Pseudorotational analysis of 4-thiohexofuranose derivatives from 1H-1H coupling constants

On the basis of Altona's empirical generalization of the Karplus equation, an expression of 3JH,H as function of pseudorotation parameters for five-membered rings, was deduced. The resulting equation was parametrized by means of molecular mechanics calculations for tetrahydrofuran and tetrahydrothiophene. Estimation of 3JH,H for the full pseudorotational itinerary was made. From the best fit between calculated and measured 3JH,H values the preferred conformation of those rings may be established. The procedure was applied for the conformational analysis of 4-thiohexofuranose derivatives, having α and β, -galacto and D- manno, and α--talo configurations.