Reinforcement of guest selectivity through the self-assembly of host molecules: selective recognition of lithium ions by dimerizable tricarboxylic acids

Abstract

C3-Symmetric tricarboxylic acids form dimers through intermolecular hydrogen bonds in nonpolar organic solvents. These dimers recognize lithium ions with high selectivities through the formation of 1 : 1 host-guest complexes between the collapsed dimeric assemblies and guest molecules.

Importance of Precursor Adaptability in the Assembly of Molecular Organic Cages

“…There are numerous examples where the feet of the molecular platforms are responsible for modulating the solubility of the building blocks and/or cage assembly. 20 , 42 − 44 However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first example where the feet modulate the adaptability of the building block and where this adaptability enhances yields in the cage assembly. This is opposed to the “higher rigidity–higher yield” principle that so far has been paradigmatic for DCvC systems.…”

“…This highlights the profound effects that small geometrical features of the building blocks can have on DCvC systems and introduces the concept of building block adaptability to overcome geometrical mismatches in such systems. There are numerous examples where the feet of the molecular platforms are responsible for modulating the solubility of the building blocks and/or cage assembly. ,− However, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first example where the feet modulate the adaptability of the building block and where this adaptability enhances yields in the cage assembly. This is opposed to the “higher rigidity–higher yield” principle that so far has been paradigmatic for DCvC systems.…”

Platy KTiNbO5 as a Selective Sr Ion Adsorbent: Crystal Growth, Adsorption Experiments, and DFT Calculations

“…Understanding the interface processes between adsorbates and adsorption sites of adsorbents is central to selective removal applications. Similar to cyclic organic compounds, such as crown ethers, calixarenes, and cucurbiturils, supramolecules, and metal–organic frameworks, certain inorganic layered compounds can selectively capture target ions, although information about the capture mechanism is still limited …”

“…Understanding the interface processes between adsorbates and adsorption sites of adsorbents is central to selective removal applications. Similar to cyclic organic compounds, such as crown ethers, 2 calixarenes, 3 and cucurbiturils, 4 supramolecules, 5 and metal−organic frameworks, 6 certain inorganic layered compounds can selectively capture target ions, although information about the capture mechanism is still limited. 7 Compared with organic resins that are potentially damaged by the hydrolysis of functional groups under extreme conditions, inorganic ion-exchangers show superior chemical stability and specific ion selectivity without any special treatments thanks to their unique rigid porous frameworks (i.e., tunnel, layered, and cage structures).…”