Maximizing Coordination Capsule–Guest Polar Interactions in Apolar Solvents Reveals Significant Binding |
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Authors: | David P August Dr Gary S Nichol Dr Paul J Lusby |
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Institution: | EaStCHEM School of Chemistry, Joseph Black Building, Edinburgh, UK |
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Abstract: | Guest encapsulation underpins the functional properties of self‐assembled capsules yet identifying systems capable of strongly binding small organic molecules in solution remains a challenge. Most coordination capsules rely on the hydrophobic effect to ensure effective solution‐phase association. In contrast, we show that using non‐interacting anions in apolar solvents can maximize favorable interactions between a cationic Pd2L4 host and charge‐neutral guests resulting in a dramatic increase in binding strength. With quinone‐type guests, association constants in excess of 108 m ?1 were observed, comparable to the highest previously recorded constant for a metallosupramolecular capsule. Modulation of optoelectronic properties of the guests was also observed, with encapsulation either changing or switching‐on luminescence not present in the bulk phase. |
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Keywords: | coordination capsules host– guest systems non-coordinating anions quinones self-assembly |
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