This grant from the Organic Dynamics Program supports the continuing work of Professor C. David Gutsche at Texas Christian University. The synthesis of enzyme mimics based upon a calixarene host will be undertaken. Calixarenes can be functionalized on both faces and as a result of their conformational flexibility permit the fashioning of cavities that can open and close. Calixarene based aldolase, chymotryopsin, triosephosphate isomerase, and acetylphosphatase mimics will be examined. The basic chemistry of calixarenes will also be examined in an attempt to isolate and functionalize new examples of these novel molecular receptors. The complexing capabilities and conformations of several of the new calixarenes will be determined. %%% Synthetic molecules which selectively bind to biologically important molecules (substrates) will be made. The synthetic molecules will be designed in a fashion that places the bound substrate in close proximity to functional groups (atoms or groups of atoms) which can assist in the transformation of the substrate into another biologically important molecule. The determination of the shape of the synthetic molecule which provides the greatest assistance to these transformations will enhance our understanding of how enzymes increase the rate of biologically important reactions.
