydrophobic switch at log P = 0.73. A suitable mechanism has been proposed on the basis of experimental results. These results may provide insight into the mechanism of isoniazid oxidation in hydrophobic environment and may assist in understanding the drug resistance in different location.

Oxidative degradation of norfloxacin by a lipophilic oxidant, cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate in water–acetonitrile medium: A kinetic and mechanistic study

The present study reports the oxidative metabolism of an established antibacterial drug norfloxacin (NRF) by a lipid compatible lipophilic Mn(VII) oxidant, cetyltrimethylammonium permanganate (CTAP) in acetonitrile–water binary mixture in the presence of acetic acid. The metabolized products are identified as 7-amino-1-ethyl-6-fluoro-1,4-dihydro-4-oxoquinoline-3-carboxylic acid, formaldehyde, and ammonia. The kinetics of the reaction is studied in aqueous acetonitrile media in the presence of acetic acid by UV–vis spectroscopic method by monitoring the absorbance of Mn(VII) at 530nm under pseudo first-order condition. The reaction is found to be first-order with respect to CTAP and fractional order with respect to norfloxacin and acetic acid. Occurrence of Michaelis–Menten type kinetics with respect to norfloxacin confirmed the binding of oxidant and substrate to form a complex before the rate determining step. A suitable ionic mechanism is proposed based on the experimental findings. The proposed reaction mechanism is supported by the effect of solvent polarity and effect of temperature on the reaction rate. High negative entropy of activation (ΔS≠=−259 to −158JK−1mol−1) supported the existence of a forced, more ordered and extensively solvated transition state. Further, solvent polarity–reactivity relationship revealed (i) the presence of less polar transition state compared to the reactants, (ii) differential contribution from dipolar aprotic (acetonitrile) and polar protic (water) solvents toward the reaction process through specific and nonspecific solute–solvent interaction and (iii) presence of intramolecular H-bonding in oxidant–substrate complex in acetonitrile rich domain and intermolecular H-bonding between oxidant–substrate complex and water in water rich domain.

A computational study of the chlorination and hydroxylation of amines by hypochlorous acid.

The reactions of hypochlorous acid (HOCl) with ammonia, (di)methylamine, and heterocyclic amines have been studied computationally using double-hybrid DFT methods (B2PLYP-D and BK-PLYP) and a G3B3 composite scheme. In the gas phase the calculated energy barriers for N- and/or C-hydroxylation are ca. 100 kJ mol(-1) lower than the barrier for N-chlorination of amines. In the model solvent, however, the latter process becomes kinetically more favored. The explicit solvent effects are crucial for determination of the reaction mechanism. The N-chlorination is extremely susceptible to the presence of explicit water molecules, while no beneficial solvation effect has been found for the N- or C-hydroxylation of amines. The origin of the observed solvent effects arises from differential solvation of the respective transition states for chlorine- and oxygen-transfers, respectively. The nature of solvation of the transition state structures has been explored in more detail by classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulation. In agreement with the quantum mechanical approach, the most stable structural motif, which includes the amine, HOCl, and two reactive waters, has been identified during the MD simulation. The inclusion of 5 or 6 explicit water molecules is required to reproduce the experimental barriers for HOCl-induced formation of N-chloramines in an aqueous environment.

Understanding thio-effects in simple phosphoryl systems: role of solvent effects and nucleophile charge.

Recent experimental work (J. Org. Chem., 2012, 77, 5829) demonstrated pronounced differences in measured thio-effects for the hydrolysis of (thio)phosphodichloridates by water and hydroxide nucleophiles. In the present work, we have performed detailed quantum chemical calculations of these reactions, with the aim of rationalizing the molecular bases for this discrimination. The calculations highlight the interplay between nucleophile charge and transition state solvation in SN2(P) mechanisms as the basis of these differences, rather than a change in mechanism.

