Acceleration of a Diels-Alder reaction by a self-assembled molecular capsule

Article Abstract:

A Diels-Alder reaction can be accelerated by reverse encapsulation of the reactants in a self-assembling molecular capsule. There is product inhibition which prevents the system from showing true catalytic behavior but this can be overcome in the future by using dissociative processes. Self-assembling molecular capsules are formed by weak intermolecular forces and encapsulate guest molecules reversibly. They persist from microseconds to hours, long enough for chemical processes to take place within them.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Pairwise selection of guests in a cylindrical molecular capsule of nanometre dimensions

Article Abstract:

'Container molecules, in which a cage-like host mechanically encloses a guest molecule, have been known for several years and provide a means to create new types of stereoisomers. A new study involves the synthesis and characterization of a hydrogen-bounded molecular capsule large enough to contain two different molecules and explores the selectivity of the encapsulation process.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code:

Entropically driven binding in a self-assembling molecular capsule

Article Abstract:

Entropy is found to be the driving force behind the self-assembly of hydrogen-bonded molecular capsules that incorporate outside molecules. An unexpected related phenomenon is the positive entropy of formation due to the binding process. The result is a large molecule that relies on temperature for its formation.

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

Comment:  (50-4000 characters)

Name:

E-mail:

Security Code: