Enhancement of catalytic reactivity of zinc(II) complex by a cyclotriveratrylene-capped structure

Cyclotriveratrylene (CTV)-capped zinc(II) complex is a covalent molecular capsule that is constructed from a CTV host unit, a tris(2-aminoethylamine) (tren) ligand, and three rigid phenyl spacers. A direct comparison between CTV-capped zinc(II) complex and CTV-uncapped zinc(II) complex based on X-ray crystal structures and the hydrolysis of various activated alkyl carbonates revealed that the 23-membered cap of the complex enhanced its catalytic reactivity. A cyclotriveratrylene-capped structure enhances the catalytic reactivity of zinc complex. (C) 2012 Elsevier B. V. All rights reserved.