Light-responsive molecular containers

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Abstract

This review highlights relevant studies of light-controlled molecular containers able to catch and release small molecules.

Abstract

Encapsulation of small molecules in molecular containers able to release them in a controlled way in order to perform specific tasks ( e.g. catalysis or drug delivery) constitutes an idea that has been around for several years. Light is becoming a perfect external stimulus to control the behaviour of molecular capsules. Photocontrol is a clean and reliable technique, allowing reversibility of the processes in many cases. In addition, researchers in this field are moving from mere function description of the capsules to a deeper understanding of the processes governing these systems. We have compiled a selection of reported studies and highlighted the most relevant findings in this rapidly developing field.

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Most cited references 140

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White phosphorus is air-stable within a self-assembled tetrahedral capsule.

Prasenjit Mal, Boris Breiner, Kari Rissanen … (2009)

The air-sensitive nature of white phosphorus underlies its destructive effect as a munition: Tetrahedral P4 molecules readily react with atmospheric dioxygen, leading this form of the element to spontaneously combust upon exposure to air. Here, we show that hydrophobic P4 molecules are rendered air-stable and water-soluble within the hydrophobic hollows of self-assembled tetrahedral container molecules, which form in water from simple organic subcomponents and iron(II) ions. This stabilization is not achieved through hermetic exclusion of O2 but rather by constriction of individual P4 molecules; the addition of oxygen atoms to P4 would result in the formation of oxidized species too large for their containers. The phosphorus can be released in controlled fashion without disrupting the cage by adding the competing guest benzene.