Structural interrogation of a cucurbit[7]uril-ferrocene host–guest complex in the solid state: a Raman spectroscopy study

Abstract

A complex formed between cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and ferrocene (Fc) is investigated in the solid state using Raman spectroscopy. The Raman spectra are compared with those of the CB7 host and the Fc guest reference molecules, revealing significant frequency shifts of some vibrational modes upon complexation. These changes expose the structural and electronic interactions between the host and guest components and provide evidence that the ferrocene moiety resides within the cucurbituril cavity in the solid state environment.