Controlling Cesium Cation Recognition via Cation Metathesis within an Ion Pair Receptor

Supramolecular chemistry of liquid-liquid extraction

Liquid-Liquid Extraction (LLE) is a venerable and widely used method for the separation of a targeted solute between two immiscible liquids. In recent years, this method has gained popularity in the supramolecular chemistry community due to the development of various types of synthetic receptors that effectively and selectively bind specific guests in an aqueous medium through different supramolecular interactions. This has eventually led to the development of state-of-the-art extraction technologies for the removal and purification of anions, cations, ion pairs, and small molecules from one liquid phase to another liquid phase, which is an industrially viable method. The focus of this perspective is to furnish a vivid picture of the current understanding of supramolecular interaction-based LLE chemistry. This will not only help to improve separation technology in the chemical, mining, nuclear waste treatment, and medicinal chemistry sectors but is also useful to address the purity issue of the extractable species, which is otherwise difficult. Thus, up-to-date knowledge on this subject will eventually provide opportunities to develop large-scale waste remediation processes and metallurgy applications that can address important real-life problems.

Design and Synthesis of Covalently Tethered "IsoG-Star" as Recyclable Host for Selective Cesium Separation

The isoguanosine self-assembled pentamer (isoG-star) has exhibited remarkable selectivity for Cs+ binding over competing alkali and alkali earth metal cation, rendering it a promising extractor for radioactive waste 137Cs separation. However, to make isoG-star a pracrtical material for Cs+ isolation, the development of recyclable isoG-star material is required. In this study, a systematic screening of functional isoG derivatives was performed. By employing well-defined complex formation and post-assembly modification, a covalently tethered isoG5-star was prepared through olefin metathesis, utilizing a designed isoG monomer. The application of this newly developed covalently linked isoG-star enabled selective Cs+ extraction, followed by controled solvent-induced H-bond dessociation. This resulted in the creation of a recyclable Cs+ extractor, demonstrating excellent cation selectivity and good reusability (over seven cycles) the first time. Consequently, this new supramolecular macrocycle offers a practical new platform for the treatment of radiocesium (134Cs and 137Cs) in an environmentally friendly and highly effective manner.

Aryl- and Superaryl-Extended Calix[4]pyrroles: From Syntheses to Potential Applications

The incorporation of aryl substituents at the meso-positions of calix[4]pyrrole (C4P) scaffolds produces aryl-extended (AE) and super-aryl-extended (SAE) calix[4]pyrroles. The cone conformation of the all-α isomers of "multi-wall" AE-C4Ps and SAE-C4Ps displays deep aromatic clefts or cavities. In particular, "four-wall" receptors feature an aromatic polar cavity closed at one end with four convergent pyrrole rings and fully open at the opposite end. This makes AE- and SAE-C4P scaffolds effective receptors for the molecular recognition of negatively charged ions and neutral guest molecules with donor-acceptor and hydrogen bonding motifs. In addition, adequately functionalized all-α isomers of multi wall AE- and SAE-C4P scaffolds self-assemble into uni-molecular and supra-molecular aggregates displaying capsular and cage-like structures. The self-assembly process requires the presence of template ions or molecules that lock the C4P cone conformation and complementing the inner polar functions and volumes of their cavities. We envisioned performing an in-depth revision of AE- and SAE-C4P scaffolds owing to their importance in different domains such as supramolecular chemistry, biology, material sciences and pharmaceutical chemistry. Herewith, besides the synthetic details on the elaboration of their structures, we also draw attention to their diverse applications. The organization of this review is mainly based on the number of "walls" present in the AE-C4P derivatives and their structural modifications. The sections are further divided based on the C4P functions and applications. The authors are convinced that this review will be of interest to researchers working in the general area of supramolecular chemistry as well as those involved in the study of the binding properties and applications of C4P derivatives.

