Xanthene[n]arenes: Exceptionally Large, Bow Shaped Macrocyclic Building Blocks Suitable for Self-Assembly

A new class of macrocycles denoted as xanthene[n]arenes was synthesized. In contrast to most other macrocycles, they feature a conformationally restricted bowl shape due to the attached alkyl groups at the linking methylene units. This facilitates the synthesis of cavitands and the self-assembly to molecular capsules via noncovalent interactions. The derivatization potential of the novel macrocycles was demonstrated on the xanthene[3]arene scaffold. Besides a deep cavitand and an oxygen-embedded zigzag hydrocarbon belt[12]arene, a modified macrocycle was synthesized that self-assembles into a hydrogen-bonded tetrameric capsule, demonstrating the potential of xanthene[n]arenes as a new set of macrocydic building blocks.

Automated summary

A new class of macrocycles called xanthene[n]arenes has been synthesized, featuring a conformationally restricted bowl shape that allows for the synthesis of cavitands and self-assembly into molecular capsules via noncovalent interactions. The derivatization potential of these novel macrocycles has been demonstrated, showcasing their ability to serve as a new set of macrocyclic building blocks.