Pnictogen-bonded reverse-bilayer vesicles from Sb and As cages enable partitioning of organic reaction media
Year: 2026
Type: preprint
Abstract: Pnictogen bonding directs the formation of reversed-bilayer vesicles from antimony- and arsenic-based thiolate cages in organic media. Sb systems form robust vesicles that enable chemical compartmentalization, as demonstrated using chemoswitchable fluorescent probes that selectively quench extravesicular species. In contrast, As analogues form dynamic, transient assemblies with diminished compartmentalization. Density functional theory calculations reveal reduced electrostatic potential and cooperativity in the As systems, consistent with weaker pnictogen bonding interactions. These results establish pnictogen identity as a key 2 factor governing vesicle stability and demonstrate a general strategy for probing compartmentalization in nonaqueous systems.
Source: ChemRxiv
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7165808913