Hidden assumptions in a maximum-entropy method stacking analyses Original Research Article

Two models have been used to describe indefinite self-association (stacking). In the more popular isodesmic model addition of molecules to the growing stack occurs with the same equilibrium constant, while in the attenuated model successive equilibrium constants decrease in value. In an attempt to choose between the two models application was made of the maximum-entropy method. This paper points out that the conclusions drawn from this method are not proven as the application assumed specific limiting values for experimental values of a molecule in the interior of a stack, and these values are not identical in the two models for the two systems considered.