The novel title macrocycles, based on methylene-bridged 1,5-naphthalene units, have been obtained by template effect in a thermodynamically controlled synthesis. In details, the prism[5]arene 1 or the prism[6]arene 3 was selectively taken away from the equilibrium mixture by using the complemen-tary ammonium-templating agent. When only the solvent 1,2-DCE was used, then the 1,4-confused derivative 2 was ob-tained. The prism[5]arene here described shows a deep π-electron rich aromatic cavity thanks to which exhibits a great affinity for the quaternary ammonium guests, originat-ing from favorable cation··· π and +NC−H··· π interactions. This recognition motif is the basis of the templated synthesis of the prism[n]arenes here reported.

β-lactam antibiotics are among the most important and widely used antimicrobials worldwide and are comprised of a large family of compounds, obtained by chemical modifications of the common scaffolds. Usually these modifications include the addition of active groups, but less frequently, molecules were synthesized in which either two β-lactam rings were joined to create a single bifunctional compound, or the azetidinone ring was joined to another antibiotic scaffold or another molecule with a different activity, in order to create a molecule bearing two different pharmacophoric functions. In this review, we report some examples of these derivatives, highlighting their biological properties and discussing how this strategy can lead to the development of innovative antibiotics that can represent either novel weapons against the rampant increase of antimicrobial resistance, or molecules with a broader spectrum of action.

The composition of dynamic covalent imine libraries adapts to the presence of the hexameric resorcinarene capsule. In the presence of the self-assembled capsule a kinetic and thermodynamic modulation of the imine constituents of the DCLs was observed, which was induced by an unusual predatory action of the capsule on specific imine constituents. More complex 2x2 DCLs also adapt to the presence of the hexameric capsule showing a thermodynamic and kinetic mod-ulation of the constituents induced by the predatory action of the capsule. By cross-referencing experimental data, a good selectivity (up to 66 %) for one constituent can be induced in a 2x2 DCL