Concyclic CH-π arrays for single-axis rotations of a bowl in a tube

The hydrogen bond is undoubtedly one of the most important non-covalent interactions. Among the several types of the hydrogen bonds, the CH-pi interaction is a relatively new notion that is being recognised in chemistry and biology. Although the CH-pi hydrogen bond and conventional hydrogen bonds share common features such as directionality, this weak interaction has played a secondary role in molecular recognition. In this study, we have devised a host-guest complex that is assembled solely by the CH-pi hydrogen bonds. Multivalent interactions of a bowl-shaped hydrocarbon with its peripheral hydrogen atoms are made possible via CH-pi hydrogen bonds by adopting a tubular hydrocarbon as a host for their enthalpy-driven complexation. Concyclic arrays of weak hydrogen bonds further allow dynamic rotational motions of the guest in the host. Solid-state analysis with crystallographic and spectroscopic methods reveal a single-axis rotation of the bowl in the tube.