Cucurbit[7]uril: A Simple Macrocyclic, pH‐Triggered Hydrogelator Exhibiting Guest‐Induced Stimuli‐Responsive Behavior

Abstract

Without modification of its periphery, cucurbit[7]uril (a macrocyclic cavitand comprising seven glycoluril units) forms a hydrogel. The gelation is thermoreversible and sensitive to pH, but is inhibited by the presence of alkali-metal ions and shows guest-induced stimuli-responsive behavior: upon addition of a small amount of a guest, it undergoes a reversible gel–sol transition with alternating UV irradiation and heat treatment (see picture). Supporting information for this article is available on the WWW under http://www.wiley-vch.de/contents/jc_2002/2007/z603149_s.pdf or from the author. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.