Cucurbit[n]uril‐Based Supramolecular Frameworks Assembled through Outer‐Surface Interactions

Abstract

Porous materials, especially metal–organic frameworks, covalent organic frameworks, and supramolecular organic frameworks, are widely used in heterogeneous catalysis, adsorption, and ion exchange. Cucurbit[n]urils (Q[n]s) suitable building units for porous materials because they possess cavities with neutral electrostatic potential, portal carbonyls with negative electrostatic potential, and outer surfaces with positive electrostatic potential, which may result in the formation of Q[n]‐based supramolecular frameworks (QSFs) assembled through the interaction of guests within Q[n]s, the coordination of Q[n]s with metal ions, and outer‐surface interaction of Q[n]s (OSIQ). This review summarizes the various QSFs assembled via OSIQs. The QSFs can be classified as being assembled by 1) self‐induced OSIQ, 2) anion‐induced OSIQ, and 3) aromatic‐induced OSIQ. The design and construction of QSFs with novel structures and specific functional properties may establish a new research direction in Q[n] chemistry.

Unveiling the structural features of the host–guest complexes of carboxylated pillar[5]arene with viologen derivatives

“…On the other hand, gaining control over multiple/competing interactions when utilizing CPA5 might be a challenge for crystal engineers. The design strategies based on the use of bulky organic cations 17 and/or directing metal ions, 18 templating effect of solvent, 19 as well as outer surface interactions 20 lend some insight into the targeted self-assembly of cavity-containing macrocyclic hosts. These strategies have been demonstrated to be successfully implemented in many examples with water-soluble p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes 21 and cucurbit[n]urils 22 architectures, and may prove useful in gaining some level of control in constructing CPA5 complex assemblies.…”

The Binding Behaviors between Cyclopentanocucurbit[6]uril and Three Amino Acids in the Solid and the Solution Phases

“…CyP 6 Q [6] was prepared according to a literature procedure. [14] 4. anions which is helpful to prepare various Q[n]-based single crystals due to the outer surface interaction formed between these anions and the electrostatic potential positive outer surface of Q[n]s. [2,[32][33]…”

The binding behaviours between cyclopentanocucurbit[6]uril and three amino acids

“…The introduction of CdCl 2 or ZnCl 2 into aqueous HCl solutions can produce [CdCl 4 ] 2− or [ZnCl 4 ] 2− etc. anions which is helpful to prepare various Q[n]-based single crystals owing to the outer surface interaction formed between these anions and the electrostatic potential positive outer surface of Q[n]s [2,[32][33].…”