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Pillarnarene is a novel kind of synthetic supramolecular macrocyclic host characterized by its particular pillar-shaped structure consisting of an electron-rich cavity and two finely adjustable rims. Benefiting from its rigid structure, facile synthesis, ease of functionalization, and outstanding host–guest chemistry, pillarnarene shows great potential for diverse applications. Significantly, the host–guest recognition of pillarnarene provides a novel approach for chemosensing and imaging. Herein, this Review critically and comprehensively reviews the applications of pillarnarene-based host–guest recognition in chemosensing and imaging. The sensing and imaging mechanisms as well as the unique roles and advantages of pillarnarene-based host–guest recognition are summarized. In addition, preparations of hybrid materials based on pillarnarene and inorganic materials are also introduced comprehensively in the light of chemosensing and imaging. Finally, current challenges and perspectives on pillarnarene-based host–guest recognition in chemosensing and imaging are outlined.
Li et al. (Tue,) studied this question.