Synthesis of Carbon Enriched Nanocapsules through Bergman Cyclization of Enediyne Self-assembled Monolayers on Silica Nanoparticles

The enediyne utilized in the templated synthesis of carbon nanocapsules was synthesized through Sonogashira coupling reaction. Monodispersed silica nanoparticles were chosen as the template. Self-assembled monolayers of enediyne compounds were formed by attaching enediyne onto silica nanoparticles. Subsequent Bergman cyclization of enediyne compounds in situ gave highly crosslinked polyarene networks on the surface of silica nanoparticles. After removal of template, uniform hollow carbon enriched nanocapsules were obtained and characterized with a variety of techniques.