Compare Conformer: a program for the rapid comparison of molecular conformers based on interatomic distances and torsion angles

A computer program for comparison of the conformations of a number of related molecular structures is described. The comparisons are performed on either interatomic distances or torsion angles. The comparisons are accomplished on ordered pairs of distances or torsion angles, and the distance comparisons can be performed in a manner that allows permutation of the distance pairs being compared. The algorithm utilizes bit-string Boolean operations that allow the comparisons to be performed rapidly. The program should be useful for computer-assisted molecular modeling studies in which the viable conformers of bioactive analogues are compared in order to locate those conformers that place key substituents in the same spatial orientation.