High conversion and selectivity of photodimerization under air conditions by supramolecular oxidation restraint within a metallocage-like nanoreactor

Abstract

The well-designed metal–organic cage Ce-BHP, with a size-suitable cavity, functional interaction sites and a flexible backbone, could encapsulate 9-anthraldehyde molecules and act as a nanoreactor via supramolecular behavior, avoiding the undesired oxidation forming 9,10-anthraquinone, and also as an efficient catalyst to successfully achieve high conversion of single photodimers under air conditions.