Upper rim guanidinocalix[4]arenes as artificial phosphodiesterases

Engineering supramolecular dynamics of self-assembly and turnover of oncogenic microRNAs to drive their synergistic destruction in tumor models

Rationally-engineered functional biomaterials offer the opportunity to interface with complex biology in a predictive, precise, yet dynamic way to reprogram their behaviour and correct shortcomings. Success here may lead to a desired therapeutic effect against life-threatening diseases, such as cancer. Here, we engineered "Crab"-like artificial ribonucleases through coupling of peptide and nucleic acid building blocks, capable of operating alongside and synergistically with intracellular enzymes (RNase H and AGO2) for potent destruction of oncogenic microRNAs. "Crab"-like configuration of two catalytic peptides ("pincers") flanking the recognition oligonucleotide was instrumental here in providing increased catalytic turnover, leading to ≈30-fold decrease in miRNA half-life as compared with that for "single-pincer" conjugates. Dynamic modeling of miRNA cleavage illustrated how such design enabled "Crabs" to drive catalytic turnover through simultaneous attacks at different locations of the RNA-DNA heteroduplex, presumably by producing smaller cleavage products and by providing toeholds for competitive displacement by intact miRNA strands. miRNA cleavage at the 5'-site, spreading further into double-stranded region, likely provided a synergy for RNase H1 through demolition of its loading region, thus facilitating enzyme turnover. Such synergy was critical for sustaining persistent disposal of continually-emerging oncogenic miRNAs. A single exposure to the best structural variant (Crab-p-21) prior to transplantation into mice suppressed their malignant properties and reduced primary tumor volume (by 85 %) in MCF-7 murine xenograft models.

A Theoretical-Computational Study of Phosphodiester Bond Cleavage Kinetics as a Function of the Temperature

The hydrolysis of the phosphodiester bond is an important chemical reaction involved in several biological processes. Here, we study the cleavage of this bond by means of a theoretical-computational method in a model system, the dineopentyl phosphate. By such an approach, we reconstructed the kinetics and related thermodynamics of this chemical reaction along an isochore. In particular, we evaluated the kinetic constants of all the reaction steps within a wide range of temperatures, mostly corresponding to conditions where no experimental measures are available due to the extremely slow kinetics. Our results, in good agreement with the experimental data, show the robustness of our theoretical-computational methodology which can be easily extended to more complex systems.

Transesterification of RNA model induced by novel dinuclear copper (II) complexes with bis-tridentate imidazole derivatives

Two novel bis-tridentate imidazole derivatives were conveniently synthesized using a 'one-pot' method. Their dinuclear (Cu₂L¹Cl₄, Cu₂L²Cl₄) and mononuclear (CuL¹Cl₂, CuL²Cl₂∙H₂O) copper (II) complexes were synthesized to comparably evaluate their reactivities in the hydrolytic cleavage of 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP) as a classic RNA model. Single crystals of Cu₂L¹Cl₄ and Cu₂L²Cl₄ indicate that both of them are centrosymmetric, and each central copper ion is penta-coordinated. Regarding the transesterification of HPNP, both of dinuclear ones exhibited excess one order of magnitude rate enhancement in contrast with auto-hydrolysis reaction. Under comparable conditions, dinuclear complexes displayed no more than twofold increase in activity over their mononuclear analogues, which verifies the lack of binuclear cooperation effect due to long Cu-to-Cu space.

Recent Advances in the Synthesis and Applications of m-Aryloxy Phenols

Since phenol derivatives have high potential as building blocks for the synthesis of bioactive natural products and conducting polymers, many synthesis methods have been invented. In recent years, innovative synthetic methods have been developed for the preparation of m-aryloxy phenols, which has allowed for the preparation of complex m-aryloxy phenols with functional groups, such as esters, nitriles, and halogens, that impart specific properties of these compounds. This review provides an overview of recent advances in synthetic strategies for m-aryloxy phenols and their potential biological activities. This paper highlights the importance of m-aryloxy phenols in various industries, including plastics, adhesives, and coatings, and it discusses their applications as antioxidants, ultraviolet absorbers, and flame retardants.