Selective Potassium Chloride Recognition, Sensing, Extraction, and Transport Using a Chalcogen-Bonding Heteroditopic Receptor

Chalcogen bonding (ChB) is rapidly rising to prominence in supramolecular chemistry as a powerful sigma (σ)-hole-based noncovalent interaction, especially for applications in the field of molecular recognition. Recent studies have demonstrated ChB donor strength and potency to be remarkably sensitive to local electronic environments, including redox-switchable on/off anion binding and sensing capability. Influencing the unique electronic and geometric environment sensitivity of ChB interactions through simultaneous cobound metal cation recognition, herein, we present the first potassium chloride-selective heteroditopic ion-pair receptor. The direct conjugation of benzo-15-crown-5 ether (B15C5) appendages to Te centers in a bis-tellurotriazole framework facilitates alkali metal halide (MX) ion-pair binding through the formation of a cofacial intramolecular bis-B15C5 M⁺ (M⁺ = K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺) sandwich complex and bidentate ChB···X^– formation. Extensive quantitative ¹H NMR ion-pair affinity titration experiments, solid–liquid and liquid–liquid extraction, and U-tube transport studies all demonstrate unprecedented KCl selectivity over all other group 1 metal chlorides. It is demonstrated that the origin of the receptor’s ion-pair binding cooperativity and KCl selectivity arises from an electronic polarization of the ChB donors induced by the cobound alkali metal cation. Importantly, the magnitude of this switch on Te-centered electrophilicity, and therefore anion-binding affinity, is shown to correlate with the inherent Lewis acidity of the alkali metal cation. Extensive computational DFT investigations corroborated the experimental alkali metal cation–anion ion-pair binding observations for halides and oxoanions.

Achieving highly efficient and selective cesium extraction using 1,3-di-octyloxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 in n-octanol based solvent system: experimental and DFT investigation

Due to the long half-life of ¹³⁷Cs (t_1/2 ∼ 30 years), the selective extraction of cesium (Cs) from high level liquid waste is of paramount importance in the back end of the nuclear fuel cycle to avoid long term surveillance of high radiotoxic waste. As 1,3-di-octyloxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (CC6) is suggested to be a promising candidate for selective Cs extraction, the improvement in the Cs extraction efficiency by CC6 has been investigated through the optimization of the effect of dielectric media on the extraction process. The effects of the feed acid (HNO₃, HCl, and HClO₄) and the composition of the diluents for the ligand in the organic phase on the extraction efficiency of Cs have been investigated systematically. In 100% n-octanol medium, Cs is found to form a 1 : 1 ion-pair complex with CC6 (0.03 M) providing a very high distribution ratio of D_Cs ∼ 22, suggesting n-octanol as the most suitable diluent for Cs extraction. No significant interference of other relevant cations such as Na, Mg and Sr was observed on the D_Cs value in the optimized solvent system. Density functional theory (DFT) based calculations have been carried out to elucidate the reason of ionic selectivity and enhanced Cs extraction efficiency of CC6 in the studied diluent systems. In addition to the ionic size-based selectivity of the crown-6 cavity, the polarity of the organic solvent system, the hydration energy of the ion, and the relative reorganization of CC6 upon complexation with Cs are understood to have roles in achieving the enhanced efficiency for the extraction of Cs by the CC6 extractant in nitrobenzene medium.

Separation scheme was developed for selective extraction of long-lived fission product ¹³⁷Cs using substituted calix crown 6 ether from aqueous acidic solution.

Revealing the Dynamic Process of Ion Pair Recognition by Calix[4]pyrrole: A Case Study of Cesium Chloride

Ion pair receptors based on meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (CP) have been extensively investigated over recent years. However, the nature of their ion pair recognition has barely been reported, even for CP itself. Herein, cesium chloride was used as a guest ion pair to investigate the dynamic process of ion pair recognition by CP, and the "capture-bind" mechanism for this process is proposed for the first time. The results reveal that Cs⁺ can be first captured by Cl^- at long distances, and then it is bound to the cavity through almost equal contributions of Cl^- and CP. Although the effective charge of Cl^- is obviously reduced by charge-transfer, the electrostatic interactions between Cl^- and Cs⁺ are still strong even at long distances in the presence of CP.

Development of effective potassium acetate extractant

Carboxylates are commonly used in the food and pharmaceutical industry and due to their extensive use, carboxylates present a significant environmental burden. In this context, valine based, heteroditopic receptor 1 was prepared and its ability to bind simultaneously potassium cation and acetate anion in water containing CH₃CN solutions was demonstrated. Under liquid–liquid extraction conditions the receptor 1 was capable of extracting hydrophilic AcOK salt from aqueous solution and was proved to be nearly ten times more effective than the equimolar mixture of monotopic receptors. Furthermore, compound 1 could extract one of the most popular nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, ibuprofen (IbuOK), from relatively dilute aqueous solutions.

