A Group Theoretical Analysis of Conformational Flexibility

Abstract

Abstract The chemical identity group of a conformationally flexible molecule has very special properties. An analysis of its group structure leads to a detailed interpretation of the properties of the conformationally flexible molecules and their permutation isomers. In contrast to conventional conformational analysis our treatment of conformationally flexible molecules on the basis of chemical identity groups emphasizes ensembles of interconverting conformers. This leads to an interpretation of the observed increase in “symmetry” through conformational flexibility.