Light-Regulated Molecular Trafficking in a Synthetic Water-Soluble Host

Cucurbit­[8]­uril (CB­[8])-mediated complexation of a dicationic azobenzene in water allows for the light-controlled encapsulation of a variety of second guest compounds, including amino acids, dyes, and fragrance molecules. Such controlled guest sequestration inside the cavity of CB[8] enables the regulation of the thermally induced phase transition of poly­(<i>N</i>-isopropyl­acryl­amide)which is not photo­sensitivethus demonstrating the robustness and relevancy of the light-regulated CB[8] complexation