Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 7, 2026
09:34
Synthesis of Information-bearing Peptoids and their Sequence-directed Dynamic Covalent Self-assembly
Published on: February 6, 2020
Cucurbit[n]uril-based coordination chemistry: from simple coordination complexes to novel poly-dimensional
Xin-Long Ni1, Xin Xiao, Hang Cong
1Key Laboratory of Macrocyclic and Supramolecular Chemistry of Guizhou Province, Guizhou University, Guiyang 550025, People's Republic of China. gzutao@263.net.
Chemical Society Reviews
|September 20, 2013
Summary
Cucurbit[n]urils are versatile macrocyclic hosts with unique cavities. This review explores their coordination chemistry, synthesis, and applications in porous materials, highlighting advances in structural design and properties.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Coordination Chemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Cucurbit[n]urils are macrocyclic hosts with rigid hydrophobic cavities and carbonyl portals.
- They exhibit excellent molecular recognition in aqueous media, making them valuable in supramolecular chemistry.
- Their unique structure and properties have led to significant research interest.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advances and challenges in cucurbit[n]uril-based coordination chemistry.
- To discuss novel synthesis routes and their application in hybrid porous solids.
- To explore the structure-property relationships and potential applications of cucurbit[n]urils.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of cucurbit[n]uril-based coordination chemistry.
- Analysis of synthesis strategies for cucurbit[n]urils and their incorporation into porous materials.
- Discussion of structure-directing concepts for predictable architectures.
Main Results:
- Significant progress in understanding cucurbit[n]uril architectures, from simple to complex.
- Development of new synthesis routes offering advantages for hybrid porous solids.
- Demonstration of structure "inducers" for controlled design of predictable structures and pores.
- Exploration of applications driven by large pores and hydrophobic cavities.
Conclusions:
- Cucurbit[n]urils are key components in advanced supramolecular chemistry and coordination complexes.
- Their tunable structures and properties enable the design of novel porous materials.
- Continued research promises diverse applications leveraging their unique molecular recognition capabilities.
Related Concept Videos
02:54Coordination Compounds and Nomenclature
In most main group element compounds, the valence electrons of the isolated atoms combine to form chemical bonds that satisfy the octet rule. For instance, the four valence electrons of carbon overlap with electrons from four hydrogen atoms to form CH4. The one valence electron leaves sodium and adds to the seven valence electrons of chlorine to form the ionic formula unit NaCl (Figure 1a). Transition metals do not normally bond in this fashion. They primarily form coordinate covalent bonds, a...
02:57Coordination Number and Geometry
For transition metal complexes, the coordination number determines the geometry around the central metal ion. Table 1 compares coordination numbers to molecular geometry. The most common structures of the complexes in coordination compounds are octahedral, tetrahedral, and square planar.
02:34Structural Isomerism
Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula. Structural isomerism of coordination compounds can be divided into two subcategories, the linkage isomers and coordination-sphere isomers.
Linkage isomers occur when the coordination compound contains a ligand that can bind to the transition metal center through two different atoms. For example, the CN− ligand can bind through the carbon atom or through the nitrogen atom. Similarly, SCN− can be...
02:51Metal-Ligand Bonds
The hemoglobin in the blood, the chlorophyll in green plants, vitamin B-12, and the catalyst used in the manufacture of polyethylene all contain coordination compounds. Ions of the metals, especially the transition metals, are likely to form complexes.
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
In these complexes, transition metals form coordinate covalent bonds, a kind of Lewis acid-base interaction in which both of the electrons in the bond are contributed by a donor (Lewis base) to an electron acceptor (Lewis acid). The Lewis acid in...
02:52Stereoisomerism
Isomerism in Complexes
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula.
Transition metal complexes often exist as geometric isomers, in which the same atoms are connected through the same types of bonds but with differences in their orientation in space. Coordination complexes with two different ligands in the cis and trans positions from a ligand of interest form isomers. For example, the octahedral [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ ion has two isomers (Figure 1) In the cis...
Isomers are different chemical species that have the same chemical formula.
Transition metal complexes often exist as geometric isomers, in which the same atoms are connected through the same types of bonds but with differences in their orientation in space. Coordination complexes with two different ligands in the cis and trans positions from a ligand of interest form isomers. For example, the octahedral [Co(NH3)4Cl2]+ ion has two isomers (Figure 1) In the cis...
02:42Valence Bond Theory
Coordination compounds and complexes exhibit different colors, geometries, and magnetic behavior, depending on the metal atom/ion and ligands from which they are composed. In an attempt to explain the bonding and structure of coordination complexes, Linus Pauling proposed the valence bond theory, or VBT, using the concepts of hybridization and the overlapping of the atomic orbitals. According to VBT, the central metal atom or ion (Lewis acid) hybridizes to provide empty orbitals of suitable...