Artificial phosphatase upon premicellar nanoarchitectonics of lanthanum complexes with long-chained imidazole derivatives

Four novel long chain-containing tridentate imidazole derivatives (Lⁿ, n = 1, 2, 3, 4) were synthesized for in situ formation of mononuclear lanthanum(III) complexes as artificial phosphodiesterases. These in-situ formed La(III) complexes (named LaLⁿ) were used to catalyze the transesterification of 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP), a classic RNA model. Critical aggregation concentrations (CAC) were determined for the as-prepared tridentate imidazole derivatives as ligands and corresponding mixtures of equivalent ligand and La³⁺ ion with a mole rate of 1:1. It denotes that the introduction of La³⁺ ion increases the CAC values of imidazole derivatives by about 2 to 3 folds. Foaming test shows that the foam height is positively correlated with the length of hydrophobic chain. Transesterification of HPNP mediated by LaLⁿ nanoarchitectonics indicates that the introducing of hydrophobic chain benefits rate enhancement, showing excess three orders of magnitude acceleration under physiological conditions (pH 7.0, 25 °C). Moreover, catalytic reactivities of these La(III) complexes increased along with the increase in chain length: LaL¹ < LaL² < LaL³ < LaL⁴, suggesting a positive correlation to hydrophobic chain length.

Structural modifications as tools in mechanistic studies of the cleavage of RNA phosphodiester linkages

The cleavage of RNA phosphodiester bonds by RNase A and hammerhead ribozyme at neutral pH fundamentally differs from the spontaneous reactions of these bonds under the same conditions. While the predominant spontaneous reaction is isomerization of the 3',5'-phosphodiester linkages to their 2',5'-counterparts, this reaction has never been reported to compete with the enzymatic cleavage reaction, not even as a minor side reaction. Comparative kinetic measurements with structurally modified di-nucleoside monophosphates and oligomeric phosphodiesters have played an important role in clarification of mechanistic details of the buffer-independent and buffer-catalyzed reactions. More recently, heavy atom isotope effects and theoretical calculations have refined the picture. The primary aim of all these studies has been to form a solid basis for mechanistic analyses of the action of more complicated catalytic machineries. In other words, to contribute to conception of a plausible unified picture of RNA cleavage by biocatalysts, such as RNAse A, hammerhead ribozyme and DNAzymes. In addition, structurally modified trinucleoside monophosphates as transition state models for Group I and II introns have clarified some features of the action of large ribozymes.

Short Peptide-based Cross-β Amyloids Exploit Dual Residues for Phosphoesterase like Activity

Herein, we report that short peptides are capable of exploiting their anti-parallel registry to access cross-β stacks to expose more than one catalytic residue, exhibiting the traits of advanced binding pockets of enzymes. Binding pockets decorated with more than one catalytic residue facilitate substrate binding and process kinetically unfavourable chemical transformations. The solvent-exposed guanidinium and imidazole moieties on the cross-β microphases synergistically bind to polarise and hydrolyse diverse kinetically stable model substrates of nucleases and phosphatase. Mutation of either histidine or arginine results in a drastic decline in the rate of hydrolysis. These results not only support the argument of short amyloid peptides as the earliest protein folds but also suggest their interactions with nucleic acid congeners, foreshadowing the mutualistic biopolymer relationships that fueled the chemical emergence of life.

Amyloid based short peptide assemblies use antiparallel registry to expose multiple catalytic residues to bind and cleave kinetically stable phosphoester bonds of nucleic acid congeners, foreshadowing interactions of protein folds with nucleic acids.

Binuclear metal complexes with a novel hexadentate imidazole derivative for the cleavage of phosphate diesters and biomolecules: distinguishable mechanisms

Oxidative cleavage of phosphate diesters (HPNP, BNPP) is highly faster than the hydrolytic one by binuclear metal complexes with novel imidazole derivative, producing a non-lactone phosphate monoester due to the direct attack of free radicals.

Strict conformational demands of RNA cleavage in bulge-loops created by peptidyl-oligonucleotide conjugates

