IChO 2018 · Theory problem 2

Repatriation of remains in the middle ages

At ambient temperatures, racemization is a slow reaction. As such, it can be used for dating biological objects and, moreover, for studying their thermal history. Let us take L-isoleucine (L-Ile) (\((2S,3S)\)-2-amino-3-methylpentanoic acid) as an example. It isomerizes on the \(\alpha\)-carbon and forms \((2R,3S)\)-2-amino-3-methylpentanoic acid, also known as D-allo-isoleucine. As the configuration changes on only one of the two stereogenic centres, this process is called epimerization rather than racemization.

2.1 Choose all true statements.

☐ D-allo-isoleucine and L-isoleucine have the same values of specific optical rotation but they have different melting points.

☐ D-allo-isoleucine has an identical absolute value of specific optical rotation as L-isoleucine but the sign is opposite. The melting point is the same for both isomers.

☐ D-allo-isoleucine and L-isoleucine have different values of specific optical rotation but they have the same melting points.

☐ D-allo-isoleucine and L-isoleucine have different values of specific optical rotation and different melting points.

☐ D-allo-isoleucine is not optically active.

2.2 Assign the absolute configurations for each stereoisomer of isoleucine.

Figure 1

☐ \(2S,3R\) (L-allo-isoleucine)

☐ \(2R,3S\) (D-allo-isoleucine)

☐ \(2S,3S\) (L-isoleucine)

☐ \(2R,3R\) (D-isoleucine)

2.3 The equilibrium constant \(K_{\mathrm{ep}}\) for L-isoleucine epimerization has the value of 1.38 (at 374 K). If we set molar Gibbs free energy of L-isoleucine \(G_{\mathrm m}^{\circ}=0\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\) determine the Gibbs free energies for all structures A–D from question 2.2 at 374 K.

2.4 If we take into account stereoisomerism at all stereocentres, what is the maximum possible number of the stereoisomers of the tripeptide Ile-Ile-Ile?

At the start of the epimerization, we can neglect the reverse reaction. The epimerization then follows the first-order kinetics:

Figure 2

The value of the rate constant at 374 K is \(k_1(374\ \mathrm K)=9.02\times10^{-5}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}\) and that at 421 K is \(k_1(421\ \mathrm K)=1.18\times10^{-2}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}\).

In the following calculation, shorten the concentration of L-isoleucine to \([\mathrm L]\) and of D-allo-isoleucine to \([\mathrm D]\).

We can define a quantity \(de\) (diastereomeric excess):

\[ de=\frac{[\mathrm L]-[\mathrm D]}{[\mathrm L]+[\mathrm D]}\times100(\%). \]

2.5 Let us boil L-isoleucine for 1 943 hours at 374 K. What is the value of \(de\) (with three significant figures) for L-isoleucine a) before boiling and b) after boiling?

2.6 How long does it take to convert 10% of L-isoleucine to D-allo-isoleucine at 298 K?

In fact, the reverse reaction cannot be neglected. The correct kinetic scheme is expressed as

Figure 3

Let us define the deviation of concentration from its equilibrium value \([\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}}\)

\[ x=[\mathrm L]-[\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}} \]

It is possible to derive that \(x\) evolves with time according to the following equation:

\[ x=x(0)\times e^{-(k_1+k_2)t}, \]

where \(x(0)\) is the deviation from equilibrium at \(t=0\ \mathrm h\).

2.7 Let us boil \(1.00\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}\) L-isoleucine solution for 1 943 hours at 374 K. The rate constant for the forward reaction is \(k_1(374\ \mathrm K)=9.02\times10^{-5}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}\), \(K_{\mathrm{ep}}\) for L-isoleucine epimerization has the value of 1.38 (at 374 K). In the following calculation, shorten the concentration of L-isoleucine to \([\mathrm L]\) and of D-allo-isoleucine to \([\mathrm D]\). Evaluate (with three significant figures)

a) \([\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}}\),

b) diastereomeric excess (\(de\)) after boiling.

Amino acids with a single chiral centre undergo racemization, e.g. L-arginine racemizes:

Figure 4

The time evolution of concentrations is governed by

\[ \ln\frac{1+\dfrac{[\mathrm D]}{[\mathrm L]}} {1-\dfrac{[\mathrm D]}{[\mathrm L]}} =2k_1t+C \]

Here \([\mathrm D]\) and \([\mathrm L]\) are concentrations of D- and L-arginine at time \(t\), \(k_1\) is the rate constant, and the term \(C\) is set according to the initial concentrations.

