Selective complexation and efficient separation of cis / trans -1,2-dichloroethene isomers by a pillar[5]arene.

The complexation and separation of industrially important cis - and trans -1,2-dichloroethene ( cis - and trans -DCE) isomers using perethylated pillar[5]arene (EtP5) are described. EtP5 exhibits considerable binding capability for the trans -DCE isomer over the cis -DCE in organic solution. Furthermore, nonporous adaptive crystals (NACs) of EtP5 can efficiently separate trans -DCE from a 50 : 50 (v/v) cis / trans -isomer mixture.