Pillar[5]arene-Integrated Three-Dimensional Framework Polymers for Macrocycle-Induced Size-Selective Catalysis.

Size-selective catalysis is of key importance in the conversion of crude oil or biomass. Here, we fabricate three pillar[5]arene-integrated porous organic polymers with three-dimensional (3D) network structures using 3D cross-linkers. The resulting polymers possess a high surface-to-mass ratio and exhibit exceptional size-selective catalysis in Knoevenagel condensation reactions. In addition, a mechanistic study indicates that the size-selective catalysis is due to the host-guest interaction between pillar[5]arene and substrates. This study suggests that macrocycle-containing polymers could be a promising candidate for size-selective catalysis.