Catalytic hydrolysis of phosphate diester with metal complexes of macrocyclic tetraamine in comicellar solution

Four novel pyridine or benzene ring-containing pendant macrocyclic dioxotetraamines 2,6-dioxo-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane ligands have been synthesized. Their metal complexes have been investigated as catalysts for the hydrolysis of bis(p-nitrophenyl) phosphate (BNPP) in aqueous comicellar solution. The results indicate that the hydrophobic interaction between substrate and metal complex, the nature of transition metal ion, and the micellar microenvironment are important factors for the hydrolysis of BNPP. Large rate enhancement (up to over two-three orders of magnitude) employing 5 has been observed.