This article outlines theory and practice of the comparison of calculated and experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) curves to determine the absolute configuration of chiral molecules. The focus is on the evaluation of excited-state calculations giving hints at the identification of the correct bandwidth and the application of the so-called "UV shift" as a correction factor. A similarity factor is introduced, which helps to quantify the degree of matching of curves. In addition, a few common errors are described that can be made during the measurements of ECD and UV spectra-and advice is given of how to avoid these mistakes. All equations mentioned in the article are implemented in our SpecDis software, which has been developed to rapidly compare calculated ECD and UV curves with experimental ones, and to produce graphics in publication quality.

The determination of the absolute configuration of a chiral compound of synthetic or natural origin is a problem that every organic chemist willl certainly have to face some day. An efficient and reliable method for the assignment of absolute stereostructures, independent of empirical CD rules, is the combination of experimental circular dichroism (CD) investigations with quantum chemical CD calculations. The availability of a broad variety of quantum chemical methods and the continuing appearance of new approaches permits -but also requires -the most appropriate method to be selected in each particular case, with respect to accuracy, time con-

The 3+3-type synthesis of a pyrazole-based expanded porphyrin 22 H4, a hexaphyrin analogue named Siamese-twin porphyrin, and its homobimetallic diamagnetic nickel(II) and paramagnetic copper(II) complexes, 22 Ni2 and 22 Cu2, are described. The structure of the macrocycle composed of four pyrroles and two pyrazoles all linked by single carbon atoms, can be interpreted as two conjoined porphyrin-like subunits, with the two opposing pyrazoles acting as the fusion points. Variable-temperature 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopic analyses suggested a conformationally flexible structure for 22 H4. NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopic evidence as well as structural parameters proved the macrocycle to be non-aromatic, though each half of the molecule is fully conjugated. UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopic titrations of the free base macrocycle with acid showed it to be dibasic. In the complexes, each metal ion is coordinated in a square-planar fashion by a dianionic, porphyrin-like {N4} binding pocket. The solid-state structures of the dication and both metal complexes were elucidated by single-crystal diffractometry. The conformations of the three structures are all similar to each other and strongly twisted, rendering the molecules chiral. The persistent helical twist in the protonated form of the free base and in both metal complexes permitted resolution of these enantiomeric helimers by HPLC on a chiral phase. The absolute stereostructures of 22 H6(2+), 22 Ni2, and 22 Cu2 were assigned by a combination of experimental electronic circular dichroism (ECD) investigations and quantum-chemical ECD calculations. The synthesis of the first member of this long-sought class of expanded porphyrin-like macrocycles lays the foundation for the study of the interactions of the metal centers within their bimetallic complexes.

A marine-derived fungus of the genus Stachylidium was isolated from the sponge Callyspongia cf. C. flammea. Chemical investigation of the bioactive fungal extract led to the isolation of the novel phthalimidine derivatives marilines A(1) (1a), A(2) (1b), B (2), and C (3). The absolute configurations of the enantiomeric compounds 1a and 1b were assigned by a combination of experimental circular dichroism (CD) investigations and quantum chemical CD calculations. The skeleton of marilines is most unusual, and its biosynthesis is suggested to require uncommon biochemical reactions in fungal secondary metabolism. Both enantiomers, marilines A(1) (1a) and A(2) (1b), inhibited human leukocyte elastase (HLE) with an IC(50) value of 0.86 μM.

A convenient synthesis of natural and synthetic pterocarpans was achieved in three steps. Optical resolution of the respective enantiomers was accomplished by analytical and semi-preparative HPLC on a chiral stationary phase. For medicarpin and its synthetic derivative 9-demethoxymedicarpin, the absolute configuration was confirmed by a combination of experimental LC-ECD coupling and quantum-chemical ECD calculations. (-)-Medicarpin and (-)-9-demethoxymedicarpin are both 6aR,11aR-configured, and consequently the corresponding enantiomers, (+)-medicarpin and (+)-9-demethoxymedicarpin, possess the 6aS,11aS-configuration. A comparative mechanism study for osteogenic (bone forming) activity of medicarpin (racemic versus enantiomerically pure material) revealed that (+)-(6aS,11aS)-medicarpin (6a) significantly increased the bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP2) expression and the level of the bone-specific transcription factor Runx-2 mRNA, while the effect was opposite for the other enantiomer, (-)-(6aR,11aR)-medicarpin (6a), and for the racemate, (±)-medicarpin, the combined effect of both the enantiomers on transcription levels was observed.