Synthesis, Structure, and Anion Binding Properties of Electron-Deficient Tetrahomocorona[4]arenes: Shape Selectivity in Anion-π Interactions.

Tetrahomocorona[2]arene[2]tetrazines were constructed by means of a fragment coupling strategy based on nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction starting from 3,6-dichlorotetrazine and o-, m-, and p-bis(hydroxymethyl)benzenes. The unprecedented macrocycles gave rectangular box-like cavities with tunable cavity sizes and deficient electronic properties depending on the substitution pattern of phenylene. Due to anion-π interactions, they formed complexes selectively with azide and thiocyanate owing to complementary shapes between host and guest.