The use of metal-organic cages as synthetic enzyme mimics has long been limited to species with relatively unfunctionalized interiors that encapsulate molecules based on solely electrostatics or the hydrophobic effect. Once inside molecules can undergo reactions due to the unique environment inside of these cages. We have worked to further this area of research by targeting more reactive functional groups for functionalizing the interiors of self-assembled structures. The inclusion of more reactive groups is problematic as they can compete with self-assembly motifs. To this end we have targeted groups such as alcohols, which though weak nucleophiles can lead to supramolecular catalysis and derivatization. In addition, we have investigated strategies to circumvent the problems with more reactive functionality, such as post-synthetic modification. Post-synthetic modification, popular in metal-organic frameworks, allows the incorporation of more reactive groups after cage formation, preventing their competition with the self-assembly process.

Self-assembled hosts containing hydrogen bonding groups: Realization of functional group-promoted supramolecular catalysis in metal-organic self-assemblies

247th National Meeting (2014)

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