From Small Cucurbituril Complexes to Large Ordered Networks

Abstract

AbstractCucurbit[6]uril forms stable complexes with amine compounds in aqueous solutions. Some of the preformed complexes can be used for the synthesis of rotaxanes or polyrotaxanes. Polymers with threaded cucurbit[6]uril are also obtained from these complexes. Even by mixing a solid amino acid with solid cucurbit[6]uril a threading process takes place in the melt during the polycondensation. Structural flexible amino compounds are completely rigid after complex formation with cucurbit[6]uril. As a result, they are used as one component for the formation of polyelectrolyte layers on substrates. Furthermore some of the complexes, together with cations, are able to act as components in the formation of metal‐organic networks. Spectroscopic measurements indicate a well‐ordered formation of these networks.