Interphasic separation of cis/trans perylene-based nanographene isomers driven by selective encapsulation in a supramolecular cage

Abstract

The present work describes a supramolecular strategy for the molecular recognition and selective separation of extended PAHs and NGs from isomeric mixtures. This approach consists of a biphasic protocol featuring the selective shuttling of a targeted NG isomer from the organic to the aqueous phase, driven by host–guest interactions with a tetragonal prismatic metal–organic cage (MOC) present in the aqueous layer, while the cage remains permanently confined to the aqueous phase, operating as a static supramolecular receptor throughout the separation process.