Kinetic and thermodynamic concepts as synthetic tools in supramolecular chemistry for preparing macrocycles and molecular cages

Abstract

Macrocyclic and cage structures preorganize functional groups around a central cavity providing unique properties in the field of supramolecular chemistry. Their synthesis requires an appropriate design of the building blocks that will form a macrocycle through a macrocyclization reaction or a cage through a cage formation reaction. Besides the importance of the appropriate geometry of the building blocks, it is necessary to design a suitable synthetic route with special attention to the final macrocyclization or cage formation reaction pathway. The kinetic and thermodynamic aspects are crucial factors to consider for a successful reaction that will be analyzed in this digest.