Naphthobox: a selective molecular box for planar aromatic cations

A naphthol-based molecular box (so called napthobox) was reported. The naphthobox has a well-preorganized and electron-rich cavity, which is able to selectively recognize planar aromatic cations by cationMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS pi interactions and C-HMIDLINE HORIZONTAL ELLIPSIS pi interactions. In addition, a charge-transfer system responsive to strong coordination anions was constructed based on the complex between naphthobox and tropylium, which may be used to distinguish the coordination ability of anions by the naked eye.

Automated summary

The naphthol-based molecular box, or napthobox, has the ability to selectively recognize planar aromatic cations through specific interactions. Additionally, a charge-transfer system sensitive to strong coordination anions has been developed based on the complex between naphthobox and tropylium, allowing for visual discrimination of anions' coordination ability.