Structurally simple, heteroditopic receptor is capable of extracting hydrophilic potassium acetate and other carboxylate salts from water to organic phase.

From Heteroditopic to Multitopic Receptors for Ion-Pair Recognition: Advances in Receptor Design and Applications

Ion-pair recognition has emerged from cation and anion recognition and become a diverse and active field in its own right. The last decade has seen significant advances in receptor design in terms of the types of binding motifs, understanding of cooperativity and increase in complexity from heteroditopic to multitopic receptors. As a result, attention has turned to applying this knowledge to the rational design of ion-pair receptors for applications in salt solubilisation and extraction, membrane transport and sensing. This Review highlights recent progress and developments in the design and applications of heteroditopic and multitopic receptors for ion-pair recognition.

Switch-On Diketopyrrolopyrrole-Based Chemosensors for Cations Possessing Lewis Acid Character

For the first time diketopyrrolopyrroles (DPPs) have been synthesized directly from nitriles possessing (aza)crown ethers leading to macrocycle-dye hybrids. Depending on the nature of the linkage between DPP and macrocyclic ring, various coordination effects are found. The strong interaction of the cations possessing Lewis acid character such as Li⁺ , Mg²⁺ and Zn²⁺ with 2-aminopyridin-4-yl-DPPs, leading to a bathochromic shift of both emission and absorption, as well as to strong enhancement of fluorescence was rationalized in terms of strong binding of these cations to the N=C-NR₂ functionality. The same effect has been observed for protonation. Depending on the size and the structure of the macrocyclic ring the complexation of cations by aza-crown ethers plays an important but secondary role. The interaction of Na⁺ and K⁺ with 2-aminopyridin-4-yl-DPPs leads to moderate enhancement of fluorescence due to the aza-crown ethers binding. The very weak fluorescence of DPP bearing 2-dialkylamino-pyridine-4-yl substituents is due to the closely lying T₂ state and the resulting intersystem crossing.

Heteroditopic receptor flexibility – an important design principle for effective ion pair extractants based on carboxylate studies

Potassium carboxylate salt binding and extraction experiments of a heteroditopic receptor series reveal that conformational freedom is an important factor affecting salt extraction efficiency.

Macrocyclic Pyridone Pentamers for Highly Selective High-Capacity Removal of Caesium Ions from Radioactive High-Salinity Waste

We report here that macrocyclic H-bonded pyridone pentamers, containing five properly and convergently spaced electron-rich O-atoms that decorate a rigid cavity of 2.85 Å across, exhibit an extraordinarily high yet pH-independent capacity and selectivity in Cs⁺ removal. In particular, with [host]=240 μM and [Cs⁺ ]=15 μM, a single extraction efficiently removes more than 91% of Cs⁺ ions from artificial sea water, containing various competitive metal ions at a total concentration of 0.68 M ([total Mⁿ⁺ ]/[Cs⁺ ]=4.5×10⁴ ]). To our best knowledge, these pyridone pentamers represent the best small organic molecule-based extractants that target Cs⁺ ions.

Enhancement of Ion Pairing of Sr(II) and Ba(II) Salts by a Tritopic Ion-Pair Receptor in Solution

Tritopic ion-pair receptors can bind bivalent salts in solution; yet, these salts have a tendency to form ion-pairs even in the absence of receptors. The extent to which such receptors can enhance ion pairing has however remained elusive. Here, we study ion pairing of M2+ (Ba2+ , Sr2+ ) and X- (I- , ClO4- ) in acetonitrile with and without a dichlorooxacalix[2]arene[2]triazine-related receptor containing a pentaethylene-glycol moiety. We find marked ion association already in receptor-free solutions. When present, most of the MX+ ion-pairs are bound to the receptor and the overall degree of ion association is enhanced due to coordinative, hydrogen-bonding, and anion-π interactions. The receptor shows higher selectivity for iodides but also stabilizes perchlorates, despite the latter are often considered as weakly coordinating anions. Our results show that ion-pair binding is strongly correlated to ion pairing in these solutions, thereby highlighting the importance of taking ion association in organic solvents into account.

Cesium Cation Complexation by a Flavin Receptor via Self-Assembly and Deprotonation

This study focuses on the self-assembly of a new flavin compound and its scaffolding function for a Cs+ ion. 7,8-Dimethyl-10-[4'-(methoxycarbonyl)phenyl]-isoalloxazine (FlH-MB) displays self-assembly in a DMSO solution and has strong dependence on the solvent. In the DMSO solution, both the resulting scaffold and the deprotonation of FlH-MB were demonstrated to induce complex formation with a Cs+ ion, which was investigated by UV-vis, 1H NMR, and fluorescence titrations. This complex formation involves both Coulombic and cation-π interactions through the Fl- site in an Fl--MB dimer.

