Dimeric self-assembling capsules derived from the highly flexible tribenzylamine skeleton.

Tris(m-ureidobenzyl)amines dimerize both in solid state and in solution to give molecular capsules which are able to encapsulate small molecules. The self-assembly was confirmed by crystal X-ray analysis and NMR spectroscopy. The X-ray structure showed the encapsulation of one molecule of CH(2)Cl(2). This new type of capsules presents a propeller-like topology and a belt of six hydrogen-bonded ureas. Encapsulation studies in solution and heterodimerization processes are also disclosed.