Potent knockdown of pathogenic RNA in vivo is an urgent health need unmet by both small-molecule and biologic drugs. ‘Smart’ supramolecular assembly of catalysts offers precise recognition and potent destruction of targeted RNA, hitherto not found in nature. Peptidyl-oligonucleotide ribonucleases are here chemically engineered to create and attack bulge-loop regions upon hybridization to target RNA. Catalytic peptide was incorporated either via a centrally modified nucleotide (Type 1) or through an abasic sugar residue (Type 2) within the RNA-recognition motif to reveal striking differences in biological performance and strict structural demands of ribonuclease activity. None of the Type 1 conjugates were catalytically active, whereas all Type 2 conjugates cleaved RNA target in a sequence-specific manner, with up to 90% cleavage from 5-nt bulge-loops (BC5-α and BC5L-β anomers) through multiple cuts, including in folds nearby. Molecular dynamics simulations provided structural explanation of accessibility of the RNA cleavage sites to the peptide with adoption of an ‘in-line’ attack conformation for catalysis. Hybridization assays and enzymatic probing with RNases illuminated how RNA binding specificity and dissociation after cleavage can be balanced to permit turnover of the catalytic reaction. This is an essential requirement for inactivation of multiple copies of disease-associated RNA and therapeutic efficacy.

Time Programmable Locking/Unlocking of the Calix[4]arene Scaffold by Means of Chemical Fuels

In this work, we report that 2-cyano-2-phenylpropanoic acid and its p-Cl, p-CH₃ and p-OCH₃ derivatives can be used as chemical fuels to control the geometry of the calix[4]arene scaffold in its cone conformation. It is shown that, under the action of the fuel, the cone calix[4]arene platform assumes a "locked" shape with two opposite aromatic rings strongly convergent and the other two strongly divergent ("pinched cone" conformation). Only when the fuel is exhausted, the cone calix[4]arene scaffold returns to its resting, "unlocked" shape. Remarkably, the duration of the "locked" state can be controlled at will by varying the fuel structure or amount. A kinetic study of the process shows that the consume of the fuel is catalyzed by the "unlocked" calixarene that behaves as an autocatalyst for its own production. A mechanism is proposed for the reaction of fuel consumption.

RNA knockdown by synthetic peptidyl-oligonucleotide ribonucleases: behavior of recognition and cleavage elements under physiological conditions

Sequence-specific protein-based ribonucleases are not found in nature. Absolute sequence selectivity in RNA cleavage in vivo normally requires multi-component complexes that recruit a guide RNA or DNA for target recognition and a protein-RNA assembly for catalytic functioning (e.g. RNAi molecular machinery, RNase H). Recently discovered peptidyl-oligonucleotide synthetic ribonucleases selectively knock down pathogenic RNAs by irreversible cleavage to offer unprecedented opportunities for control of disease-relevant RNA. Understanding how to increase their potency, selectivity and catalytic turnover will open the translational pathway to successful therapeutics. Yet, very little is known about how these chemical ribonucleases bind, cleave and leave their target. Rational design awaits this understanding in order to control therapy, particularly how to overcome the trade-off between sequence specificity and potency through catalytic turnover. We illuminate this here by characterizing the interactions of these chemical RNases with both complementary and non-complementary RNAs using T_m profiles, fluorescence, UV-visible and NMR spectroscopies. Crucially, the level of counter cations, which are tightly-controlled within cellular compartments, also controlled these interactions. The oligonucleotide component dominated interaction between conjugates and complementary targets in the presence of physiological levels of counter cations (K⁺), sufficient to prevent repulsion between the complementary nucleic acid strands to allow Watson-Crick hydrogen bonding. In contrast, the positively-charged catalytic peptide interacted poorly with target RNA, when counter cations similarly screened the negatively-charged sugar-phosphate RNA backbones. The peptide only became the key player, when counter cations were insufficient for charge screening; moreover, only under such non-physiological conditions did conjugates form strong complexes with non-complementary RNAs.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

CO2 Capture on Functionalized Calixarenes: A Computational Study

High carbon emissions have shown a strong correlation with rising global temperatures as the world's climate undergoes a dramatic shift. Work to mitigate the potential damage using materials such as metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), covalent organic frameworks (COFs), and polymer membranes (PMs) has proven successful in small-scale approaches; however, research is still being performed to enhance the capabilities of these materials for use at an industrial scale. One strategy for increasing performance is to embed these materials with CO₂-philic molecules, which enhance selective binding over other gases. Calixarenes are promising candidates due to their large chalice shape, which allows for the possibility to bind multiple CO₂ molecules per site. In this study, a dataset including 40 functionalized calixarene structures and one unfunctionalized (bare) calixarene was constructed with an automated, high-throughput structure generation through directed modifications to a molecular scaffold. A conformational search based on molecular mechanics allowed the faster determination of optimal binding energies for a vast array of chemical functional groups with less computational effort. Density functional theory and symmetry-adapted perturbation theory calculations were performed for the exploration of their interactions with CO₂. Our work has identified new organic cages with increased CO₂-philicity. In four cases, CO₂ binding is stronger than 9.0 kcal/mol and very close to the targets set by previous studies. The nature of the noncovalent interactions for these cases is analyzed and discussed. Conclusions from this study can aid synthetic efforts for the next generation of functional materials.

