Cucurbit[8]uril-mediated photodimerization of alkyl 2-naphthoate in aqueous solution

The photodimerization of methyl 2-naphthoate (1), ethyl 2-naphthoate (2) and butyl 2-naphthoate (3) in cucurbituril (CB) aqueous solution was investigated. The product distribution and fluorescence spectral changes suggest that CB[8] can encapsulate two molecules of alkyl 2-naphthoate (1 or 2) and thereby facilitate a cubane-like photodimer formation. Subtle changes in either cavity size of CB[n] or alkyl substitutes can significantly modulate the interaction of CB[n] with 2-naphthoate derivatives affording remarkable alterations in their photochemical reactivity.