Simulation Of Esterase With Bifunctional Organic Molecules

Simulation of enzymes with small organic molecules has been an important research subject in organic chemistry. In comparison with natural enzymes, small organic molecules have simplified structures. They are readily available by traditional organic synthesis and are insensitive to reaction parameters. For these reasons, they are suitable for potential industrial application. In this thesis, we designed and prepared a couple of small organic molecules with thiourea (or urea) groups and imidazole groups. The hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate, p-nitrophenyl octanoate, p-nitrophenyl 2-picolinate catalyzed by these small organic molecules was studied. The influences of catalysts, solvents, reaction temperature and pH on the reaction were investigated in detail. The kinetic constants of the reactions were obtained by UV spectrum. The bifunctional organic molecules were found to show better catalytic activities than the monfunctional organic molecules. The relationship between the structure of catalyst and activity was also studied. The results obtained in this thesis are valuable for the research of artificial enzymes.