Sequence-Defined Macrocycles for Understanding and Controlling the Build-up of Hierarchical Order in Self-Assembled 2D Arrays

Anfinsen's dogma that sequence dictates structure is fundamental to understanding the activity and assembly of proteins. This idea has been applied to all manner of oligomers but not to the behavior of cyclic oligomers, aka macrocycles. We do this here by providing the first proofs that sequence controls the hierarchical assembly of nonbiological macrocycles, in this case, at graphite surfaces. To design macrocycles with one (AAA), two (AAB), or three (ABC) different carbazole units, we needed to subvert the synthetic preferences for one-pot macrocyclizations. We developed a new stepwise synthesis with sequence-defined targets made in 11, 17, and 22 steps with 25, 10, and 5% yields, respectively. The linear build up of primary sequence (1°) also enabled a thermal Huisgen cycloaddition to proceed regioselectively for the first time using geometric control. The resulting macrocycles are planar (2° structure) and form H-bonded dimers (3°) at surfaces. Primary sequences encoded into the suite of tricarb macrocycles were shown by scanning-tunneling microscopy (STM) to impact the next levels of supramolecular ordering (4°) and 2D crystalline polymorphs (5°) at solution-graphite interfaces. STM imaging of an AAB macrocycle revealed the formation of a new gap phase that was inaccessible using only C3-symmetric macrocycles. STM imaging of two additional sequence-controlled macrocycles (AAD, ABE) allowed us to identify the factors driving the formation of this new polymorph. This demonstration of how sequence controls the hierarchical patterning of macrocycles raises the importance of stepwise syntheses relative to one-pot macrocyclizations to offer new approaches for greater understanding and control of hierarchical assembly.

A calix[4]arene with acylguanidine units as an efficient catalyst for phosphodiester bond cleavage in RNA and DNA model compounds

Conjugated carbonyl units in a calixarene scaffold provide the right amount of flexibility for catalysis with a minimum entropic cost.

Inherently chiral cone-calix[4]arenes via a subsequent upper rim ring-closing/opening methodology

Access to chiral calix[4]arenes can unlock novel supramolecular architectures for enantioselective catalysis and molecular recognition. However, accessibility to these structures has been significantly hindered so far. We report herein the synthesis and characterization of di- and trifunctionalized cone-calix[4]arenes featuring a lactone moiety spanning the distal positions at the upper rim. The lactones force the whole skeleton to assume pinched-cone conformations. The ring-closure is favored by the high conformational flexibility of the calixarene scaffold. The new lactones are remarkably stable in the solid state, while a quick hydrolysis to restore the parent carboxylic acids occurs in solution under acidic/basic conditions. Slow aminolyses of lactones 2-3 yield inherently chiral products featuring three different functionalities at the upper rim, at room temperature. The subsequent ring-closing/opening methodology presented here highlights the versatility of these lactones as powerful synthons for the preparation of a variety of threefold upper rim functionalized, inherently chiral calix[4]arenes fixed in the cone structure.

Phosphodiester models for cleavage of nucleic acids

Nucleic acids that store and transfer biological information are polymeric diesters of phosphoric acid. Cleavage of the phosphodiester linkages by protein enzymes, nucleases, is one of the underlying biological processes. The remarkable catalytic efficiency of nucleases, together with the ability of ribonucleic acids to serve sometimes as nucleases, has made the cleavage of phosphodiesters a subject of intensive mechanistic studies. In addition to studies of nucleases by pH-rate dependency, X-ray crystallography, amino acid/nucleotide substitution and computational approaches, experimental and theoretical studies with small molecular model compounds still play a role. With small molecules, the importance of various elementary processes, such as proton transfer and metal ion binding, for stabilization of transition states may be elucidated and systematic variation of the basicity of the entering or departing nucleophile enables determination of the position of the transition state on the reaction coordinate. Such data is important on analyzing enzyme mechanisms based on synergistic participation of several catalytic entities. Many nucleases are metalloenzymes and small molecular models offer an excellent tool to construct models for their catalytic centers. The present review tends to be an up to date summary of what has been achieved by mechanistic studies with small molecular phosphodiesters.

