Abstract
Supramolecular and Molecular chemistry offer an expanding array of applications for the development of smart devices, with calixarene-based molecular baskets playing a pivotal role in host-guest chemistry. A key concept in this field is the design of "smart" molecules with gate-like features, which can selectively transport chemical or biochemical species that are volatile, reactive, or sensitive to typical solution environments. These molecular hosts are engineered with predefined groups that respond to external stimuli, such as changes in concentration, temperature, or pH.Molecular baskets are synthetic host molecules designed to capture guest molecules selectively through adjustable gates. In our study, we have developed calixarene-based molecular baskets by expanding p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with functionalized pyridinyl groups. The synthesis process involves reacting to nicotinoyl chloride and m-chloromethyl pyridine with potassium carbonate and p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, resulting in a host molecule with tunable ligating arms. The ligating arm synthesis is a multistep process involving nicotinic acid and thionyl chloride, with characterization carried out using ¹H NMR, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry.
The study also investigates the dynamic behavior of the host molecule under different conditions, focusing on the breaking and formation of hydrogen bonds. Benzaldehyde and silver triflate serve as volatile guest molecules to explore the encapsulation potential and responsiveness of the molecular basket. The host's ability to encapsulate benzaldehyde and silver triflate was evaluated through ¹H NMR titration, and the interaction between the host and guest molecules was characterized using ¹H NMR spectrometry.
| Date of Award | 2024 |
|---|---|
| Original language | American English |
| Awarding Institution |
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| Supervisor | Zhiqing Yan (Supervisor) |
ASJC Scopus Subject Areas
- Organic Chemistry