Novel calix[4]arene-based polymeric catalysts as acyltransferase enzyme mimics

Monomeric and polymeric calix[4]arenes containing imidazole or triazole functionalities were synthesized. The enzymatic performance of these calix[4]arenes was evaluated by comparing the Michaelis-Menten kinetics for the hydrolysis reaction of p-nitrophenyl acetate. The results indicate that the newly synthesized both monomeric and polymeric calix[4]arenes could be used as acyltransferase mimics. The results of monomeric mimics showed that the calix[4]arenes containing imidazole groups are more efficient acyltransferase mimics than triazole-bonded ones. In the case of carboxylic acid-bonded mimic, it was also observed that H-bond contributed to increasing of catalytic yield. The catalytic studies of polymeric mimics demonstrated that the calixarene contents of polymers were very important for their hydrolytic activities. Moreover, the recyclability studies of some polymeric calix[4]arenes revealed that Merrifield resin was the best supporting material for the polymeric catalysts. Copyright © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.