Strapped calix[4]pyrroles: from syntheses to applications

Supramolecular chemistry is a central topic in modern chemistry. It touches on many traditional disciplines, such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, environmental chemistry, and biological chemistry. Supramolecular hosts, inter alia macrocyclic hosts, play critical roles in supramolecular chemistry. Calix[4]pyrroles, non-aromatic tetrapyrrolic macrocycles defined by sp³ hybridized meso bridges, have proved to be versatile receptors for neutral species, anions, and cations, as well as ion pairs. Compared to the parent system, octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole and its derivatives bearing simple appended functionalities, strapped calix[4]pyrroles typically display enhanced binding affinities and selectivities. In this review, we summarize advances in the design and synthesis of strapped calix[4]pyrroles, as well as their broad utility in molecular recognition, supramolecular extraction, separation technology, ion transport, and as agents capable of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Future challenges within this sub-field are also discussed.

Novel and Innovative Interface as Potential Active Layer in Chem-FET Sensor Devices for the Specific Sensing of Cs. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2019;11:47635-47641. [PMID: 31769645 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.9b18188] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

An innovative novel interface has been designed and developed to be used as a potential active layer in chemically sensitive field-effect transistor (Chem-FET) sensor devices for the specific sensing of Cs⁺. In this study, the synthesis of a specific Cs⁺ probe based on calix[4]arene benzocrown ether, its photophysical properties, and its grafting onto a single lipid monolayer (SLM) recently used as an efficient ultrathin organic dielectric in Chem-FETs are reported simultaneously. On the basis of both optical and NMR titration experiments, the probe has shown high selectivity and specificity for Cs⁺ compared to interfering cations, even if an admixture is used. Additionally, Attenuated Total Reflectance Fourier Transform Infra Red (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy was successfully used to characterize and prove the efficient grafting of the probe onto a SLM and the formation of the innovative novel sensing layer.

Macrocycles as Ion Pair Receptors

Cation and anion recognition have both played central roles in the development of supramolecular chemistry. Much of the associated research has focused on the development of receptors for individual cations or anions, as well as their applications in different areas. Rarely is complexation of the counterions considered. In contrast, ion pair recognition chemistry, emerging from cation and anion coordination chemistry, is a specific research field where co-complexation of both anions and cations, so-called ion pairs, is the center of focus. Systems used for the purpose, known as ion pair receptors, are typically di- or polytopic hosts that contain recognition sites for both cations and anions and which permit the concurrent binding of multiple ions. The field of ion pair recognition has blossomed during the past decades. Several smaller reviews on the topic were published roughly 5 years ago. They provided a summary of synthetic progress and detailed the various limiting ion recognition modes displayed by both acyclic and macrocyclic ion pair receptors known at the time. The present review is designed to provide a comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the chemistry of macrocycle-based ion pair receptors. We specifically focus on the relationship between structure and ion pair recognition, as well as applications of ion pair receptors in sensor development, cation and anion extraction, ion transport, and logic gate construction.

New dimensions in calix[4]pyrrole: the land of opportunity in supramolecular chemistry

The quest for receptors endowed with the selective complexation and detection of negatively charged species continues to receive substantial consideration within the scientific community worldwide. This study is encouraged by the utilization of anions in nature in a plethora of biological systems such as chloride channels and proteins and as polyanions for genetic information. The molecular recognition of anionic species is greatly interesting in terms of their favourable interactions. In this comprehensive review, in addition to giving accounts of some selected syntheses, we illustrated diverse applications ranging from molecular containers to ion transporters and drug carriers of a supramolecular receptor named calix[4]pyrrole. We believe that the present review may act as a catalyst in enhancing the novel applications of calix[4]pyrrole and its congeners in the other dimensions of science and technology.

The quest for receptors endowed with the selective complexation and detection of negatively charged species continues to receive substantial consideration within the scientific community worldwide.

Site-selective cation–π interaction as a way of selective recognition of the caesium cation using sumanene-functionalized ferrocenes

Ferrocene–sumanene conjugates were applied for the selective binding of the caesium cation employing the site-selective cation–π interaction phenomenon.

