Three-Dimensional Molecular Descriptors

Several research groups have built models using theoretical desaiptors calculated only from the molecular structure. This approach has been proven to be particularly successful for the prediction of solubility without the need for descriptors of experimental data. Thus, it is also suitable for virtual data screening and library design. The descriptors include 2D (two-dimensional, or topological) descriptors, and 3D (three-dimensional, or geometric) descriptors, as well as electronic descriptors. 

Pastor, M., Cruciani, G., McLay, L, Pickett, S., Glementi, S. GRid-INdependent descriptors (GRIND) a novel class of alignment-independent three-dimensional molecular descriptors. /. Med. Chem. 2000, 43, 3233-3243. 

Motoc, L, Marshall, G.R. Molecular shape descriptors. 2. Quantitative stmcture-activity relationships based upon three-dimensional molecular shape descriptor. Z. Naturforsch. 1985, 40a, 1114-1120. 

Often, all alignment-based methods and molecular field and potential calculations are classified as pharmacophore perception techniques. We will include most of these methods in this review however, when using the term pharmacophore model, we will be referring mainly to one specific type of perception, namely three-dimensional feature-based pharmacophore models represented by geometry or location constraints, qualitative or quantitative. An extrapolation of the pharmacophore approach to a set of multi-dimensional descriptors (pharmacophore fingerprints) has been developed mostly for library design and focusing purposes [3-8]. 

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