cucurbiturilide

Cucurbiturilide, often abbreviated as CB, refers to a class of macrocyclic compounds characterized by their pumpkin-like, cage-like structure. These molecules are composed of repeating glycoluril units linked by methylene bridges. The unique structure of cucurbiturilide creates a hydrophobic cavity within the molecule, capable of encapsulating guest molecules. This inclusion complex formation is a key property that drives their applications.

The synthesis of cucurbiturilides typically involves the acid-catalyzed condensation of glycoluril with formaldehyde. The size of the cavity can be precisely controlled by the number of glycoluril units in the macrocycle, leading to different generations of cucurbiturilides, such as CB[5], CB[6], CB[7], and CB[8], corresponding to the number of glycoluril units. The exterior of the cucurbiturilide molecule is hydrophilic due to the presence of carbonyl groups, which contributes to their solubility in aqueous solutions.

The ability of cucurbiturilides to selectively bind and encapsulate various guest molecules, including drugs, dyes, and ions, has led to their exploration in diverse fields. These applications include drug delivery systems, where they can protect sensitive drugs from degradation and enhance their bioavailability. They are also used as molecular sensors, catalysts, and in the development of novel materials with tailored properties. The stability of cucurbiturilide complexes and their biocompatibility make them promising candidates for various biotechnological and pharmaceutical applications.