Selective Binding and Isomerization of Oximes in a Self-Assembled Capsule.

A series of straight-chain (C7-C13) alkyl--methyl aldoximes (R-C(H)═NOMe) were synthesized with various functional groups at the remote ends (alkenes, halogen, -COOH, and NH). Their isomers about the C═N bond showed ∼60-40% -ratio in organic solutions. Surprisingly, their confinement in a water-soluble capsule with benzoselenodiazole walls shows high selectivity for the -/-isomer.

Recent Advances in the Applications of Water-soluble Resorcinarene-based Deep Cavitands.

We review here the use of container molecules known as cavitands for performing organic reactions in water. Central to these endeavors are binding forces found in water, and among the strongest of these is the hydrophobic effect. We describe how the hydrophobic effect can be used to drive organic molecule guests into the confined space of cavitand hosts.