A supramolecular enzyme mimic that catalyzes the 15,15' double bond scission of β,β-carotene

Abstract

Two Ru-porphyrin-linked β-cyclodextrin units form the supramolecular system, which as an enzyme mimic for β,β-carotene 15,15'-dioxgenase binds two substrates of the enzyme with K(a) > 106 M-1 and selectively catalyzes the cleavage of the central carotinoid bond in the presence of tert- butylhydroperoxide (see picture). Mechanistic aspects of this unusual cleavage of E-configured, conjugated double bonds are discussed.