A simple one-pot multicomponent synthesis of an octahedral nanocontainer molecule

A nearly quantitative 18-component synthesis of a nanocontainer, which is built up from six bowl-shaped cavitands that are connected together with 12 -CH=N-CH₂CH₂-N=CH- linkers, and its subsequent reduction are described. This nanocontainer has an estimated cavity volume of 1,700 ų, large enough to encapsulate several smaller guest molecules or a small-sized biomacromolecule. Potential uses of this nanocontainer and of water-soluble derivatives are in drug delivery, wastewater detoxification, separation technology and as molecular reactor for controlled oligomerizations. Typically, the four-step synthesis of the cavitand building block and the subsequent multicomponent synthesis of the nanocontainer, including its purification, can be accomplished in about 4 weeks.