A non-multimacrocyclic heteroditopic receptor that cooperatively binds and effectively extracts KAcO salt

Prepared in only three synthetic steps, a non-multimacrocyclic heteroditopic receptor binds potassium salts of halides and carboxylates with unusually high cooperativity, suggesting salt binding as associated ion-pairs. Unprecedented extraction of highly hydrophilic KAcO salt from water to organic solution is also demonstrated.

Selective Anion Extraction and Recovery Using a FeII4 L4 Cage

Selective anion extraction is useful for the recovery and purification of valuable chemicals, and in the removal of pollutants from the environment. Here we report that Fe^II₄L₄ cage 1 is able to extract an equimolar amount of ReO₄⁻, a high‐value anion and a nonradioactive surrogate of TcO₄⁻, from water into nitromethane. Importantly, the extraction was efficiently performed even in the presence of 10 other common anions in water, highlighting the high selectivity of 1 for ReO₄⁻. The extracted guest could be released into water as the cage disassembled in ethyl acetate, and then 1 could be recycled by switching the solvent to acetonitrile. The versatile solubility of the cage also enabled complete extraction of ReO₄⁻ (as the tetrabutylammonium salt) from an organic phase into water by using the sulfate salt of 1 as the extractant.

Functionalised tetrathiafulvalene- (TTF-) macrocycles: recent trends in applied supramolecular chemistry

Tetrathiafulvalene- (TTF-) based macrocyclic systems, cages and supramolecularly self-assembled 3D constructs have been extensively explored as functional materials for sensing and switching applications.

An ion-pair receptor comprising urea groups and N-benzyl-aza-18-crown-6: effective recognition and liquid–liquid extraction of KCl salt

Heteroditopic ion-pair receptor that contains two urea groups and N-benzyl-18-crown-6 is shown to effectively recognizes and extracts KCl salt.

A Bimodal, Cationic, and Water-Soluble Calix[4]arene Conjugate: Design, Synthesis, Characterization, and Transfection of Red Fluorescent Protein Encoded Plasmid in Cancer Cells

A new bimodal fluorescent cationic calix[4]arene (L1) conjugate has been synthesized in multiple steps and well characterized by NMR and electrospray ionization-mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) techniques. L1 has been investigated for its DNA binding ability by various spectroscopy techniques like absorption, fluorescence, and circular dichroism (CD). The formation of L1-DNA complex has been confirmed by the gel electrophoresis in the presence of incremental concentration of L1. To visualize the packing of the plasmid (pBR322), detailed tapping mode atomic force microscopy study has been performed, which revealed blob-like structure of plasmid upon addition of the incremental amount of L1. Concentration dependent transfection ability of L1 has been established in MCF-7 cells by confocal microscopy by carrying the red fluorescent protein (RFP) encoded plasmid pCMV-tdTomato-N1 to emit both intrinsic fluorescence of L1 as well as that from RFP. All this has been possible in the absence of any adjuvant phospholipids (DOPE) that are commonly used as helper. Further transfection efficiency of L1 has been compared with the commercially available lipofectamine (LTX) in two cancer cell lines, MCF 7 and SH-SY5Y, and found that the L1 is as efficient as that of LTX. Hence, L1 is an efficient and effective cargo to transport genetic material into the cells.

Experimental Studies on A New Fluorescent Ensemble of Calix[4]pyrrole and Its Sensing Performance in the Film State

The supramolecular approach plays a pivotal role in the construction of smart and functional materials due to the reversible nature of noncovalent interactions. In the present work, two compounds, cholesterol-functionalized calix[4]pyrrole (CCP) and perylene bisimide diacid (PDA), were synthesized. Little fluorescence is observed in the ethanol solution of the mixture of CCP and PDA, while the solution turns fluorescent upon introduction of ammonia, which is attributed to the formation of a supramolecular ensemble, PDA/(CCP)₂/NH₃. The fluorescence emission of the as-formed ensemble is sensitive to the presence of phenol, an electron-rich analyte. Interestingly, the sensing can also be observed in the film state, and the relevant detection limit (DL) is lower than 1 ppb. Moreover, the sensing could also be performed in a visualized manner. Upon the basis of the findings, a sensor device with instant response and good reversibility was developed. Further studies revealed that the as-developed fluorescent ensemble is also sensitive to the presence of TNT, an electron-poor compound. The DL for this sensing is ∼80 nM. To our knowledge, this is the first report that a fluorescent sensor could be used for phenol sensing in the vapor state, and for sensing of both electron-rich and electron-poor analytes in solution state. It is believed that the present study presents a distinctive example that demonstrates how smart sensing is realized via combination of the host-guest chemistry of calix[4]pyrrole and the aggregation and disaggregation property of PBI derivatives.

