Macrocyclic molecules with hetero elements

Most macrocycles, including pillar[n]arene, are composed of three elements: carbon, hydrogen, and oxygen. We are now aiming to enhance their functionality by introducing heteroatoms into the cyclic frameworks. Incorporating heteroatoms is expected to induce structural and optical changes, as well as influence molecular recognition abilities and molecular assemblies. We have already succeeded in synthesizing macrocycles with nitrogen and silicon incorporated at the bridging positions and are exploring their functionalities.