Q[8]-based frameworks exhibiting clustering-triggered emission and responses to organic molecules

The outer surface interaction of cucurbit[ n ]urils (Q[ n ]s) is an important supramolecular interaction that results from the positive electrostatic potential on the outer surface of Q[ n ]s. It cannot only result in the formation of various novel Q[ n ]-based supramolecular frameworks, but can also lead to clustering emission of Q[ n ]s. In this work, three different Q[8]-based supramolecular frameworks, assembled through the outer surface interaction of Q[ n ]s (OSIQ), were prepared according to the literature. The solid-state clustering-triggered emission (CTE) characteristics of the frameworks were also determined. Moreover, investigation of their adsorption properties showed that the solid-state CTE of the three Q[8]-based supramolecular frameworks was quenched in the presence of certain chemicals and that they exhibited high selectivity for pyridine. Framework B exhibited the highest adsorption of pyridine.