Frontispiece: The Hexameric Resorcinarene Capsule at Work: Supramolecular Catalysis in Confined Spaces

• Published in: Chemistry : a European journal 2019-04, Vol.25 (19), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Gaeta, Carmine, Talotta, Carmen, De Rosa, Margherita, La Manna, Pellegrino, Soriente, Annunziata, Neri, Placido
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Acidity; artificial enzymes; Catalysis; Catalysts; Catalytic activity; Chemical reactions; Chemistry; Confined spaces; homogeneous catalysis; Intermediates; nanostructures; Organic chemistry; Selectivity; self-assembly; Substrates; supramolecular chemistry
• ISSN: 0947-6539; 1521-3765
• DOI: 10.1002/chem.201981963

There is growing interest in supramolecular chemistry in the use of self‐assembled capsules as catalysts. Among them, the hexameric resorcinarene capsule has been intensively exploited for its peculiar catalytic features. The inner cavity of the hexameric capsule can be regarded as a prototype of an enzyme pocket in which organic reactions can be catalyzed thanks to the confinement effect of the substrates. When a reaction occurs in the confined space inside the hexameric capsule cavity, different stereo‐ and regiochemical outcomes can be observed with respect to the reactions in the bulk solvent. The hexameric capsule shows a modus operandi reminiscent of natural enzymes, such as substrate selectivity, stabilization of intermediates and transition states, an inherent Brønsted acidity, and finally the ability to act as a H‐bond catalyst. Catalytic activity can be modulated by competitive alkylammonium guests. These aspects are discussed in the Minireview by C. Gaeta, C. Talotta, P. Neri et al. on page 4899 ff., with a critical examination of the literature data reported over the past few years.