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Updated: May 11, 2026

Synthetic Methodology for Asymmetric Ferrocene Derived Bio-conjugate Systems via Solid Phase Resin-based Methodology
Published on: March 12, 2015
A novel redox-responsive pillar[6]arene-based inclusion complex with a ferrocenium guest.
Wei Xia1, Xiao-Yu Hu, Yong Chen
1Key Laboratory of Mesoscopic Chemistry of MOE, Center for Multimolecular Chemistry, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China.
A novel inclusion complex formed between per-butylated pillar[6]arene and a ferrocenium cation demonstrates high stability. The reduced ferrocene form exhibited very weak binding affinity with the pillararene in organic solvents.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Host-Guest Chemistry
Background:
- Pillar[n]arenes are macrocyclic hosts with tunable cavities.
- Ferrocene derivatives are versatile redox-active molecules.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the host-guest complexation between per-butylated pillar[6]arene and ferrocene/ferrocenium species.
- To evaluate the stability and binding affinity of the formed inclusion complexes.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of per-butylated pillar[6]arene.
- Complexation studies in organic solvents.
- Spectroscopic characterization of inclusion complexes.
Main Results:
- A highly stable inclusion complex was successfully formed between per-butylated pillar[6]arene and a ferrocenium cation.
- The reduced ferrocene form displayed extremely weak binding affinity with per-butylated pillar[6]arene in organic solvents.
- The results highlight the influence of the guest's oxidation state on complex stability.
Conclusions:
- Per-butylated pillar[6]arene acts as an effective host for ferrocenium cations.
- The differential binding affinity is attributed to the charge and electronic properties of the ferrocene/ferrocenium guests.
- This work contributes to the understanding of host-guest interactions in supramolecular chemistry.
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