ALLOSTERIC EFFECTS IN ORGANIC-CHEMISTRY - SITE-SPECIFIC BINDING

The synthesis and binding properties of new macrocyclic polyethers are described. These systems incorporate 2,2'-bipyridyl functions in such a fashion that binding of metal nuclei can occur at either the macrocycle or the bipyridyl function. Evidence is presented that binding of alkali metals occurs at the crown ether cavity while binding of transition metals occurs at the bipyridyl function. Binding of two different metals is interpreted in terms of a simple model for allosteric effects. © 1979, American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.