Molecular Entrapment of Polymers by Pyrogallol[4]arenes

Abstract

Macromolecular recognition systems are difficult to construct because extremely high recognition ability is required to form a stable host–guest complex toward macromolecules. Herein, we report a novel host–guest recognition motif based on C-propylpyrogallol[4]arene (PgC₃) and a commercially available polymer, polyethylene glycol (PEG). The results show that PgC₃ can selectively entrap PEG with higher molecular weights to form bilayered host–guest complex structures. Interestingly, this host–guest recognition is strong enough that PgC₃ is able to adsorb PEG from an aqueous solution efficiently.