Encapsulation by Cyclic Porphyrin Dimers Using Various Interaction Modes

We synthesized cyclic host molecules, A, B, and C, based on a rigid π-conjugated system composed of porphyrin and fluorene units. After the transformation of the ester units of cyclic host B to carboxylates, host C became soluble in water. These host molecules could encapsulate different molecules, based on various interactions: coordination bonds between porphyrin-bound metals (Zn) and N atoms, π–π interactions, or hydrophobic interactions.