Molecules with nonplanar architectures are highly desirable due to their unique topological structures and functions. We report here the synthesis of two molecular containers (1·3Br^- and 1·3Cl^-), which utilize intramolecular cation-π interactions to enforce macrocylic arrangements and exhibit high binding affinity and luminescent properties. Remarkably, the geometry of the cation-π interaction can be flexibly tailored to achieve a precise ring arrangement, irrespective of the angle of the noncovalent bonds. Additionally, the C-H·Br^- hydrogen bonds within the container are also conducive to stabilizing the bowl-shaped conformation. These bowl-shaped conformations were confirmed both in solution through NMR spectroscopy and in the solid state by X-ray studies. 1·3Br^- shows high binding affinity and selectivity: F^->Cl^-, through C-H···X^-(X=F, Cl) hydrogen bonds. Additionally, these containers exhibited blue fluorescence in solution and yellow room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) in the solid state. Our findings illustrate the utility of cation-π interactions in designing functional molecules.

全文链接： https://doi.org/10.1002/anie.202402697.