Encapsulation of methane and other small molecules in a self-assembling superstructure.
Physical inclusion of small molecules in larger structural lattices is well known in the crystalline state and is a common feature of the chemistry of zeolites. In the liquid state, a variety of synthetic macrocyclic molecules are available to complex and contain smaller guest species. An alternative strategy for binding is explored: assembly of cavity-forming structures from small subunits. Encapsulation of small guest molecules such as methane can be achieved with a synthetic structure that assembles reversibly through hydrogen bonding.
Branda
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N
Department of Chemistry, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge 02139.
Wyler
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R
Rebek
J
J
D001593:Benzyl Compounds / Q000737:chemistry; D055598:Chemical Phenomena; D002627:Chemistry, Physical; D002725:Chloroform; D006860:Hydrogen Bonding; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000737:chemistry; D009682:Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy; D008697:Methane / Q000737:chemistry*; D008958:Models, Molecular; D008968:Molecular Conformation; D015394:Molecular Structure; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry*; D013696:Temperature; D013816:Thermodynamics
D001593:Benzyl Compounds; D007093:Imidazoles; D011108:Polymers; D002725:Chloroform; D008697:Methane