Reverse-docking study of the TADDOL-catalyzed asymmetric hetero-Diels-Alder reaction

The reverse-docking of a TADDOL catalyst to rigid transition-state (TS) representations of an asymmetric hetero-Diels-Alder reaction is described. The resulting docking poses represent a simplified geometric model of the TS for the catalyzed reaction. The conformational space of the catalyst in proximity to the catalyst-free TS models is sampled stochastically and the energetically favored poses are subjected to a clustering procedure to highlight structural attributes compatible with organocatalysis. Each pose is scored and ranked based on its molecular-mechanics docking energy. The reverse-docking procedure reveals a clear energetic trend in favor of the experimentally preferred product enantiomers. Analysis of the best poses suggests a geometric model that is consistent with principles of molecular recognition, catalysis, and experimental data.