Node Flexibility Unlocks Structural Adaptability and Guest Versatility of Anionocages

作者：Yu Tao, Xin Lv, Tao Chen, Xueru Liu, Man Wu, Wei Zuo, Yue Wang, Ning Wang, Xi Chen, Junjie Ou, Chuandong Jia · 发表于：Angewandte Chemie International Edition · 年份：2025 · DOI：10.1002/anie.202514522 · 被引用次数：3 · 研究领域：Molecular Sensors and Ion Detection、Supramolecular Chemistry and Complexes、Luminescence and Fluorescent Materials

Abstract Due to their exceptional nodal flexibility, anionocages are promising host molecules capable of mimicking the dynamic self‐assembly and host–guest chemistry of proteins. However, their application has been limited by the challenges in constructing large internal cavities. Here, we present an effective strategy to overcome this limitation by enhancing node flexibility to improve both structural adaptability and guest encapsulation versatility. Specifically, anion coordination between a C 3 ‐symmetric tris‐urea ligand ( L ) and an organophosphate, PhPO 4 2− ( A ), generates highly flexible nodes that enable adaptive self‐assembly and the encapsulation of guests of unprecedented size. Crystal structures revealed that the same ligand and anion can form three geometrically distinct anionocages ( A 4 L 4 tetrahedron 1 , A 6 L 6 trigonal antiprism 2 , and A 6 L 8 octahedron 3 ), with cavity sizes ranging from 0.208 to 1.320 nm 3 . In solution, controlled interconversions among the three anionocages can be achieved by modulating the guest template, A / L ratio, and concentration. These nanoscale cavities successfully encapsulate the luminescent metal complex, [Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2 ⁺ (bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), resulting in a ∼5‐fold increase in quantum yield, and a ∼2‐fold increase in lifetime. Moreover, circularly polarized luminescence of racemic [Ru(bpy) 3 ] 2 ⁺ is induced via chirality transfer using a chiral‐anion‐directed octahedral cage ( 4 ) as the host.