Concave surfaces are ideal for molecular recognition studies as synthetic receptors must present complementary shapes to convex small molecule targets. This lecture describes receptors known as cavitands that use intermolecular forces and fold around their target molecules. The energetics and dynamics of the recognition event are presented, and cavitands outfitted with functional groups on their rims are shown to give rise to unusual reactivity. Recent development of reactions in water will be emphasized.

Recognition and reactions in deep cavitands

255th National Meeting (2018)

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.