Catalysis of Ester Hydrolysis by Mixed Micelles Containing<i>N</i>-α-Myristoyl-L-Histidine

Abstract

Model compounds are described for the study of the properties of amino acid side chains in the surface of micelles. Mixed micelles of N-(alpha)- mnyristoyl-L- histidine and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide catalyze the hydrolyses of p-nitrophenyl acetate and p-nitrophenyl caprylate at much higher rates than imidazole or histidinie do. The reaction shows a kinetic behavior similar to that of surface-catalyzed reactions.