Cucurbit[n]uril chemistry has become an important part of contemporary supramolecular chemistry since cucurbit[n]urils (Q[n]s) are not only able to encapsulate various guests, but are also capable of coordinating to a wide range of metal ions, leading to the establishment of Q[n]-based host–guest chemistry and coordination chemistry. Each of these impressive developments can be attributed to the growth of protocols for obtaining Q[n]s. In this review, we survey synthetic procedures for obtaining cucurbit[n]urils and their substituted derivatives together with the separation and purification of these remarkable compounds. The coverage is aimed at both existing workers in the field as well as at those requiring an “entry” into Q[n]-based research.

Stable CsPbBr₃@SiO₂ nanocomposites in polar solvents were prepared via an organosilicon ligand-assisted re-precipitation method with polystyrene preventing excessive particle cross-linking and aggregation.

The host–guest interactions of macrocyclic hosts cucurbit[7,8]urils (Q[7,8]) with prototropic forms of the drug gefitinib (diprotonated: GH²⁺ and neutral: G) were investigated by electronic absorption spectroscopy. The two hosts Q[7,8] showed strong binding to the diprotonated form due to the ion–dipole interaction between the polar carbonyl oxygens of the hosts and the cationic GH²⁺. Q[7] and Q[8] showed similar binding to the neutral gefitinib, shifting its pK_a by about 1.4 units and 0.7 units downward, respectively. Determination of the thermodynamic parameters of complex formation showed that the formation of inclusion complexes between gefitinib and Q[7,8] was enthalpy controlled, suggesting that hydrophobic and van der Waals interactions were the main driving forces. Moreover, the formation of inclusion complexes between Q[7] and Q[8] and gefitinib was confirmed by ¹H NMR, which showed that the phenyl moiety of gefitinib was entrapped in the Q[7] cavity or likely located on the outside of the Q[7] cavity. The two models showed a fast dynamic equilibrium. Our results indicate that the complexation of gefitinib with Q[7] could enhance the solubility and dissolution rate of gefitinib in aqueous solution.