Modulating intramolecular chalcogen bonds in aromatic (thio)(seleno)phene-based derivatives.

Intramolecular interactions have been proven to be the key to conformational control in drug-design. While chalcogen interactions have been shown to be present in certain ligands of the GK-GKRP target protein, in the present study, intramolecular chalcogen interactions through selenium are found to be even more promising since they form stronger interactions. Also, the flexibility/rigidity of the carbon backbone of the corresponding ligands is crucial in the conformational stability.