Conservation of self-associated dimers in solvates of a novel Horning-crown macrocycle

Abstract

A macrocycle containing phenol and ether functionality twists via intramolecular hydrogen bonding to provide a “wrung out” conformation with a large cleft, which self-associates to form dimers under a range of different crystallisation conditions. Subtle variations in intramolecular hydrogen bonds and articulation of the self associated dimers about an axis provided by ππ stacking interactions allows variably shaped irregular, nano-sized balls which pack in a multitude of motifs, from simple networks with occluded solvent in channels to sheets and capsules.