New molecular catalysts for ATP cleavage. Criteria of size complementarity

The interaction of the cyclophane receptor 2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaaza[18]metacyclophane (L) with the nucleotides ATP, ADP and AMP is described. L yields one of the largest rate enhancements for hydrolytic ATP cleavage observed in macrocyclic polyamines. The process is specific for the formation of ADP and involves a high degree of geometrical complementarity between host and guest species. The analogue compound 24-hydroxy-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaaza[18]metacyclophane (L11) shows also a high degree of ATP activation. However, in this case deprotonation of the hydroxy group results in almost complete quenching of the ATPase activity above pH 7.0.