Rational Design and Gas-Phase Characterization of Molecular Capsules by Self-Assembly of a Symmetric Hexasubstituted Benzene with Seven-Membered Lactams

A novel very simple C3-symmetric lactam has been rationally designed to self-assemble as dimers or larger platonic solid capsules. Its core flat benzene ring bears three seven-membered lactams, resulting in tripod molecules that aggregate into robust tetrameric capsules. The self-assembly process was templated by tetraethylammonium cations and proven to be reversible by ESI spectroscopy in various solvents.