Probing the guest-binding preference of three structurally similar and conformationally adaptive macrocycles

A hybrid macrocycle was synthesized by combining the repeat units in oxatub[4]arene and zorb[4]arene, and its recognition behavior and conformational analysis were studied. Three structurally similar and conformationally adaptive macrocycles show different guest-binding selectivities and preferences even in a complex mixture containing three macrocycles and three guests.