Question

please provide2 examples ( explain 2-3 sentenses max) of cation pi interactions found in nature

Answer 1

1. Enzyme catalysis

Cation-π interactions can catalyze chemical reactions by stabilizing buildup of positive charge in transition states. This kind of effect is observed in enzymatic systems. For example, acetylcholine esterase contains important aromatic groups that bind quaternary ammonium in its active site.

2. Molecular recognition and signaling

Cationic Acetylcholine binding to a tryptophan residue of the nicotinamide acetylcholine receptor via a cation–π effect. An example of cation–π interactions in molecular recognition is seen in the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR) which binds its endogenous ligand, acetylcholine (a positively charged molecule), via a cation–π interaction to the quaternary ammonium. The nAChR neuroreceptor is a well-studied ligand-gated ion channel that opens upon acetylcholine binding.