Trimer carceplex

Makeiff, D. A., Sherman, J. C., Template effect where 1-3 molecules drive formation of a trimer carceplex. Chem. Eur. J. 2003, 9, 3253-3262. 

Synthesis of a trimer carceplex containing three DMF molecules... 

A cap molecule of suitable size and symmetry could effectively close off the interior of trimer 7 to create a very large molecular container. Such a feat has recently been accomplished in our laboratories, where trimer carceplex 9 -3 DMF was synthesized in 37% yield, by reaction of trimer 7 with 2,4,6-tris(bromomethyl)mesitylene under basic conditions (Scheme 4-4) [21]. No empty trimer carcerand has yet been isolated, which implies that a template (or templates) is required for formation. Can a large single template molecule form trimer carceplex 9-guest We are currently investigating this possibility. Such an investigation begs the question when does a template effect become a solvent effect ... 

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