| Abstract: | The terminally blocked tetrapeptide pBrBz-D -(αMe)Leu]2-D -(αMe)Val-D -(αMe)Leu-OtBu is folded in the crystal state in a left-handed 310-helical structure stabilized by two consecutive 1 ← 4 C?O ?H? N intramolecular H-bonds, as determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. A CD study strongly supports the view that this conformation is also that largely prevailing in MeOH solution. A comparison with the published conformation of pBrBz-D -(αMe)Leu]4-OtBu indicates that incorporation of a single internal β-branched (αMe)Val guest residue into the host homo-tetrapeptide from the γ-branched (αMe)Leu residue is responsible for a dramatic structural perturbation, i.e. an inversion of the 310 screw sense from right to left-handed. |
