Construction of cucurbit[8]uril-based metal supramolecular framework for efficient iodine adsorption

The construction of cucurbit[n]uril-based supramolecular framework between the cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) and cluster anions through the action of outer the surface has been studied. The [Cd6Cl19]7- cluster anions is connected to six neighboring Q[8]s while each Q[8] with two [Cd6Cl19]7- through ion-dipole interactions between [Cd6Cl19]7- cluster anions and electropositive outer surface of Q[8]. Neighboring Q[8] molecules contact with each other through hydrogen bonding interactions. The driving force for successfully constructing supramolecular framework structures is achieved through the balance between hydrogen bonding interactions and iondipole interactions. As expected, this complex exhibits a porous structure, which can be described as a Q[8]based metal supramolecular framework (MSF-Cd), and shows good effect in removing elemental iodine.