1,1'-Binaphthyl-substituted macrocycles as receptors for saccharide recognition

The preparation of receptors for saccharide recognition in a natural environment has been an unmet goal for a long time. We present herein the synthesis and binding properties of (R,S)-1,1'-binaphthyl-substituted macrocycles as receptors for saccharide recognition in water/acetonitrile (1:1) and in DMSO. Porphyrin and metalloporphyrin macrocycles with two to four 1,1'-binaphthyl substituents and multiple hydroxy groups generate a binding site for saccharides that incorporates hydrogen-bonding hydroxy groups together with the aromatic hydrophobic pocket. The specificity for di- and trisaccharides is governed by the cavity size. The mechanism of binding has been studied by 1H NMR spectroscopy and the role of H-bonding and CH-pi interactions has been evaluated; the ability to bind saccharides has been demonstrated by the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) technique. The application of these macrocyclic receptors to sensor development is also presented.