title: Metal ion activation of phosphate transfer by bidentate coordination.
abstract: The hydrolysis of methyl phosphate bound to the triethylenetetramine-cobalt(III) ion is much faster than the hydrolysis of either dimethyl phosphate bound to the same cation or methyl phosphate bound to the pentamminecobalt-(III) ion. The rate enhancement is attributed to bidenate coordination of the methyl phosphate. This feature suggests a pseudorotation mechanism analogous to that proposed by Westheimer for the hydrolysis of ethylene methyl phosphate. Stabilization of bidentate coordination might play a role in metal ion activation of phosphate-transfer enzymes.
authors.forename: F J
authors.initials: FJ
authors.lastname: Farrell
authors.forename: W A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Kjellstrom
authors.forename: T G
authors.initials: TG
authors.lastname: Spiro