cucurbit7uril
Cucurbit[7]uril, commonly abbreviated CB7, is a synthetic macrocyclic molecule in the cucurbituril family. It is composed of seven glycoluril units linked by methylene bridges, forming a rigid, barrel-shaped cavity. The outer surface is hydrophilic, while the interior cavity is hydrophobic. The portals at each end are lined with carbonyl groups, which gives the molecule a polar character and facilitates water solubility as well as selective binding of guest molecules.
In aqueous solution CB7 acts as a host for a range of neutral and charged guests, with
Synthesis of CB7 involves condensations of glycoluril derivatives with formaldehyde under acidic conditions, followed by purification