ABSTRACT
Nature has its own way of using the transport process to mix reactants in natural containers to control reactivity. Inspired by such facts, the design and utilization of container molecules are of prime concern in supramolecular catalysis. Design of the preparation of noncovalently linked assemblies to construct containers in the form of cavitands and cages to perform catalytic reactions in such containers is the major theme of this chapter. Changes in the acid–base properties, coordination, pivot connects and reactive functional units across containerlike molecules are the certain aspects dealt with here. Foldamers, atropisomers, capsules, bowl-like structures, orientation of functional units, inclusion of activating agents inside cavities and deactivation by encapsulation of guest molecules are discussed to show the performance of supramolecular catalysts. The intrinsic acidity of polydentate ligands and interactions of π-decorated ligands with graphene oxide are shown as examples of activating factors in catalysis. Molecular flasks constructed from the first principles of constructing polyhedrons by using metal as a connector with ligands as linkers, inclusion of catalytic complexes inside flasks and their subsequent utility in supramolecular catalysis are discussed. The last portion of the chapter aims to disseminate information on the stabilisation and modification of highly sensitive reactive sites in a confined environment to make an impact on supramolecular catalysis.
