Kummimolekulide

Kummimolekulide, also known as cucurbiturils, are a class of macrocyclic molecules characterized by their unique barrel-shaped structure. These molecules are composed of glycoluril units linked by methylene bridges, forming a cavity that can encapsulate guest molecules. The most common members of this family are cucurbit[6]uril (CB6), cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8), which have cavities that can accommodate small organic molecules, metal ions, and even other cucurbiturils.

Cucurbiturils exhibit a high degree of selectivity and affinity towards their guest molecules, making them valuable in various fields. In supramolecular chemistry, they are used as hosts in host-guest complexes, facilitating the study of molecular recognition and self-assembly. In materials science, cucurbiturils are employed as building blocks for the construction of supramolecular polymers and gels, which exhibit unique mechanical and optical properties. Additionally, their ability to encapsulate metal ions has led to their application in catalysis, sensing, and drug delivery.

The synthesis of cucurbiturils typically involves the condensation of glycoluril with formaldehyde, followed by the formation of the methylene bridges. The size and shape of the cavity can be fine-tuned by varying the number of glycoluril units and the length of the methylene bridges. This structural flexibility allows for the design of cucurbiturils with specific properties tailored to their intended applications.

Despite their potential, the practical use of cucurbiturils is still limited by their relatively low solubility in water and organic solvents, as well as their tendency to form aggregates. Ongoing research aims to address these challenges and expand the scope of cucurbiturils' applications.