Hydrolysis of Twisted Amides inside a Self-Assembled Coordination Cage

Abstract

Mechanical twisting of amides is anticipated to enhance their reactivity considerably. Recent work published in Nature Chemistry by Fujita and co-workers demonstrates that reactive non-planar amide conformers can be bound inside a self-assembled coordination cage. The twisted amides are stabilized by the rigid cavity of the cage and are thus up to 14 times more reactive toward hydrolysis under basic conditions.