Macrocyclic enzyme model system: catalysis of ester degradation by a [20]paracyclophane bearing nucleophilic and metal-binding sites

Abstract

When the [20]paracyclophane (1) bearing oxime and imidazole groups is bound to Cu²⁺ ion with the latter species in a moderate pH region, the resulting Cu^II complex shows esterase-like activity; the un-ionized oxime group is acylated with the assistance of the co-ordinated Cu²⁺ ion.