Engineering organic macrocycles and cages: versatile bonding approaches

The emergence of supramolecular chemistry has led to the discovery of a rising number of macrocycles and cages with a range of functionalities. Most of these supramolecular aggregates are metal coordination networks, whereas pure organic assemblies are less developed. Organic macrocycles and cages have the advantages of chemical robustness, processability in organic solvents, and suitability for pilot-scale applications. They are constructed primarily from covalent bonds, with irreversible and reversible bond types. We herein highlight the use of different versatile bonding approaches in engineering these soft materials, as well as their emerging applications, such as gas storage, thin films, liquid crystals, and catalysis.