Synthesis of dimeric estradiol enzyme model containing imidazolyl and study on its catalytic efficiency in hydrolysis of carboxylates and phosphates

Dimeric estradiol enzyme model (2) was synthesized by etherification of 2,4-bis(N-imidazolylmethyl)-17β-estradiol (1) with 1,3-dibromopropane in the presence of anhydrous K2CO3. Hydrolysis of carboxylates and phosphates catalyzed by the model showed Michaelis-Menten kinetic behavior. Hydrophobic interaction between the model and ester accelerates the hydrolysis markedly, rate enhancement of up to 65 and 285 fold, relative to imidazole, is observed.