Dimeric capsules self-assembled through halogen and chalcogen bonding.

Supramolecular capsules are nanoscale containers useful for the study of molecular behavior in confined spaces. They offer practical applications in catalysis, molecular transport, drug delivery, and materials science. Self-assembly has proven to be an effective approach in constructing supramolecular capsules and a variety of well-known noncovalent interactions including hydrogen bonding, metal coordination and ionic interactions have been deployed. Bowl-shaped cavitand structures built up from resorcinarenes have particular advantages for the construction of supramolecular capsules, and this highlight discusses the unconventional self-assembly of molecular capsules held together by halogen and chalcogen bonds.