Holy Roman Emperor Lothar III passed away during his journey to Sicily in 1137. To facilitate the repatriation of the remains, his body was, immediately after his death, boiled in water (373 K) for a certain time. Let us try to estimate the boiling time with the help of chemical kinetics. We know that the rate constant \(k_1\) of arginine racemization within the protein at 373 K and \(\mathrm{pH}=7\) has the value of \(5.10\times10^{-3}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}\).

In order to analyse the isomeric composition of arginine in Lothar’s bones, we need to start with transferring arginine into solution. Lothar’s bones were hydrolyzed in a highly acidic environment for 4 hours at 383 K. The ratio of the optical isomers was \(\dfrac{[\mathrm D]}{[\mathrm L]}=0.090\). Lothar’s wife Richenza was not boiled after her death. Her bones were hydrolyzed using the same procedure and in this case the ratio was \(\dfrac{[\mathrm D]}{[\mathrm L]}=0.059\). (Note that the racemization also takes place during the hydrolysis, with the rate constant \(k'_1\), different from \(k_1\)).

2.8 How long was the Holy Roman Emperor Lothar III boiled in water in 1137?

Note: The racemization of arginine is an extremely slow process at temperatures typically encountered in graves. As both bodies are only some 880 years old, we can neglect the natural racemization during this time.

Official English text of the problem.

Answers

  • 2.1: Select only the fourth statement: different specific optical rotations and different melting points.

  • 2.2:

Structure Absolute configuration Name Stereochemical SMILES
A \((2S,3S)\) L-isoleucine CC[C@H](C)[C@H](N)C(=O)O
B \((2R,3R)\) D-isoleucine CC[C@@H](C)[C@@H](N)C(=O)O
C \((2S,3R)\) L-allo-isoleucine CC[C@@H](C)[C@H](N)C(=O)O
D \((2R,3S)\) D-allo-isoleucine CC[C@H](C)[C@@H](N)C(=O)O

Fill the four answer boxes, from top to bottom, with C, D, A, B.

  • 2.3: \(G_{\mathrm m}^{\circ}(\mathrm A)=G_{\mathrm m}^{\circ}(\mathrm B)=0\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\); \(G_{\mathrm m}^{\circ}(\mathrm C)=G_{\mathrm m}^{\circ}(\mathrm D)=-1.00\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\).

  • 2.4: \(\boxed{64}\) stereoisomers.

  • 2.5: a) \(\boxed{1.00\times10^2\%}\); b) \(\boxed{67.8\%}\).

  • 2.6: \(\boxed{8.00\times10^7\ \mathrm h\approx9.13\times10^3\ \text{years}}\).

  • 2.7: a) \(\boxed{0.420\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}}\); b) \(\boxed{69.7\%}\), retaining unrounded intermediate values.

  • 2.8: \(\boxed{6.1\ \mathrm h}\) (calculated value \(6.11286\ \mathrm h\)).

Solution

2.1 — Relationship between the stereoisomers

L-isoleucine is \((2S,3S)\), whereas D-allo-isoleucine is \((2R,3S)\). They differ at C2 but have the same configuration at C3. They are therefore epimers, a particular kind of diastereomer.

Diastereomers generally have different physical properties, including specific optical rotation and melting point. The equal-magnitude, opposite-sign optical rotations and identical melting points characteristic of an enantiomeric pair do not apply here. D-allo-isoleucine is chiral and optically active.

Thus, select the fourth statement only. The D/L designation does not itself specify the sign of optical rotation.

2.2 — Absolute configurations

Number the carboxyl carbon C1, the amino-bearing carbon C2, and the methyl-bearing carbon C3.

At C2, the Cahn–Ingold–Prelog priorities are

\[ \ce{NH2}>\ce{COOH}>\ce{CH(CH3)CH2CH3}>\ce{H}. \]

Nitrogen has priority over carbon. To distinguish the two carbon substituents, the carboxyl carbon is treated as attached to \((\mathrm O,\mathrm O,\mathrm O)\), whereas C3 is attached to \((\mathrm C,\mathrm C,\mathrm H)\).

At C3, the priorities are

\[ \ce{CH(NH2)COOH}>\ce{CH2CH3}>\ce{CH3}>\ce{H}. \]

The three carbon substituents have next-atom lists \((\mathrm N,\mathrm C,\mathrm H)\), \((\mathrm C,\mathrm H,\mathrm H)\), and \((\mathrm H,\mathrm H,\mathrm H)\), respectively.

With the lowest-priority group pointing away, clockwise \(1\to2\to3\) gives \(R\), and counterclockwise gives \(S\). A solid wedge points toward the viewer; a dashed wedge points away.