Luminescence Properties of Self-Aggregating TbIII-DOTA-Functionalized Calix[4]arenes

Self-aggregating calix[4]arenes carrying four DOTA ligands on the upper rim for stable complexation of paramagnetic GdIII-ions have already been proposed as MRI probes. In this work, we investigate the luminescence properties of TbIII-DOTA-calix[4]arene-4OPr containing four propyl-groups and compare them with those of the analog substituted with a phthalimide chromophore (TbIII-DOTA-calix[4]arene-3OPr-OPhth). We show that, given its four aromatic rings, the calix[4]arene core acts as an effective sensitizer of Tb-centered luminescence. Substituents on the lower rim can modulate the aggregation behavior, which in turn determines the luminescence properties of the compounds. In solid state, the quantum yield of the phthalimide derivative is almost three times as high as that of the propyl-functionalized analog demonstrating a beneficial role of the chromophore on Tb-luminescence. In solution, however, the effect of the phthalimide group vanishes, which we attribute to the large distance between the chromophore and the lanthanide, situated on the opposite rims of the calix[4]arene. Both quantum yields and luminescence lifetimes show clear concentration dependence in solution, related to the strong impact of aggregation on the luminescence behavior. We also evidence the variability in the values of the critical micelle concentration depending on the experimental technique. Such luminescent calix[4]arene platforms accommodating stable lanthanide complexes can be considered valuable building blocks for the design of dual MR/optical imaging probes.

Amphiphilic Guanidinocalixarenes Inhibit Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)- and Lectin-Stimulated Toll-like Receptor 4 (TLR4) Signaling

We recently reported on the activity of cationic amphiphiles in inhibiting TLR4 activation and subsequent production of inflammatory cytokines in cells and in animal models. Starting from the assumption that opportunely designed cationic amphiphiles can behave as CD14/MD-2 ligands and therefore modulate the TLR4 signaling, we present here a panel of amphiphilic guanidinocalixarenes whose structure was computationally optimized to dock into MD-2 and CD14 binding sites. Some of these calixarenes were active in inhibiting, in a dose-dependent way, the LPS-stimulated TLR4 activation and TLR4-dependent cytokine production in human and mouse cells. Moreover, guanidinocalixarenes also inhibited TLR4 signaling when TLR4 was activated by a non-LPS stimulus, the plant lectin PHA. While the activity of guanidinocalixarenes in inhibiting LPS toxic action has previously been related to their capacity to bind LPS, we suggest a direct antagonist effect of calixarenes on TLR4/MD-2 dimerization, pointing at the calixarene moiety as a potential scaffold for the development of new TLR4-directed therapeutics.

Crown Ether Nucleophilic Catalysts (CENCs): Agents for Enhanced Silicon Radiofluorination

New bifunctional phase transfer agents were synthesized and investigated for their abilities to promote rapid fluorination at silicon. These agents, dubbed crown ether nucleophilic catalysts (CENCs), are 18-crown-6 derivatives containing a side-arm and a potentially nucleophilic hydroxyl group. These CENCs proved efficacious in the fluorination of hindered silicon substrates, with fluorination yields dependent on the length of linker connecting the metal chelating unit to the hydroxyl group. The efficacy of these CENCs was also demonstrated for rapid radiofluorination under mild conditions for eventual application in molecular imaging with positron emission tomography (PET). The hydrolysis-resistant aryl silicon fragment is promising as a convenient synthon for labeling potential PET radiotracers.

Synthesis and Structures of Triptycene-Derived Oxacalixarenes with Expanded Cavities: Tunable and Switchable Complexation towards Bipyridinium Salts

New triptycene-derived oxacalixarene H1 was efficiently synthesized by a template cyclization step, and anilino-substituted macrocycle H2 was subsequently afforded through straightforward nucleophilic displacement of the active chlorine atom in H1. Oxacalixarene H1 adopts a fixed boat-like 1,3-alternate conformation and shows moderate complexation abilities towards various bipyridinium salts. However, the affinities of H2 towards the guests were found to be substantially stronger, which could be tentatively attributed to the additional hydrogen-bonding site, π-π stacking site, and especially the increased electron richness of the host. Furthermore, the acid-base switchable complexation process between H1 and the bipyridinium salt was also realized, which could potentially facilitate the construction of high-level stimuli-responsive supramolecular structures based on the newly synthesized oxacalixarene.

