Active Site of alpha-Chymotrypsin Activation by Association-Desolvation.

High reactivity toward alpha-chymotrypsin is observed for derivatives of beta-arylpropionic acids of varied structure-L-alpha-acylamido compounds, D-cyclized compounds, and, now, L-glycolamide esters. Compensating enthalpy and entropy effects are observed which appear to be caused by changes in water of solvation. High reactivity with varied structure, and physical evidence, appear to rule out induced fit and distortion as important for this enzyme. The high reactivity results from precise fit of the hydrolyzing group at the critical serine-imidazole junction, resulting from binding of the aryl group and restriction of rotation. Part of the energy of binding is used to desolvate the reactant groups of substrate and enzyme, decreasing activation energies by several kilocalories and raising reactivity by 10(3) or more. Solvation by water stabilizes many compounds, allowing them to be present in solution in biological systems. Their reactions may occur as their reactivity is increased when they are desolvated and brought from solution into association with reactive groups in enzymes, membranes, and structured particles.