An M₂L₄ Molecular Capsule with an Anthracene Shell: Encapsulation of Large Guests up to 1 nm

Abstract

A new M(2)L(4) molecular capsule with an aromatic shell was prepared using two Pd(II) ions and four bisanthracene ligands. The self-assembled capsule possesses a cavity with a diameter of ~1 nm that can encapsulate medium-sized spherical and planar molecules as well as a very large molecule (C(60)) in quantitative yields. The encapsulated guests are fully segregated and shielded from the external environment by the large anthracene panels.