Inorganic Molecular Capsules: From Structure to Function

摘要

The assembly of nanoscale capsules or cages using metal coordination represents one of the most interesting and challenging areas of chemical nanoscience. These high-symmetry capsules are invariably comprised of many metal-ligand components, which often self-assemble rapidly and in high yield into a single gigantic species - sometimes even protein-sized.[1] However, the interest in these systems goes far beyond aesthetics. An understanding of the mechanisms of the assembly process that leads to their formation will allow systems with unmatched physical properties and functionalities to be designed from first principles. As the emphasis changes from structure to function, cages have been constructed that can serve as supramolecular containers, reaction vessels, and ion channel models for biological cells. In this Highlight, the very recent advances in the formation of cages and capsules through metal ion coordination is explored.