Functional Molecular Flasks: New Properties and Reactions within Discrete, Self-Assembled Hosts

Abstract

Insider dealing: Self-assembled hosts applied as “molecular flasks” can alter and control the reactivity and properties of molecules encapsulated within their well-defined, confined spaces. A variety of functional hosts of differing sizes, shapes, and utility have been prepared by using the facile and modular concepts of self-assembly.

The application of self-assembled hosts as “molecular flasks” has precipitated a surge of interest in the reactivity and properties of molecules within well-defined confined spaces. The facile and modular synthesis of self-assembled hosts has enabled a variety of hosts of differing sizes, shapes, and properties to be prepared. This Review briefly highlights the various molecular flasks synthesized before focusing on their use as functional molecular containers—specifically for the encapsulation of guest molecules to either engender unusual reactions or unique chemical phenomena. Such self-assembled cavities now constitute a new phase of chemistry, which cannot be achieved in the conventional solid, liquid, and gas phases.