Metal-macrocycle framework (MMF): supramolecular nano-channel surfaces with shape sorting capability

Hollow nanostructures for the functional assembly of chemical groups with inner surface geometry and regulable stoichiometry enable steric design of interior reaction centers. Herein we report a metal-macrocycle framework (MMF) that forms single-crystalline nanochannels with five distinct enantiomeric pairs of guest binding pockets. During crystal-soaking experiments, the MMF crystals can encapsulate aromatic molecules with high site selectivity. First, constitutional isomers of dibromobenzene are captured and sorted into different binding pockets. Second, each of the optical isomers of (1R/1S)-1-(3-chlorophenyl)ethanol is included diastereoselectively into one of an enantiomeric pair of binding pockets. An advantage of this strategy is that the interior walls can be "repainted" via replacement of the trapped molecules with alternatives. Such guest uptake behaviors would allow highly regioselective or stereoselective reactions within the nanochannel.