Molecular imprinting of a transition state analogue leads to a polymer exhibiting esterolytic activity

Molecular imprinting of p-nitrophenyl methylphosphonate, a transition state analogue, in poly[4(5)-vinylimidazole] leads to a polymer which hydrolyses p-nitrophenyl acetate at an increased rate and which can then be inhibited by addition of the p-nitrophenol methylphosphonate.