On the encapsulation of hydrocarbon components of natural gas within molecular baskets in water. The role of C-H···π interactions and the host's conformational dynamics in the process of encapsulation.

We examined the encapsulation of CH4, C2H6, C3H8 and iso-C4H10 in water, using four molecular baskets [1]-[4]. The baskets were shown to bind to hydrocarbon gases by forming favourable C-H···π contacts and, concurrently, adjusting the size of their cup-shaped platform.

Enantioselective aminolysis of an alpha-chloroester catalyzed by Candida cylindracea lipase encapsulated in sol-gel silica glass.

[reaction: see text] Lipase from Candida cylindracea (CcL) encapsulated in porous silica glass by a sol-gel method catalyzes enantioselective aminolysis of ethyl 2-chloropropionate. A silica matrix enhances the enzyme activity, i.e., improves the yield. The scope and limitations of the aminolysis reaction were investigated, and dynamic kinetic resolution of the ester was achieved. Encapsulated lipase remains active when used repeatedly. Encapsulation much improves the chiral discrimination by lipase and makes this enzyme even more useful in organic chemistry.