Bent alkanes in a new thiourea-containing capsule

J Am Chem Soc. 2011 Jul 20;133(28):10682-4. doi: 10.1021/ja203602u. Epub 2011 Jun 23.

Abstract

The synthesis of a cavitand featuring thiourea hydrogen bonding sites and its dimerization in the presence of suitable guests are reported. Dimerization creates a capsule host wider than the corresponding urea or imide structures, and longer alkanes can be accommodated. Specifically, n-C(15)H(32) is encapsulated, but this guest appears folded inside as deduced from NMR studies. Apparently, the plasticity of hydrogen bonds between thiourea groups allows a stable encapsulation complex to persist in solution even though the guest is contorted.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alkanes / chemistry*
  • Calixarenes / chemistry
  • Capsules
  • Models, Molecular
  • Molecular Conformation
  • Phenylalanine / analogs & derivatives
  • Phenylalanine / chemistry
  • Thiourea / chemistry*

Substances

  • Alkanes
  • Capsules
  • resorcinarene
  • Calixarenes
  • Phenylalanine
  • Thiourea