A Halogen-Bond-Induced Triple Helicate Encapsulates Iodide.

The self-assembly of higher-order anion helicates in solution remains an elusive goal. Herein, we present the first triple helicate to encapsulate iodide in organic and aqueous media as well as the solid state. The triple helicate self-assembles from three tricationic arylethynyl strands and resembles a tubular anion channel lined with nine halogen bond donors.