One-pot synthesis–assembly–separation of cucurbit[6]uril via SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids

A novel microwave-assisted route to synthesize cucurbit[n]uril in SO3H-functionalized ionic liquids was reported, which enabled the automatic separation of cucurbit[6]uril through anion assembly. For the first time, the route has realized synthesis–assembly–separation of cucurbit[6]uril in one pot. The reaction yield and separation efficiency can be tuned by choice of anionic groups in ionic liquids.