Resorcinarene-based Supramolecular Capsules – Supramolecular Functions and Applications

A resorcinarene is a synthetic macrocycle comprising four resorcinol molecules covalently linked by methylene bridges. The interannular bridges produce a cavitand, which possesses a bowl-shaped structure. We have developed supramolecular capsules formed through Ag(I) and Cu(I) coordination-driven self-assembly of cavitands possessing 2,2’-bipyridyl arms at the upper rim. The self-assembled capsules accommodate various molecular guests and supramolecular assemblies possessing acetoxy groups. The host-guest chemistry of the molecular capsules is applied to fabricate supramolecular polymers. This account describes the recent developments in supramolecular chemistry of resorcinarene-based coordination capsules and describes the brief history of resorcinarene-based capsules and related capsules.