Synthesis of a C2-Symmetrical Tetrakis(arylethynyl) Cavitand and Formation of Hybrid Hydrogen-Bonded/Metal-Ligand Coordination Supramolecular Capsules

A C2‐symmetrical tetrakis(arylethynyl) cavitand was synthesized. Spontaneous formation of hybrid hydrogen bonded/metal‐ligand coordination supramolecular capsules occurs upon mixing 1 with cis‐coordinated Pt2+ or Pd2+ metal complexes. The hybrid supramolecular capsules encapsulated neutral guest molecules only in polar solvents. Captive audience: Hybrid supramolecular capsules self‐assemble by simultaneously forming hydrogen bonds and metal‐ligand coordination bonds upon mixing of each of C2‐symmetrical cavitand and metal complex. The hybrid supramolecular capsules encapsulate neutral guest molecules such as 4,4′‐diacetoxybiphenyl or 4,4′‐diacetoxybicyclohexane only in polar solvents. dppb, dppe, dppp=1,3‐bis(diphenylphosphino)butane, ethane, propane.