For the orientations drawn:

  • At C2, the solid amino bond gives \(S\), and the dashed amino bond gives \(R\).
  • At C3, the solid methyl bond gives \(R\), and the dashed methyl bond gives \(S\).

Consequently,

\[ \boxed{ \mathrm A=(2S,3S),\quad \mathrm B=(2R,3R),\quad \mathrm C=(2S,3R),\quad \mathrm D=(2R,3S). } \]

Their names and stereochemical SMILES are given in the answer table. The required box order is C, D, A, B.

2.3 — Relative standard molar Gibbs energies

For the epimerization of L-isoleucine to D-allo-isoleucine,

\[ \Delta_{\mathrm r}G^\circ = G_{\mathrm m}^\circ(\text{D-allo-isoleucine}) - G_{\mathrm m}^\circ(\text{L-isoleucine}) =-RT\ln K_{\mathrm{ep}}. \]

Using \(R=8.314\ \mathrm{J\,mol^{-1}\,K^{-1}}\),

\[ \Delta_{\mathrm r}G^\circ =-(8.314)(374)\ln(1.38) =-1.00\times10^3\ \mathrm{J\,mol^{-1}} =-1.00\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}. \]

Structure A is L-isoleucine, whose reference value is zero. Structure D is D-allo-isoleucine, so its value is \(-1.00\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}\).

Enantiomers have equal standard molar Gibbs energies in an achiral environment. A and B form one enantiomeric pair; C and D form the other. Therefore,

\[ \boxed{ G_{\mathrm m}^\circ(\mathrm A) =G_{\mathrm m}^\circ(\mathrm B) =0\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}} } \]

and

\[ \boxed{ G_{\mathrm m}^\circ(\mathrm C) =G_{\mathrm m}^\circ(\mathrm D) =-1.00\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}. } \]

These are standard-state values; the equilibrium composition is accounted for separately by the activities in \(K_{\mathrm{ep}}\).

2.4 — Stereoisomers of Ile-Ile-Ile

Each isoleucine residue contributes two stereogenic carbon atoms. Formation of the two peptide bonds preserves these centres, giving

\[ n=3\times2=6 \]

stereocentres.

For example, the all-L member, L-isoleucyl-L-isoleucyl-L-isoleucine, has SMILES:

CC[C@H](C)[C@H](N)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)C(=O)N[C@@H]([C@@H](C)CC)C(=O)O

Each of the six centres can independently have either configuration. The distinct amino and carboxyl termini prevent an internal symmetry that would identify different assignments. Hence,

\[ \boxed{N=2^6=64}. \]

2.5 — Diastereomeric excess when the reverse reaction is neglected

Initially, the sample contains only L-isoleucine:

\[ [\mathrm D]_0=0,\qquad [\mathrm L]_0=C_{\mathrm T}, \]

where \(C_{\mathrm T}=[\mathrm L]+[\mathrm D]\) is conserved.

For irreversible first-order conversion,

\[ [\mathrm L](t)=C_{\mathrm T}e^{-k_1t}, \qquad [\mathrm D](t)=C_{\mathrm T}(1-e^{-k_1t}). \]

Thus,

\[ de(t)=\left(2e^{-k_1t}-1\right)\times100\%. \]

a) Before boiling:

\[ de(0)=(2-1)\times100\% =\boxed{1.00\times10^2\%}. \]

b) After boiling:

\[ k_1t =(9.02\times10^{-5}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}) (1943\ \mathrm h) =0.1752586. \]

Therefore,

\[ de =\left(2e^{-0.1752586}-1\right)\times100\% =67.847993\ldots\%. \]

To three significant figures,

\[ \boxed{de=67.8\%}. \]

2.6 — Time for 10% conversion at 298 K

First determine the activation energy using the Arrhenius equation:

\[ \ln\frac{k_1(421)}{k_1(374)} = \frac{E_{\mathrm a}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{374}-\frac{1}{421}\right). \]

Hence,

\[ E_{\mathrm a} = \frac{ R\ln\!\left(\dfrac{1.18\times10^{-2}}{9.02\times10^{-5}}\right) }{ \dfrac{1}{374\ \mathrm K}-\dfrac{1}{421\ \mathrm K} } =1.3575\ldots\times10^5\ \mathrm{J\,mol^{-1}} \approx136\ \mathrm{kJ\,mol^{-1}}. \]

Assuming the same Arrhenius dependence down to 298 K, and retaining the unrounded activation energy,

\[ k_1(298) = k_1(374) \exp\left[ -\frac{E_{\mathrm a}}{R} \left(\frac{1}{298\ \mathrm K}-\frac{1}{374\ \mathrm K}\right) \right]. \]

