Supramolecular Regulation of Catalytic Activity for an Amphiphilic Pyrene-Ruthenium Complex in Water

A switchable catalytic system has been designed and constructed with a host-guest interaction between cucurbituril (CB) and an amphiphilic metal complex pyrene-ruthenium (Py-Ru). Py-Ru can self-assemble into positively charged nanoparticles in water, and exhibits an enhanced catalytic efficiency in the transfer hydrogenation of NAD(+) to NADH. After forming an inclusion complex with CB, Py-Ru aggregates are broken, leading to a decrease in catalytic efficiency, which can be recovered by competitive replacement with amantadine. This supramolecular strategy provides an efficient and flexible method for constructing reversible catalytic system, which also extends the application scope of the host-guest interaction.

Automated summary

A switchable catalytic system was designed and constructed based on host-guest interaction between cucurbituril (CB) and amphiphilic metal complex pyrene-ruthenium (Py-Ru). The system allows for enhanced catalytic efficiency in water, which can be altered by forming an inclusion complex with CB. This supramolecular strategy provides an efficient and flexible method for constructing reversible catalytic system.