Ship in a breakable bottle: fluoride-induced release of an organic molecule from a Pr()-linked molecular cage

A 3-dimensional networked molecular cage, NMC-1 , has been synthesized. This macrocycle-based framework was prepared from a solvothermal reaction involving a flexible organic building block, calix[4]pyrrole dibenzoic acid (H 2 L ), and Pr(NO 3 ) 3 ·6H 2 O. A unique feature of NMC-1 is that it retains free calix[4]pyrrole molecules in the framework pores. Treatment with a fluoride anion source serves to destroy the network and allows release of the organic guest. The net result is a 'molecular ship' in a 'breakable bottle'. A 3-dimensional networked molecular cage, NMC-1 , has been synthesized that acts like a 'molecular ship' in a 'breakable bottle'.