Multipoint Recognition of Ditopic Aromatic Guest Molecules via Ag−π Interactions within a Dimetal Macrocycle

A macrocyclic host molecule possessing
a nanocavity with two AgI centers for guest binding and
four anthracene walls has been
developed. This dimetal-macrocycle forms stable inclusion complexes
with ditopic aromatic guest molecules, [2.2]­paracyclophane, and ferrocene,
in solution and/or in the solid state through Ag−π interactions
within the nanocavity. The binding constants for the inclusion complexes
were found to range roughly from 104 to 109 M–1. Electrochemical measurement revealed that the oxidized
form of the included cationic ferrocene was less stabilized due to
the direct binding to the cationic two AgI centers.