skip to main content
OSTI.GOV title logo U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Title: Selective molecular recognition, C-H bond activation, and catalysis in nanoscale reaction vessels

Journal Article · · Accounts of Chemical Research
OSTI ID:840989

Supramolecular chemistry represents a way to mimic enzyme reactivity by using specially designed container molecules. We have shown that a chiral self-assembled M{sub 4}L{sub 6} supramolecular tetrahedron can encapsulate a variety of cationic guests, with varying degrees of stereoselectivity. Reactive iridium guests can be encapsulated and the C-H bond activation of aldehydes occurs, with the host cavity controlling the ability of substrates to interact with the metal center based upon size and shape. In addition, the host container can act as a catalyst by itself. By restricting reaction space and preorganizing the substrates into reactive conformations, it accelerates the sigmatropic rearrangement of enammonium cations.

Research Organization:
Lawrence Berkeley National Lab. (LBNL), Berkeley, CA (United States)
Sponsoring Organization:
USDOE Director. Office of Science. Office of Basic Energy Sciences. Chemical Science Geosciences and Biosciences Division (US)
DOE Contract Number:
AC03-76SF00098
OSTI ID:
840989
Report Number(s):
LBNL-56853; R&D Project: 402103; TRN: US200513%%212
Journal Information:
Accounts of Chemical Research, Vol. 38, Issue 4; Other Information: Submitted to Accounts of Chemical Research: Volume 38, No.4; Journal Publication Date: 04/2005; PBD: 27 Nov 2004
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English