Anthracene-resorcin[4]arene-based capsules: Synthesis and photoswitchable features

Herein we present the synthesis and the photochemical behavior of several new hemicarcerands containing anthracene units as photoactive species. By means of NMR investigations of compounds 9 and 11 the dimerization mode was revealed as a 9,10-9',10'-dimerization, classically known from anthracene. Nevertheless only compound 11 could be converted to the opened form upon irradiation with 300 nm. Reopening of compounds 9 and 10 could not be achieved so far either by heating or by irradiation.