[[abstract]]A unique trithiol macromolecule, with an intrinsic conformational
propensity for dimerization (cage) instead of oligomerization
upon oxidation, was prepared straightforwardly
through rational design. The quantitative conversion and the
reversibility between the cage and trithiols through redox reactions
were assayed by 1H NMR spectroscopic analysis. The X-ray structure of the synthesized cage-type molecule represents
the first successful example of a redox-controlled reversible
dimeric capsule linked through covalent disulfide
bonds
