N‐Doping of Polyaromatic Capsules: Small Cavity Modification Leads to Large Change in Host–Guest Interactions
Hiroki Dobashi, Lorenzo Catti, Yuya Tanaka, Munetaka Akita, Michito Yoshizawa
Abstract
Abstract To gain insight into the host functions of a nanocavity encircled by both polyaromatic panels and heteroatoms, nitrogen‐doped polyaromatic capsules were successfully synthesized from metal ions and pyridine‐embedded, bent anthracene‐based ligands. The new capsules display unique host–guest interactions in the isolated cavities, which are distinct from those of the undoped analogues. Besides the inclusion of Ag + ions, the large absorption change of fullerene C 60 and altered emission of a BODIPY dimer are observed upon encapsulation by the present hosts. Moreover, the N‐doped capsule exhibits specific binding ability toward progesterone and methyltestosterone, known as a natural female and synthetic male hormone, respectively, in water.