Shape is an inherent trait of a molecule that dictates how it interacts with other molecules, either in binding events or intermolecular reactions. Large-ring macrocyclic compounds in particular leverage their shape when they are selectively bound by biomolecules and also when they exhibit macrocyclic diastereoselectivity. Nonetheless, rules that link structural parameters to the conformation of a macrocycle are still rudimentary. Here we use a structural investigation of a family of [13]-macrodilactones as a case study to develop rules that can be applied generally to macrocycles of different sizes and with a variety of functionality. A characteristic "ribbon" shape is adopted by the [13]-macrodilactones in the absence of stereogenic centres, which exhibits planar chirality. When one stereogenic centre at key positions on the backbone is incorporated into the structure, the planar chirality is dictated by the configuration of the centre. In cases where two stereogenic centres are present, their relationships can either reinforce the characteristic ribbon shape or induce alternative shapes to be adopted. The rules established in the case study are then applied to the analysis of a structure of the natural product migrastatin. They lay the groundwork for the development of models to understand macrocycle-biomolecule interactions and for the preparation of macrocycles with designed properties and activities.

The synthesis and characterization of new [13]-macrodilactones substituted at stereogenic centers α- to the carbonyl are reported. When one center is substituted, it directs the topology of the macrocycle; when two centers are substituted, both the shape and the topology are influenced. The findings indicate that the number and configuration of α-centers fine-tune macrocyclic structure.

The shapes adopted by large-ring macrocyclic compounds play a role in their reactivity and their ability to be bound by biomolecules. We investigated the synthesis, conformational analysis, and properties of a specific family of [13]-macrodilactones as models of natural-product macrocycles. The features of our macrodilactones enabled us to study the relationship between stereogenic centers and planar chirality through the modular synthesis of new members of this family of macrocycles. Here we report on insights gained from a new [13]-macrodilactone that is substituted at a position adjacent to the alkene in the molecule. Analysis of the compound, in comparison to an α-substituted regioisomer, by using X-ray crystallography, NMR coupling constants, and reaction-product characterization in concert with computational chemistry, revealed that the alkene unit is dynamic. That is, the data support a model in which the alkene in our [13]-macrodilactones oscillates between two conformations. A difference in reactivity of one conformation compared to the other leads to manifestation of this dynamic behavior. The results underscore the local conformational dynamics observed in some natural-product macrocycles, which could have implications for biomolecule binding.

The synthesis and crystal structures of three new disubstituted [13]-macrodilactones, namely, trans-4,8-dimethyl-1,10-dioxacyclotridec-5-ene-2,9-dione, C13H20O4, I, cis-4-(4-bromophenyl)-13-methyl-1,10-dioxacyclotridec-5-ene-2,9-dione C18H21BrO4, II, and trans-11-methyl-4-phenyl-1,10-dioxacyclotridec-5-ene-2,9-dione, C18H22O4, III, are reported and their conformations are put in the context of other [13]-macrodilactone structures reported previously. Together, they show that the number, location, and relative disposition of groups attached at the termini of planar units of the [13]-macrodilactones subtly influence their aspect ratios.