High-yield synthesis of a novel water-soluble macrocycle for selective recognition of naphthalene

A novel water-soluble macrocycle was synthesized in high yield. It can selectively encapsulate of naphthalene to form a 1:1 complex. [Display omitted] A novel good water-soluble macrocycle containing two pyridinium moieties was synthesized in high yield. It could form 1:1 complexes with neutral guests containing naphthalene or phenyl units in water. The water-soluble macrocycle can selectively encapsulate naphthalene to form a 1:1 complex over a variety of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons.