Formation of a Stable 14-Helix in Short Oligomers of Furanoid <i>cis-</i>β-Sugar-Amino Acid

Abstract

Oligomers of a new class of sugar amino acids (SAA) using a xylofuranoic acid has been shown to generate a robust 14-helix. The design involved the use of xylofuranose with a cis arrangement between the amine and carboxyl groups to promote the adoption of a 14-helix instead of a mixed 12/10-helix observed in a sugar oligomer using a ribofuranoic acid and beta-Ala. The observation of a stable right-handed 14-helix in a cis-SAA is unprecedented.