Molecular container compounds are hollow, spherical molecules with inner cavities which can accommodate guest molecules.[1] They have demonstrated great potential in applications such as catalysis, reaction control and separation technology. Recently, we have developed highly efficient one-pot procedures for the synthesis of nanometer-sized covalent molecular capsules.[2] Here, we report the synthesis of a water-soluble octahedral nanocapsule. Binding studies in water demonstrate that this capsule encapsulates multiple negatively charged organic molecules. Electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions act cooperatively during the complex formation.

1. D. J. Cram, J. M. Cram, Container Molecules and their Guests, Royal Society of Chemistry, Cambridge, UK, 1994.

2. a) X. Liu, Y. Liu, G. Li, R. Warmuth, Angew. Chem. Int. Ed. 2006, 45, 9012; b) X. Liu, R. Warmuth, J. Am. Chem. Soc. 2006, 128, 14120.