Selective C-H bond activation by a supramolecular host-guest assembly

Abstract

Interior design: A chiral supramolecular tetrahedral [Ga4L 6]12- host (L=bis(bidentate) ligand) is shown to encapsulate a half-sandwich iridium complex. This host-guest assembly reacts with aldehydes through C-H bond activation, which occurs within the host interior. This activation occurs with high size and shape specificity as well as modest diastereoselectivity (d.r. 55:45-70:30) owing to the well-defined shape of the host cavity.