title: Microwave synthesis of cucurbit[n]urils.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cucurbit[n]urils (CB[n]; n = 5, 6, 7, 8 or 10) are a family of macrocycles made from the acid-catalyzed condensation of glycoluril and formaldehyde.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The synthesis of CB[n] using microwave radiation has been examined and the effect of acid type, reaction time and temperature on the distribution of products has been determined. Synthesis in HCl yields CB[5], CB[6], CB[7] and CB[8] in 10 min and is most efficient at 160 °C. Synthesis in H(2)SO(4) yields mostly CB[6] in 3 min and is most efficient at 160 °C.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Microwave synthesis provides an efficient and cost-effective method for the large-scale production of CB[n] for a range of applications, particularly drug delivery.
authors.affiliation: Strathclyde Institute of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Strathclyde, John Arbuthnott Building, 27 Taylor Street, Glasgow, G4 0NR, UK.
authors.forename: Nial J
authors.initials: NJ
authors.lastname: Wheate
authors.forename: Nilesh
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.forename: Oliver B
authors.initials: OB
authors.lastname: Sutcliffe
mesh_terms: D000480:Alkynes / Q000737:chemistry*; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds / Q000138:chemical synthesis*; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems / Q000639:trends; D005557:Formaldehyde / Q000737:chemistry; D007093:Imidazoles / Q000138:chemical synthesis* / Q000737:chemistry; D008872:Microwaves; D019032:Spectrometry, Mass, Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption-Ionization; D006574:Heterocyclic Compounds, 2-Ring; D048289:Imidazolidines
chemical_list: D000480:Alkynes; D001952:Bridged-Ring Compounds; D005557:Formaldehyde; D007093:Imidazoles; C092018:glycoluril; D006574:Heterocyclic Compounds, 2-Ring; D048289:Imidazolidines