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This study presents the development and catalytic applications of the tetrafluororesorcin4arene hexameric capsule (capsule II) as a novel supramolecular catalyst. It demonstrates unprecedented catalytic activity, enabling the β-selective glycosylation of glycals to 2-deoxy glycosides─a transformation that has not been achieved before in molecular and supramolecular catalysis. Mechanistic investigations, including experimental and computational studies, revealed that the high β-selectivity arises from a proton wire mechanism along the capsule's surface, coupling glycal protonation with nucleophile deprotonation. Control experiments confirmed the unique reactivity of capsule II compared to its nonfluorinated predecessor, capsule I, showcasing its potential to expand the boundaries of supramolecular catalysis.
Li et al. (Wed,) studied this question.