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Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons

Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®

Iowa State University

Brett VanVeller

Crystal structure

Articles 1 - 2 of 2

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Interplay Of Hydrogen Bonds And N→Π* Interactions In Proteins, Gail J. Bartlett, Robert W. Newberry, Brett Vanveller, Ronald T. Raines, Derek N. Woolfson Nov 2013

Interplay Of Hydrogen Bonds And N→Π* Interactions In Proteins, Gail J. Bartlett, Robert W. Newberry, Brett Vanveller, Ronald T. Raines, Derek N. Woolfson

Brett VanVeller

Protein structures are stabilized by multiple weak interactions, including the hydrophobic effect, hydrogen bonds, electrostatic effects, and van der Waals interactions. Among these interactions, the hydrogen bond is distinct in having its origins in electron delocalization. Recently, another type of electron delocalization, the n→π* interaction between carbonyl groups, has been shown to play a role in stabilizing protein structure. Here we examine the interplay between hydrogen bonding and n→π* interactions. To address this issue, we used data available from high-resolution protein crystal structures to interrogate asparagine side-chain oxygen atoms that are both acceptors of a hydrogen bond and donors of …


Polycyclic Aromatic Triptycenes: Oxygen Substitution Cyclization Strategies, Brett Vanveller, Derek J. Schipper, Timothy M. Swager Apr 2012

Polycyclic Aromatic Triptycenes: Oxygen Substitution Cyclization Strategies, Brett Vanveller, Derek J. Schipper, Timothy M. Swager

Brett VanVeller

The cyclization and planarization of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons with concomitant oxygen substitution was achieved through acid catalyzed transetherification and oxygen-radical reactions. The triptycene scaffold enforces proximity of the alcohol and arene reacting partners and confers significant rigidity to the resulting π-system, expanding the tool set of iptycenes for materials applications.