Cavity-Directed, Highly Stereoselective [2+2] Photodimerization of Olefins within Self-Assembled Coordination Cages

Abstract

Molecular flasks of self-assembled M6L4 nanocages promote the [2+2] photodimerization of olefins in a surprisingly efficient fashion. Thus, the dimerization of acenaphthylenes and naphthoquinones quantitatively proceeded in the cavity with remarkable rate acceleration and perfect regio- and stereocontrol (>98 %, see scheme).