초록
Conformational free energy calculations using an empirical potential function (ECEPP/2) and the hydration shell model were carried out on the sulfonylurea herbicides of bensulfuron methyl (Londax) and metsulfuron methyl (Ally). The conformational energy was minimized from starting conformations which included possible combinations of torsion angles in the molecule. The conformational entropy of each conformation was computed using a harmonic approximation. To understand the hydration effect on the conformation of the molecule in aqueous solution, the hydration free energy of each group was calculated and compared each other. It was found that the low-free-energy conformations of two molecules in aqueous solution prefer the overall folded structure, in which an interaction between the carbonyl group of ester in aryl ring and the first amido group of urea bridge plays an important role. From the analysis of total free energy, the hydration and conformational entropy are known to be essential in stabilizing low-free-energy conformations of Londax, whereas the conformational energy is proved to be a major contribution to the total free energy of low-free-energy conformations of Ally.