conformation

Chem

a. another name for configuration

b. one of the configurations of a molecule that can easily change its shape and can consequently exist in equilibrium with molecules of different configuration

Collins Discovery Encyclopedia, 1st edition © HarperCollins Publishers 2005

conformation

[kän·fər′mā·shən]

(organic chemistry)

In a molecule, a specific orientation of the atoms that varies from other possible orientations by rotation or rotations about single bonds; generally in mobile equilibrium with other conformations of the same structure. Also known as conformational isomer; conformer.

The following article is from The Great Soviet Encyclopedia (1979). It might be outdated or ideologically biased.

Conformation

(of molecules), geometric forms that molecules of organic compounds can assume during the rotation of atoms or groups of atoms (substituents) about single bonds while maintaining the order of the chemical bonding of the atoms (chemical structures), the bond lengths, and valency angles. Molecules that differ from one another only in conformation are called conformers, or rotational isomers. The existence of conformations is determined by the spatial interaction (such as repulsion, attraction, and hydrogen bond formation) of substituents (hydrogen atoms included) that are not bonded to one another. One such example (see Figure 1) is represented by several planar conformations of a pentane molecule:

CH₃—CH₂—CH₂—CH₂—CH₃

Unlike geometric and optical isomers, conformers under general conditions easily convert into one another (without the breaking of bonds) and therefore cannot be isolated (compareCONFIGURATION). The molecules of organic compounds usually exist in the form of a mixture of conformers that are in equilibrium,

Figure 1. Planar conformations of a pentane molecule: (a) zigzag, (b) claw-shaped, (c) irregular

among which those that are energetically most favorable, that is, exhibiting the lowest energy, predominate. The conformational state of molecules affects the physical properties of substances and the orientation and rate of chemical transformations (see).

V. M. POTAPOV

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References in periodicals archive

From Table 1, it can be seen that the conformations 1 and 2 presented the most negative binding affinities, both with -3.8 kcal/mol and both involving oxygen and hydrogens in their interactions--with the hydrogen interactions shown in Figure 2.

Investigation of Chitosan, Quercetin and Water Interactions using Free Energy Calculations and Molecular Docking

For simplicity, selection was assumed to have been practiced on milk production traits comprising MF and MP yields and on conformation traits comprising FL, TE, and FS.

Selection on milk production and conformation traits during the last two decades in Japan

The concept of orientation ellipse is adopted in this study to show the polymer molecule conformation state in a circular duct.

Study the Effects of Nanofiber on the Polymer Chain Orientation Using Molecular Dynamic in the Circular Duct Flow

Furthermore, size exclusion chromatography combined with multiangle laser light scattering (SEC-MALLS) and viscosity measurements were employed to investigate the molecular weight and chain conformation of the EPS.

SHORT COMMUNICATION - Characterization and Antioxidant Activity of an Exopolysaccharide Produced by Ginkgo polypores

As the PSP problem presents a rugged search space with more opportunity to get trapped in the local solution, undertaking of population diversity and selective pressure may result in better conformation with less computation (in few generations).

A Novel Framework for Ab Initio Coarse Protein Structure Prediction

On farms where these data were generated, the animals were selected based on an index formed by conformation, finishing precocity, and musculature characteristics at weaning and yearling, scrotal circumference at yearling, and days to gain 160kg from birth to weaning and 200kg in the post weaning-yearling periods.

Genetic trends for mature body weight, visual scores, and growth traits in nellore cattle/Tendencia genetica para peso adulto, escores visuais e caracteristicas de crescimento em bovinos de corte da raca Nelore

Freed et al., studied the variations in the linewidths of electron spin resonance spectra of the carbon-nitrogen anion for each isomer of the dinitrobenzene anions, where they found alternation in the linewidths of the metaisomer, which arise from rotation of the nitro groups out of the planar conformation [12].

Torsional Potential Energy Surfaces of Dinitrobenzene Isomers

Second, the 5'-GMP molecules take alternating C2'endo and Ci'-endo sugar pucker conformation along the helical strand.

On the Helical Structure of Guanosine 5'-Monophosphate Formed at pH 5: Is It Left- or Right-Handed?

Together, these dimers afford contrasting structural characteristics related to the type of constituent units, type of interflavan bond, and conformation, whose study could provide insights concerning the role of molecular structure of PCs on their antioxidant properties.

Effect of Constituent Units, Type of Interflavan Bond, and Conformation on the Antioxidant Properties of Procyanidin Dimers: A Computational Outlook

Abstract: An experiment was conducted to compare the growth and conformation of male Teddy kids (3 months age), under two management systems during the year 2014.

Comparative Study on Growth and Conformation of Male Teddy Kids under Two Management Systems