Mono- and polynuclear aqua complexes and cucurbit[6]uril: Versatile building blocks for supramolecular chemistry

Abstract

The review surveys new data on the directed construction of supramolecular organic–inorganic compounds from macrocyclic cavitand cucurbit[6]uril (C₃₆H₃₆N₂₄O₁₂)and mono- and polynuclear aqua complexes. Due to the presence of polarized carbonyl groups, cucurbit[6]uril forms strong complexes with alkali, alkaline earth and rare-earth metal ions, and hydrogen-bonded supramolecular adducts with cluster and polynuclear aqua complexes of transitional metals. A wide variety of supramolecular compounds and their unique structures are described.