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Tetrakis(imidazolium) macrocyclic receptors for anion binding
Wallace W H Wong1, Matthew S Vickers, Andrew R Cowley
1Department of Chemistry, Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory, University of Oxford, South Parks Road, Oxford, OX1 3QR.
New macrocyclic receptors with tunable cavities were synthesized. These systems strongly bind anions, with two showing high selectivity for fluoride in mixed solvent systems.
Area of Science:
- Supramolecular Chemistry
- Organic Synthesis
Background:
- Macrocyclic receptors are crucial for molecular recognition.
- Designing receptors with variable cavity sizes is essential for selective anion binding.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel tetrakis(imidazolium) macrocyclic receptors.
- To investigate the anion binding properties and selectivity of these new systems.
Main Methods:
- Stepwise alkylation reactions of bis(imidazolium) precursors.
- Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) titration studies.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized macrocyclic receptor systems with variable cavity sizes.
- Demonstrated strong binding of halide and benzoate anions.
- Identified two receptor systems with notable selectivity for fluoride anions.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized tetrakis(imidazolium) macrocycles are effective anion binders.
- Variable cavity size allows for tuning of binding affinity and selectivity.
- Potential for selective fluoride sensing applications was highlighted.
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