Construction of stable porous organic cages: from the perspective of chemical bonds

Abstract

Porous organic cages (POCs) are constructed from purely organic synthons by covalent linkages with intrinsic cavities and have shown potential applications in many areas. However, the majority of POC synthesis methods reported thus far have relied on dynamically reversible imine linkages, which can be metastable and unstable under humid or harsh chemical conditions. This instability significantly hampers their research prospects and practical applications. Consequently, strategies to enhance the chemical stability of POCs by modifying imine bonds and developing robust covalent linkages are imperative for realizing the full potential of these materials. In this review, we aim to highlight recent advancements in synthesizing chemical-stable POCs through these approaches and their associated applications. Additionally, we propose further strategies for creating stable POCs and discuss future opportunities for practical applications.