Dimeric capsules with a nanoscale cavity for [60]fullerene encapsulation

Chemistry. 2008;14(17):5353-9. doi: 10.1002/chem.200701767.

Abstract

The acid-assisted and guest-induced formation of superstructures was achieved by the addition of haloacetic acids to a toluene solution of the resorcin[4]arene derivatives 1 and [60]fullerenes. The formation of dimeric superstructures that encapsulated a nanosized guest molecule was observed when appropriate acids, such as haloacetic acids, and suitable guest molecules, such as [60]fullerenes, were co-added to a toluene solution of cavitand 1 that has four pyridine units, whereas a complicated equilibrium between several species was detected without [60]fullerenes, and the formation of discrete superstructures was not monitored in the absence of haloacetic acids. The spectroscopic data indicate that the formed [60]fullerene-encapsulated complexes have the structure of 2. These complexes are self-assembled through pyridinium-anion-pyridinium interactions and by pi-pi and van der Waals interactions. The rate of decomplexation of 2 is estimated to be 3.1 s(-1) from a 2D exchange NMR spectrum. The [60]fullerene encapsulation process can be controlled by modifying the amounts of acids used, changing the temperature of the system, altering the ratio of acid/base, and even through varying the solvent polarity. Moreover, the fluorescence spectra show band-narrowing spectral changes and a retardation of the relaxation characteristics of isolated and isotropic [60]fullerenes, which indicates that the environmental change around [60]fullerene is induced upon its encapsulation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Capsules / chemistry
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Dimerization
  • Ethylamines / chemistry
  • Fullerenes / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Solvents / chemistry
  • Temperature
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid / chemistry

Substances

  • Capsules
  • Carbon Isotopes
  • Ethylamines
  • Fullerenes
  • Solvents
  • Trifluoroacetic Acid
  • fullerene C60
  • triethylamine