A β-cyclodextrin dimer with a linking bipyridyl group is synthesized as a catalyst precursor, a holoenzyme mimic. It binds both ends of potential substrates into the two different cyclodextrin cavities, holding the substrate ester carbonyl group directly above a metal ion bound to the bipyridyl unit. The result is very effective ester hydrolysis with good turnover catalysis. For example, a Cu (II) complex accelerates the rate of hydrolysis of several ...
