Naphthobox: a selective molecular box for planar aromatic cations

Abstract

A naphthol-based molecular box (so called “napthobox”) was reported. The naphthobox has a well-preorganized and electron-rich cavity, which is able to selectively recognize planar aromatic cations by cation⋯π interactions and C–H⋯π interactions. In addition, a charge-transfer system responsive to strong coordination anions was constructed based on the complex between naphthobox and tropylium, which may be used to distinguish the coordination ability of anions by the naked eye.