Fluorescent cyclophanes and their applications

Abstract

With the serendipitous discovery of crown ethers by Pedersen more than half a century ago and the subsequent introduction of host–guest chemistry and supramolecular chemistry by Cram and Lehn, respectively, followed by the design and synthesis of wholly synthetic cyclophanes—in particular, fluorescent cyclophanes, having rich structural characteristics and functions—have been the focus of considerable research activity during the past few decades. Cyclophanes with remarkable emissive properties have been investigated continuously over the years and employed in numerous applications across the field of science and technology. In this Review, we feature the recent developments in the chemistry of fluorescent cyclophanes, along with their design and synthesis. Their host–guest chemistry and applications related to their structure and properties are highlighted.