Toward Understanding CB[7]-Based Supramolecular Diels-Alder Catalysis

Autor: Dénes Berta, István Szabó, Oren A. Scherman, Edina Rosta
Jazyk: angličtina
Rok vydání: 2020
Předmět:
Zdroj: Frontiers in Chemistry, Vol 8 (2020)
Druh dokumentu: article
ISSN: 2296-2646
DOI: 10.3389/fchem.2020.587084
Popis: Cucurbiturils (CBs) are robust and versatile macrocyclic compounds, often used as molecular hosts in complex supramolecular systems. In previous work, remarkable catalytic activity has been observed for asymmetric cycloadditions under very mild conditions. Herein, we investigate the nature of supramolecular catalysis using DFT calculations and QM/MM techniques. We discuss induced conformational changes, electrostatic shielding effects from the highly polar aqueous environment and cooperativity in hydrogen bonding of the substrates in explicit water using QM/MM simulation techniques. Our results show little specificity for the chosen molecules, suggesting an excellent opportunity to expand the scope for catalytic use of these supramolecular macrocyclic containers.
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