Our study focused on the development of ‘Texas-sized’ molecular box, a tetracationic macrocycle. With anionic precursor, the macrocycle has been proved as an effective building block to form interpenetrated supramolecular self-assembly. Recently, we report a metal−organic [3]Rotaxanes formed via multicomponent one-pot self-assembled from the “Texas-Sized” box , 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylate anion and silver cations (Ag+) (cf. Figure 1). The [3]rotaxanes can decomposition and reassembly by treating with first I– followed by Ag+. Its intramolecular motion can be controlled by temperature or additional small molecules.<br/>Our recent work explored some novel macrocycles, which are obtained through the post synthetic modification reaction with ‘Texas-sized’ molecular box (14+) as the macrocycle template (cf.Fgure 2). Under the mild conditions, two isomers of a dicationic imidazolium contained macrocycles have been synthesized in relatively high overall yield (86%-93%). The major isomer 22+, could be separated as pure product with high yield as 42% via recrystallization. Especially, the difference of anions recognition properties between 22+ and 14+ are observed both in solution or in solid state.

Texas-sized molecular box: Building block of anion-induced self-assembly

251st National Meeting (2016)

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