Supramolecular Catalysis of the oxa‐Pictet–Spengler Reaction with an Endohedrally Functionalized Self‐Assembled Cage Complex
Courtney Ngai, Colomba M. Sanchez‐Marsetti, W. Hill Harman, Richard J. Hooley
Abstract
cage complex can catalyze oxa-Pictet-Spengler cyclizations of tryptophols and various aldehyde derivatives, showing strong rate accelerations and size-selectivity. Selective molecular recognition of substrates controls the reactivity, and the cage is capable of binding and activating multiple different species along the multistep reaction pathway. The combination of a functionalized active site, size-selective reactivity, and multistep activation, all from a single host molecule, illustrates the biomimetic nature of the catalysis.
Topics & Concepts
Supramolecular chemistryReactivity (psychology)ChemistryAldehydeCatalysisCageSelectivityCombinatorial chemistryMoleculeSupramolecular catalysisOrganic chemistryMedicineAlternative medicineCombinatoricsPathologyMathematicsSupramolecular Chemistry and ComplexesMolecular Sensors and Ion DetectionChemical Synthesis and Analysis