Artificial Enzymes Formed through Directed Assembly of Molecular Square Encapsulated Epoxidation Catalysts

Supramolecular complex formation imparts stability and substrate selectivity to a simple manganese-porphyrin-based epoxidation catalyst. Lewis acid/Lewis base directed assembly was used to encapsulate the epoxidation catalyst within a supramolecular square structure to form an enzyme-like catalyst system. The "molecular square" takes on the functions of the protein superstructure in an enzyme: it spatially protects the catalytic core from decomposition and induces reaction selectivity.