Conformational analysis of <i>N</i>‐arachidonylethanolamide (anandamide) using nuclear magnetic resonance and theoretical calculations

Abstract

Abstract The conformational properties of cis ‐5,8,11,14‐eicosatetraenoylethanolamide (anandamide) were analysed by the combined use of NMR experimental results plus molecular simulations. The structure of anandamide was found to be a predominantly linear with a seven‐atom ring of the ethanolamine group having a hydrogen bond which stabilizes the molecule. The vinylic group present has a cis conformation in solution. The terminal chain has a linear conformation and undergoes isotropic fast motion typical of this structure. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley &amp; Sons, Ltd.