Controlled nitrite anion encapsulation and release in the molecular cavity of decamethylcucurbit[5]uril: solution and solid state studies

Nitrite anion encapsulation was realized using molecular cavitands of decamethylcucurbit[5]urils as molecular receptors. Single crystal structural analyses showed that the receptors formed sodium-capped molecular capsules that encapsulate nitrite anions inside the cavity. The inclusion entities were proved to be existing in both solution and the solid state. Moreover, the encapsulated nitrite anions could be released and decomposed in acidic solutions.