Abstract:

Ring-in-ring complexation is a novel topological structure in supramolecular chemistry. Two macrocyclic compounds with intramolecular donor-acceptor interactions were designed and synthesized with 4,4'-bipyridinium, 2,6-dinaphthol and 2,7-dinaphthol as building blocks. Their associations with cucurbit[8]uril were investigated by means of UV-Vis and ¹H NMR. The spectra results show that intramolecular charge transfer(CT) interaction exsits in aqueous solution of these two macrocycles, and cucurbit[8]uril can bind the two macrocycles. The binding result in the increase of charge transfer(CT) absorption strength and red shift of CT absorption peak, indicating the formation of stable ring-in-ring complexes. These ring-in-ring complexes are new topological structures for cucurbit[8]uril.

Key words: Macrocyclic compound, Intramolecular charge transfer, Ring-in-ring complex