Work

Electron-Deficient Confined Space: Synthesis and Recognition Properties of a Covalent Molecular Cage Built upon Naphthalene Diimides and Benzene Triimides

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The synthesis of neutral-electron-deficient molecular containers is highly challenging. Nonetheless, the presence of π-acidic units within the confined space of a molecular cage should enable strong anion binding through synergistic anion-π interactions. Here, we report the synthesis of a neutral molecular cage containing five electron-deficient units: two benzene triimide units as roof and floor and three naphthalene diimide units as walls. The study of the cage's conformational isomerism is presented together with the high affinity of the receptor for acetate.

Source: Organic Letters

DOI: 10.1021/acs.orglett.5c05115

Authors: Daryna Shymon, Elise Antonetti, Sabine Chevallier-Michaud, Paola Nava, Alexandre Martinez, Yoann Cotelle

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Aix-Marseille Université, Centrale Méditerranée, Institut des Sciences Moléculaires de Marseille

Language: English

Topic: Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes

Subfield: Organic Chemistry

Field: Chemistry

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Agence Nationale de la Recherche

Award: Anion-pi Confined Catalysis