New molecular catalysts for ATP cleavage. Criteria of size complementarity

The interaction of the cyclophane receptor 2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaaza[18]metacy clophane (L) with the nucleotides ATP, ADP and AMP is described. L yields o ne of the largest rate enhancements for hydrolytic ATP cleavage observed in macrocyclic polyamines. The process is specific for the formation of ADP a nd involves a high degree of geometrical complementarity between host and g uest species. The analogue compound 24-hydroxy-2,5,8,11,14,17-hexaaza[18]me tacyclophane (L-1) shows also a high degree of ATP activation. However, in this case deprotonation of the hydroxy group results in almost complete que nching of the ATPase activity above pH 7.0.