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

A new M2L4 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 similar to 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.