Single-molecule nanotubes assemble efficiently by linking two penta-aldehyde macrocycles and five phenylenediamine linkers though dynamic covalent imine bonds. These covalent organic pillars, with 2-nm-long and 4.7-Å-wide helical interior channels, show highly selective binding for linear n-alkyl guests with complementary lengths and electronic densities.
- Yaru Tian
- Yunlong Guo
- Andrew C.-H. Sue
