Coordination-Cage-Catalysed Hydrolysis of Organophosphates: Cavity- or Surface-Based?

ABSTRACT: The hydrophobic central cavity of a water-soluble M₈ L₁₂ cubic coordination cage can accommodate a range of phospho-diester and phospho-triester guests such as the insecticide "dichlorvos" (2,2-dichlorovinyl dimethyl phosphate) and the chemical warfare agent analogue di(isopropyl) chlorophosphate. The accumulation of hydroxide ions around the cationic cage surface due to ion-pairing in solution generates a high local pH around the cage, resulting in catalysed hydrolysis of the phospho-triester guests. A series of control experiments unexpectedly demonstrates that-in marked contrast to previous cases-it is not necessary for the phospho-triester substrates to be bound inside the cavity for catalysed hydrolysis to occur. This suggests that catalysis can occur on the exte

SUBMITTER: Taylor CGP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7079011 | biostudies-literature | 2020 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature