Tubular Perylene Bisimide Macrocycles for the Recognition of Geometrical Isomers of Azobenzenes.

Perylene bisimide-based materials are good candidates for photosensitive applications. Herein, we report synthesis, characterization, and complexation studies of perylene bisimide macrocycles obtained through bayside coupling. The isomeric macrocycles incorporated with interesting optical properties and tubular-shaped cavities are able to recognize geometric isomers of azobenzenes and aromatic amines. Such selective recognition is useful toward developing potential sensors for interesting isomeric pairs in the future.