Synthesis and X-ray structure of the inclusion complex of dodecamethylcucurbit[6]uril with 1,4-dihydroxybenzene

The synthesis, and X-ray crystal structure of the inclusion host-guest complex of dodecamethylcucurbit[6]uril (DDMeQ[6]) with 1,4-dihydroxybenzene (DHOBEN) are reported. The complex crystallizes in the space group P2 I /c (No. 14) with a = 12.2847(4), b = 12.6895(4), c = 15.1310(4) A, alpha = 74.6960(10), beta = 71.4090(10), gamma = 86.5090(10)degrees and Z = 1. A novel approach to dodecamethylcucurbit[6]uril synthesis is also described. To separate dodecamethylcucurbit[6]uril, 1,4-dihydroxybenzene is used as a guest molecule for crystallization of the fully methyl-substituted cucurbituril. The driving force for the self-assembled inclusion host-guest complex can be attributed to not only the cavity interaction of dodecamethylcucurbit[6]uril (host), but also to the hydrogen bonding between the carbonyl oxygen at the portals of the host and the hydroxy groups of the guest.