title: Thermodynamic, spectroscopic, and computational evidence for the irreversible conversion of beta- to alpha-endosulfan.
abstract: Previous studies have provided unequivocal evidence for the symmetry of beta-endosulfan and the corresponding asymmetry of alpha-endosulfan; the conversion of beta-endosulfan to alpha-endosulfan was identified. In this study, evidence from differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) experiments combined with computational chemistry calculations was used to propose a molecular mechanism for the corresponding conformational changes that occur in this process. DSC and NMR data of mixtures indicated that both isomers can influence the conformer populations in the solid, solution, and vapor phase. Computational chemistry demonstrated that the relative S==O configuration between alpha- and beta-isomers can be the intermediate state through which the conformations of alpha- and beta-isomers affect each other. Furthermore, calculations for mixtures indicated that the asymmetrical conformation of the sulfite in alpha-endosulfan can induce asymmetry in beta-endosulfan, and conversion to alpha-endosulfan occurs from this transition state.
authors.affiliation: Environmental Quality Laboratory, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, 10300 Baltimore Avenue, Beltsville, Maryland 20705, USA.
authors.forename: W F
authors.initials: WF
authors.lastname: Schmidt
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bilboulian
authors.forename: C P
authors.initials: CP
authors.lastname: Rice
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Fettinger
authors.forename: L L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: McConnell
authors.forename: C J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Hapeman
mesh_terms: D002152:Calorimetry, Differential Scanning; D002849:Chromatography, Gas; D004726:Endosulfan / Q000737:chemistry*; D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides / Q000737:chemistry*; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D013816:Thermodynamics
chemical_list: D006843:Hydrocarbons, Chlorinated; D007306:Insecticides; D004726:Endosulfan