A zinc(II)-included hemicryptophane: facile synthesis, characterization, and catalytic activity.

A zinc(II)-included hemicryptophane, which has a zinc(II) center embedded in the cavity, was synthesized and characterized. The catalytic activity of the hemicryptophane was tested in the hydrolysis of methyl para-nitrophenyl carbonate (MPC). A direct comparison between the hemicryptophane and the model complex, which lacks a cavity, demonstrated that the cage structure enhanced the catalytic activity.