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Mimicking Enzymes: Asymmetric Induction inside a Carbamate-Based Steroidal Cleft
Carmen Concellón1, Judith Martín1, Miguel Gallegos2
1Departamento de Química Orgánica e Inorgánica , Universidad de Oviedo , C/Julián Clavería 8 , 33006 Oviedo , Spain.
Abstract:
Cholic acid has been elaborated into a carbamate-based tripodal architecture, which is able to promote an asymmetric organic transformation inside its chiral cavity. The nature of this steroidal catalyst has been disclosed by quantum-chemical calculations. It comprises the preorganization and confinement of the reagents within the cavity of the steroid to form a supramolecular complex held together by means of cooperative H-bond contacts. This operational mode resembles that of some enzymes.
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