New large cage receptors. An example of selective phloroglucinol binding

Abstract

An efficient and convergent procedure has been developed for the synthesis of a range of related, large-ring monocyclic and bicyclic (cage) receptor molecules. The interaction of one such cage 8b, incorporating three central pyridyl groups, with a number of mono-, di- and tri-phenol derivatives has been investigated. In accordance with the inference from molecular modelling, this cage exhibits preferential inclusive binding of the symmetrical guest phloroglucinol.