Reversible Encapsulation of Guest Molecules in a Calixarene Dimer

Abstract

A capsule with a capacity of about 210 Å3 (shown schematically on the right) is formed by the dimerization of two calix[4]arenes. Encapsulation of guest molecules such as benzene, fluorobenzene, and pyrazine within the capsule occurs on a time scale of minutes at room temperature.