New phosphorylated hosts for the design of new supramolecular assemblies

Development of chemistry around new phosphorylated hosts provides an interesting new area of investigations in the design of host-guest systems. Complex molecular architectures were obtained starting from hosts and cationic guests, exploiting the binding properties of elaborated phosphorylated cavitands and hemicryptophanes. The stereoselectivity of the phosphorylation reaction of cavitand based compounds, has been developed. Subsequently, a simple synthetic methodology was utilized for the synthesis of novel macrocyclic molecular structures. The cooperative effects of an aromatic cavity and the hard or soft donor phosphoryl groups are used to form highly stable assemblies. The outcome of this approach allows the formation of original supramolecular assemblies, featuring the elaboration of new materials. The potential of the phosphorylated cavitands and hemicryptophanes as precursors in the preparation of large supramolecular systems is examined. The role of the phosphorus groups is of prime importance to produce assemblies of high stability. Throughout this chapter, special attention has been given to the preparation and the structural aspect of this new class of phosphorus hosts and their complexes.