Kinetic and Mechanistic Aspects of Reactivity of the Oxidation of Some Fe(II)–Tris Schiff Base Complexes by Peroxydisulfate: Spectrophotometric Tracer and Solvent Effect on the Reactivity

ABSTRACTThe kinetics of the oxidation of some Fe(II)–Tris Schiff base complexes by peroxydisulfate was studied spectrophotometrically in the aqueous medium and in the organic–aqua binary mixture. The inspected complexes were derived from the condensation of 2‐acetylpyridine and substituted benzylamines. The oxidation reaction of the studied complexes was followed at 303 K under pseudo–first‐order conditions. It was found that the oxidation reaction by S2O82− consists of two steps. The first step is the formation of an ion pair from the reactants, and the second step is an electron transfer from the metal center to the peroxydisulfate oxidant, with an associated peroxo bond fissure. A mechanism, based on the experimental results, was proposed, and the rate law was derived. The effect of organic solvent on the reaction rate was studied in the presence of different ratios (v/v) of methanol–water and acetone–water mixtures. Moreover, the changes in the activation barrier from water to water–methanol and water–acetone mixtures were estimated from the kinetic data. The transfer chemical potentials of the initial and transition states from water into mixed solvents were determined from solubility measurements. Solvent effects on the reaction rate were discussed in terms of initial state versus transition state solvation.

Solvolytic Behavior of Aliphatic Carboxylates

AbstractThe leaving group abilities (nucleofugalities) of a series of aliphatic carboxylates have been obtained by determining the nucleofuge‐specific parameters (Nf and sf) from solvolysis rate constants of X,Y‐substituted benzhydryl carboxylates in a series of aqueous ethanol mixtures by applyication of the linear free energy relationship (LFER) equation: log k = sf (Ef + Nf). These values can be employed to compare reactivities of carboxylates with those of other leaving groups previously included in the nucleofugality scale, and also to estimate the solvolysis rates of various carboxylates. It is confirmed that the inductive effect is the most important variable governing the reactivities of halogenated carboxylates in solution. Moreover, both the Hammett correlation and the solvolytic activation parameters have revealed a strong influence of the inductive effect on the nucleofugality of alkyl‐substituted carboxylates. The reaction constants (sf) indicate that carboxylate substrates with weaker leaving groups solvolyze via later, more carbocation‐like, transition states, which is in accord with the Hammond postulate. In addition, due to the weaker demand for solvation of transition states that produce more strongly stabilized benzhydrylium ions, in which more efficient charge delocalization occurs, the reaction constants (sf) obtained with most of the leaving groups investigated here increase as the polarity of the solvent decreases.

Evidence for the Formation of Dry and Wet Molten Globules During Unfolding Process of a Small Protein

The two-state model which is generally used to describe the ‘first-order like’ transitions of folding and unfolding of proteins is useful in evaluating thermodynamic parameters. However the implication of two-state model, viz. only native and unfolded forms exist is questionable when the complexity of the energy landscape is recognized.Multiple steps observed during unfolding of a protein can provide information on the forces that maintain the folded structure. Solvation of the protein core determines stability, but it is not clear when such solvation occurs during unfolding. In this study, far-UV CD measurements suggest a simplistic two-state view of the unfolding of barstar, but the use of multiple probes brings out the complexity of the unfolding reaction. Near-UV CD measurements show that unfolding commences with the loosening of tertiary interactions resulting in a native-like intermediate, N∗. FRET measurements show that N∗ then expands non-uniformly to form another intermediate, IE. Spectral measurements of the single core tryptophan indicate that both N∗ and IE retain native-like solvent accessibility of the core, suggesting that they are dry molten globules. Fluorescence quenching measurements suggest that the core then becomes solvated forming a wet molten globule, IL, which precedes the unfolded form. Anisotropy decay measurements show that tight packing around tryptophan is lost when IL forms. Strikingly, the slowest step is unfolding of the wet molten globule, and involves a solvated transition state.

Unfolding of a Small Protein Proceeds via Dry and Wet Globules and a Solvated Transition State

Dissecting a protein unfolding process into individual steps can provide valuable information on the forces that maintain the integrity of the folded structure. Solvation of the protein core determines stability, but it is not clear when such solvation occurs during unfolding. In this study, far-UV circular dichroism measurements suggest a simplistic two-state view of the unfolding of barstar, but the use of multiple other probes brings out the complexity of the unfolding reaction. Near-UV circular dichroism measurements show that unfolding commences with the loosening of tertiary interactions in a native-like intermediate, N∗. Fluorescence resonance energy transfer measurements show that N∗ then expands rapidly but partially to form an early unfolding intermediate IE. Fluorescence spectral measurements indicate that both N∗ and IE have retained native-like solvent accessibility of the core, suggesting that they are dry molten globules. Dynamic quenching measurements at the single tryptophan buried in the core suggest that the core becomes solvated only later in a late wet molten globule, IL, which precedes the unfolded form. Fluorescence anisotropy decay measurements show that tight packing around the core tryptophan is lost when IL forms. Of importance, the slowest step is unfolding of the wet molten globule and involves a solvated transition state.