Single-Site Hydrogen-Bond Modulation Enhances Catalytic Ester Hydrolysis in a Zn(II)–TPA Scaffold

Key Points

• The research aims to investigate how hydrogen-bond modulation affects the catalytic activity of zinc-based scaffolds in ester hydrolysis.
• Introduction of a hydroxymethyl-functionalized TPA ligand to a zinc(II) scaffold.
• Assessment of catalytic efficiency in ester hydrolysis reactions.
• Comparison of reactivity with and without hydrogen-bond interactions.
• Enhanced catalytic activity observed in the presence of hydrogen-bond interactions.
• Substantial increase in hydrolysis rate compared to control conditions.
• Identification of optimal ligand modifications for improved performance.