A Zn4 L6 Capsule with Enhanced Catalytic C-C Bond Formation Activity upon C60 Binding.

A redox-switchable self-assembled ZnII 4 L6 cage was synthesized that contains naphthalenediimide (NDI) motifs. Its reduction lent these NDI panels persistent radical anion character. The redox activity of this cage allows it to act as a catalyst for the oxidative coupling of different tetraaryl borates to give biaryls. The catalytic activity of the cage was enhanced following its binding of C60 , which implies a mechanism that does not involve encapsulation of the substrate.