CH/pi interaction in the conformation of peptides. A database study

A study was carried out, with use of the Cambridge Structural Database, to examine the role of the CH/pi interaction in the conformation of peptides. A number of short intramolecular CH/pi distances have been shown in the cry stal structure of peptides bearing at least an aromatic residue in the sequ ence. The molecular structure in the crystal was inspected individually to know whether the conformation is merely a consequence of the so-called pack ing forces, or the CH/pi interaction plays a role. It has been demonstrated that the CH/pi interaction constitutes one of the key factors in controlli ng the conformation of peptides. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.