Redox-switchable resorcin[4]arene cavitands: molecular grippers

J Am Chem Soc. 2012 Sep 12;134(36):14702-5. doi: 10.1021/ja306473x. Epub 2012 Aug 27.

Abstract

Diquinone-based resorcin[4]arene cavitands that open to a kite and close to a vase form upon changing their redox state, thereby releasing and binding guests, have been prepared and studied. The switching mechanism is based on intramolecular H-bonding interactions that stabilize the vase form and are only present in the reduced hydroquinone state. The intramolecular H-bonds were characterized using X-ray, IR, and NMR spectroscopies. Guests were bound in the closed, reduced state and fully released in the open, oxidized state.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Calixarenes / chemistry*
  • Ethers, Cyclic / chemistry*
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Structure
  • Oxidation-Reduction
  • Phenylalanine / analogs & derivatives*
  • Phenylalanine / chemistry
  • Resorcinols / chemistry*

Substances

  • Ethers, Cyclic
  • Resorcinols
  • cavitand
  • resorcinarene
  • Calixarenes
  • Phenylalanine