Modular supramolecular capsules based on α,γ-cyclic peptide dimers for the development of confined catalysis†

Abstract

A modular strategy is designed for the preparation of supramolecular capsules in the search for new functional containers. The strategy is based on the use of the self-assembly properties of an α,γ-cyclic octapeptide to form toroidal dimers in which two reactive points are incorporated to anchor molecular caps in the last stage of the synthesis. In this way, the used caps, which are decorated with a catalytic metal complex, are easily interchangeable allowing searching for new catalytic properties.