Selective anion encapsulation in solid-state Ln(iii)[15-metallacrown-5]3+ compartments through secondary sphere interactions

Abstract

Secondary sphere interactions from proximal phenyl side chains control the anion selectivity of dimeric Ln(III)[15-MC_{Cu(II),α-aminoHA}-5]³⁺ metallocavitands. CH–O interactions, which are only possible with certain side chains, are sufficient for overcoming an intrinsic energy barrier to binding saturated dicarboxylates in hydrophobic compartments.