A Supramolecular Cytochrome P450 Mimic

Turnover numbers comparable to those of the enzyme itself in the catalytic epoxidation of alkenes are attained by a supramolecular cytochrome P450 mimic, in which an amphiphilic rhodium complex and a manganese porphyrin are incorporated in a dihexadecyl phosphate vesicle bilayer (shown schematically above). The electrons required for activation of dioxygen are supplied by rhodium-catalyzed dehydrogenation of formate ions.