This gives

\[ k_1(298)=1.31755\ldots\times10^{-9}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}. \]

Under the irreversible approximation used in this part, 10% conversion means

\[ \frac{[\mathrm L](t)}{[\mathrm L]_0}=0.900=e^{-k_1t}. \]

Therefore,

\[ t=\frac{-\ln(0.900)}{1.31755\ldots\times10^{-9}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}} =7.99668\ldots\times10^7\ \mathrm h. \]

Using 365 days per year,

\[ \boxed{ t=8.00\times10^7\ \mathrm h \approx9.13\times10^3\ \text{years}. } \]

2.7 — Reversible epimerization

a) Equilibrium concentration

At equilibrium, the forward and reverse rates are equal:

\[ k_1[\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}} =k_2[\mathrm D]_{\mathrm{eq}}. \]

Consequently,

\[ K_{\mathrm{ep}} =\frac{[\mathrm D]_{\mathrm{eq}}}{[\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}}} =\frac{k_1}{k_2}. \]

The total concentration remains

\[ C_{\mathrm T} =[\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}}+[\mathrm D]_{\mathrm{eq}} =1.00\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}. \]

Thus,

\[ [\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}} =\frac{C_{\mathrm T}}{1+K_{\mathrm{ep}}} =\frac{1.00}{2.38}\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}} =0.420168\ldots\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}, \]

so

\[ \boxed{[\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}}=0.420\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}}. \]

b) Diastereomeric excess after boiling

The reverse rate constant is

\[ k_2=\frac{k_1}{K_{\mathrm{ep}}} =\frac{9.02\times10^{-5}}{1.38} =6.53623\ldots\times10^{-5}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}. \]

The supplied relaxation equation gives

\[ [\mathrm L](t) = [\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}} + \left([\mathrm L]_0-[\mathrm L]_{\mathrm{eq}}\right) e^{-(k_1+k_2)t}. \]

Using \(t=1943\ \mathrm h\), with intermediate quantities unrounded,

\[ [\mathrm L](t) =0.8487494758\ldots\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}, \]

and

\[ [\mathrm D](t) =C_{\mathrm T}-[\mathrm L](t) =0.1512505242\ldots\ \mathrm{mol\,dm^{-3}}. \]

Therefore,

\[ de = \frac{0.8487494758\ldots-0.1512505242\ldots}{1.00} \times100\% =69.749895\ldots\%. \]

The unrounded value lies just below the \(69.75\%\) rounding boundary. To three significant figures,

\[ \boxed{de=69.7\%}. \]

The reverse reaction leaves more L-isoleucine than the irreversible calculation, explaining the larger \(de\).

2.8 — Boiling time of Lothar III

The interconverting enantiomers are L-arginine, with \(S\) configuration, and D-arginine, with \(R\) configuration. Their neutral free-amino-acid SMILES are:

  • L-arginine: N[C@@H](CCCNC(=N)N)C(=O)O
  • D-arginine: N[C@H](CCCNC(=N)N)C(=O)O

Define

\[ r=\frac{[\mathrm D]}{[\mathrm L]}, \qquad F(r)=\ln\frac{1+r}{1-r}. \]

The given kinetic law means that a period \(t\) at a constant rate coefficient \(k\) increases \(F\) by \(2kt\). Thus, successive boiling and hydrolysis contributions add in \(F\).

Take the two bodies to have the same initial stereochemical composition, corresponding to naturally occurring L-arginine, and neglect racemization during burial as instructed. If \(F_0\) denotes their common initial value, then for Lothar,

\[ F(0.090) =F_0+2k_1t_{\mathrm b}+2k'_1(4\ \mathrm h), \]

where \(t_{\mathrm b}\) is the boiling time. For Richenza, who was not boiled,

\[ F(0.059) =F_0+2k'_1(4\ \mathrm h). \]

Subtracting eliminates both the initial contribution and the racemization caused by hydrolysis:

\[ F(0.090)-F(0.059)=2k_1t_{\mathrm b}. \]

Therefore,

\[ t_{\mathrm b} = \frac{ \ln\!\left(\dfrac{1.090}{0.910}\right) - \ln\!\left(\dfrac{1.059}{0.941}\right) }{ 2(5.10\times10^{-3}\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}) }. \]

Numerically,

\[ t_{\mathrm b} = \frac{0.1804883757-0.1181372060} {0.0102\ \mathrm{h^{-1}}} =6.11286\ldots\ \mathrm h. \]

At the precision supported by the measured ratios,

\[ \boxed{t_{\mathrm b}\approx6.1\ \mathrm h}. \]

The solution was checked against the official solution.