A versatile six-component molecular capsule based on benign synthons - Selective confinement of a heterogeneous molecular aggregate

Solvent interactions in the formation of novel H-bonded capsules, comprised of four substituted terpyridines and two C-methylcalix[4]resorcinarenes (both synthons synthesized using "green" methodology), are shown to determine the size and shape of the guest cavity. Two representative host-guest complexes showing centred and off-centred apexes with respect to the calixarenes are described in detail, showing the inclusion of four guest molecules in the solid state.