Previously reported instances of post-synthetically modified metal-organic cages have been relatively limited with the exception of synthetically mild modification of bridging ligands and open metal sites due to inherent fragility. Calixarene capped coordination cages offer unique advantages due to their modular formation, structural diversity, increased stability allowing for more likely candidates to withstand more rigorous post synthetic functionalization (PSF) strategies. Multiple instances of PSF of permanently porous, calixarene capped Mg(II)- and Co(II)- based coordination cages have been shown to be possible due to these materials aforementioned stability. This allows for a broad range of PSF techniques to be utilized to modify these materials including acylation, azide/alkyne click chemistry, and palladium-catalyzed cross couplings. These processes allow for simple routes to install functionality after cage formation is complete that would otherwise disrupt cage synthesis. Furthermore, PSF can allow these materials to exhibit more unique properties that would otherwise be unattainable via direct cage synthesis such as water solubility. The robust chemical stability of this class of materials leads to increased processability making these materials perfect candidates for exploration in groundbreaking new types of adsorptive materials as well as a variety of biological processes.

Post-synthetic modification of porous coordination cages

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

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