A Zn4L6 capsule shows enhanced catalytic C-C bond formation activity upon C60 binding.

A redox-switchable self-assembled (Zn4L6)-L-II cage was synthesized that contains naphthalenediimide (NDI) motifs. Its reduction lent these NDI panels persistent radical anion character. The redox activity of this cage allows it to act as a catalyst for the oxidative coupling of different tetraaryl borates to give biaryls. The catalytic activity of the cage was enhanced following its binding of C-60, which implies a mechanism that does not involve encapsulation of the substrate.