Catalysis by a synthetic receptor sealed at one end and functionalized at the other

Academic Article
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publication date

  • December 2004

abstract

  • A deep cavitand bearing a zinc (II) salen wall catalyzes the hydrolysis of para-nitrophenylcholine carbonate. The closed end of the cavitand properly positions the carbonyl function of the substrate for activation by the metal center. Substrate specificity for acetylcholine derivatives results from simultaneous cation-pi interactions and a C=O- - -Zn coordination bond.