Kinetic resolution of phosphoric diester by Cinchona alkaloid derivatives provided with a guanidinium unit

Cinchona alkaloid derivatives featuring a guanidinium group in diverse positions efficiently catalyze the cleavage of the RNA model compound 2-hydroxypropyl p-nitrophenyl phosphate (HPNP).

Moulding calixarenes for biomacromolecule targeting

After their successful use as a preorganized platform for the preparation of receptors for metal ions and small neutral molecules over the last 15 years, calixarenes are enjoying a renaissance of popularity as scaffolds for ligands that are able to efficiently and selectively target macromolecules such as proteins/enzymes, nucleic acids and lipids. This feature article summarizes the peculiar factors characterizing the calixarene structure and properties, as well as outlines the main rules that can be used to turn such macrocycles into efficient and successful ligands for these classes of biomacromolecules. Factors that affect the multivalent properties of calixarenes, such as the size, conformation and stereochemical presentation of binding groups or their amphiphilicity and hybrid character, are described in detail with the use of a few selected examples from the literature. Perspectives and applications of these ligands in bionanotechnology and nanomedicine, such as protein sensing and inhibition, gene-delivery, targeted drug-delivery and cell imaging, are also discussed.

Unconventional Bifunctional Lewis-Brønsted Acid Activation Mode in Bicyclic Guanidine-Catalyzed Conjugate Addition Reactions

DFT calculations have demonstrated that the unconventional bifunctional Brønsted-Lewis acid activation mode is generally applicable to a range of nucleophilic conjugate additions catalyzed by bicyclic guanidine catalysts. It competes readily with the conventional bifunctional Brønsted acid mode of activation. The optimal pro-nucleophiles for this unconventional bifunctional activation are acidic substrates with low pKa, while the best electrophiles are flexible 1,4-diamide and 1,4-diester conjugated systems.

The guanidinium unit in the catalysis of phosphoryl transfer reactions: from molecular spacers to nanostructured supports

Examples of guanidinium-based artificial phosphodiesterases are illustrated in this review article. A wide set of collected catalytic systems are presented, from the early examples to the most recent developments of the use of this unit in the design of supramolecular catalysts. Special attention is dedicated to illustrate the operating catalytic mechanism and the role of guanidine/ium units in the catalysis. One or more of these units can act by themselves or in conjunction with other active units. The analogy with the mechanism of enzymatic systems is presented and discussed. In the last part of this overview, recent examples of guanidinophosphodiesterases based on nanostructured supports are reported, namely gold-monolayer-protected clusters and polymer brushes grafted to silica nanoparticles. The issue of the dependence of the catalytic performance on the preorganization of the spacer is tackled and discussed in terms of effective molarity, a parameter that can be taken as a quantitative measurement of this preorganization for both conventional molecular linker and nanosized supports.

Calixarene assembly with enhanced photocurrents using P(SNS-NH2)/CdS nanoparticle structure modified Au electrode systems

Two novel calix[n]arene-adorned gold electrodes producing high photocurrent intensities were successfully constructed.

Guanidine based self-assembled monolayers on Au nanoparticles as artificial phosphodiesterases

Gold nanoparticles passivated with a catalytic monolayer based on guanidine exhibit high cooperativity and efficiency in the cleavage of phosphodiesters.

Diguanidinocalix[4]arenes as effective and selective catalysts of the cleavage of diribonucleoside monophosphates

Upper rim diguanidino-cone-calix[4]arenes catalyze the hydrolytic cleavage of diribonucleoside monophosphates in aqueous DMSO with good substrate selectivity and rate accelerations approaching 10⁵-fold in the most favourable substrate-catalyst combinations.

Guanidine-guanidinium cooperation in bifunctional artificial phosphodiesterases based on diphenylmethane spacers; gem-dialkyl effect on catalytic efficiency

Diphenylmethane derivatives 1-3, decorated with two guanidine units, are effective catalysts of HPNP transesterification. Substitution of the methylene group of the parent diphenylmethane spacer with cyclohexylidene and adamantylidene moieties enhances catalytic efficency, with gem-dialkyl effect accelerations of 4.5 and 9.1, respectively. Activation parameters and DFT calculations of the rotational barriers around the C-Ar bonds indicate that a major contribution to the driving force for enhanced catalysis is entropic in nature.