Biphen[n]arenes

Abstract

To design and exploit novel macrocyclic synthetic receptors is a permanent and challenging topic in supramolecular chemistry. Here we describe the one-pot synthesis, unique geometries and intriguing host-guest properties of a new class of supramolecular macrocycles-biphen[n]arenes (n = 3, 4), which are made up of 4,4′-biphenol or 4,4′-biphenol ether units linked by methylene bridges at the 3- and 3′- positions. The biphenarene macrocycles are conveniently accessible/modifiable and extremely guest-friendly. Particularly, biphen[4]arene is capable of forming inclusion complexes with not only organic cationic guests but also neutral π-electron deficient molecules. Compared with calixarenes, resorcinarenes, cyclotriveratrylenes and pillararenes with substituted mono-benzene units, the biphen[n]arenes reported here possess significantly different characteristics in both their topologic structures and their recognition properties, and thus can find broad applications in supramolecular chemistry and other areas. This journal is