Synthesis of the Cucurbituril Family

Abstract

In this chapter, the synthesis, mechanism of formation, structural features, and functionalization of cucurbituril family members are introduced. Synthetic methodologies for the preparation of cucurbituril family members ranging from the initial discovery to recent developments are highlighted. A brief summary of the detailed investigation on the mechanism of cucurbituril formation, as well as key structural features of cucurbituril family members are showcased. Two major approaches to incorporate further functional groups on the skeleton of cucurbiturils are also introduced. One involves utilizing the building block approach, where the functional group is installed during the macrocyclization of cucurbiturils. The other applies direct functionalization of cucurbiturils, which installs the desired functional group through chemical and photochemical methods on the skeleton of cucurbituril macrocycles.