Metal

Catalysis

Acceptor

Xylene

Solubility

Receptor

Biochemistry

Molecule

Biphenyl

Organosulfur compounds

Physics

Ligand (biochemistry)

Organic chemistry

Decalin

Aqueous solution

Condensed matter physics

Sulfur

Chemistry

Benzene

Journal of the American Chemical Society

The selective separation of structurally similar aliphatic/aromatic hydrocarbons is an essential goal in industrial processes. In this study, we report the synthesis of a water-soluble (Tr2M3)4L4 (Tr = cycloheptatrienyl ring; M = metal; L = organosulfur ligand) molecular cage (1) via self-assembly of the water-soluble acceptor tripalladium sandwich species [(Tr2Pd3)(CH3CN)][NO3]2 and the attachment onto L of solubilizing methoxyethoxy appendants to be utilized in an energy-friendly alternative approach to the separation of structurally similar molecules under ambient conditions. Cage 1, comprising a hydrophobic inner cavity, exhibited good solubility and stability in aqueous media. It also demonstrated excellent performance in the sequential separation of alkanes (C6-C9), xylene, and other disubstituted benzene isomers and cis/trans-decalin.

Water-Soluble Self-Assembled Cage with Triangular Metal–Metal-Bonded Units Enabling the Sequential Selective Separation of Alkanes and Isomeric Molecules