Development of Ion Chemosensors Based on Porphyrin Analogues

Sensing of metal ions and anions is of great importance because of their widespread distribution in environmental systems and biological processes. Colorimetric and fluorescent chemosensors based on organic molecular species have been demonstrated to be effective for the detection of various ions and possess the significant advantages of low cost, high sensitivity, and convenient implementation. Of the available classes of organic molecules, porphyrin analogues possess inherently many advantageous features, making them suitable for the design of ion chemosensors, with the targeted sensing behavior achieved and easily modulated based on their following characteristics: (1) NH moieties properly disposed for binding of anions through cooperative hydrogen-bonding interactions; (2) multiple pyrrolic N atoms or other heteroatoms for selectively chelating metal ions; (3) variability of macrocycle size and peripheral substitution for modulation of ion selectivity and sensitivity; and (4) tunable near-infrared emission and good biocompatibility. In this Review, design strategies, sensing mechanisms, and sensing performance of ion chemosensors based on porphyrin analogues are described by use of extensive examples. Ion chemosensors based on normal porphyrins and linear oligopyrroles are also briefly described. This Review provides valuable information for researchers of related areas and thus may inspire the development of more practical and effective approaches for designing high-performance ion chemosensors based on porphyrin analogues and other relevant compounds.

Pb, Sr and Ba calix[6]arene hexacarboxylic acid octahedral complexation: a dramatic effect of dealkylation

Calix[6]arene hexacarboxylic acid binds instantly and with low symmetry to Pb, Sr and Ba. Later a highly symmetric up-down alternating conformation emerges. The solution structures are identical to their p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene hexacarboxylic acid counterparts. With either receptor an octahedral cage is formed around the metal. The transformation from low to high symmetry however proceeds at significantly faster rates for the de-t-butylated host.

Ion-pair recognition of amidinium salts by partially hydrogen-bonded heteroditopic cyclo[6]aramide

Convergent heteroditopic cyclo[6]aramide is able to serve as ion-pair receptor for binding biologically important types of amidinium hydrochlorides as contact ion pair through host–guest interactions.

Multicavity macrocyclic hosts

Multicavity macrocyclic hosts are host molecules comprising more than one macrocyclic guest binding components connected through multipoint linkages.

Ion pair-induced conformational motion in calix[4]arene-strapped calix[4]pyrroles

In order to understand the still-poorly understood interplay between calix[4]arene conformations and cation and anion recognition in multicomponent systems, the ion pair receptors 1 and 2 were synthesized. In solution and in the solid state, the calix[4]arene subunit of receptor 1 adopts a cone conformation, while that of 2 interconverts between the cone and the partial cone conformation. These geometric features differ from previous systems where the calix[4]arene moiety was locked in the 1,3-alternate conformation. A combination of 1H NMR spectroscopic analyses and single crystal X-ray diffraction studies reveal that receptor 1 binds the fluoride and the chloride anion via significantly different binding modes, displaying, for instance, 1 : 1 and 2 : 3 binding stoichiometries with CsF and CsCl, respectively. In the case of 2, the conformation of the calix[4]arene constituent of 2 is highly dependent on the size and quantity of anions present. For example, upon treatment of 2 with the fluoride anion (as both the TBA+ and Cs+ salts), the calix[4]arene unit coexists as cone and partial cone conformers that are inter-convertible. In the presence of excess CsF, the aromatic rings of the calix[4]arene subunit becomes locked in the pinched cone conformation with the result that an ion pair-mediated coordination polymer is formed. In the presence of excess CsCl, the calix[4]arene unit of 2 adopts only the partial cone conformation stabilized by aryl CH-anion hydrogen bonding interactions. The present systems constitute a rare set of related receptors wherein the effects of conformational changes are so tightly coupled with ion recognition.

Cooperative ion pair recognition by multitopic l-ornithine based salt receptors

The development of l-ornithine based multitopic receptors allowed us to obtain an effective and selective salt receptor.

Selective recognition and extraction of KBr via cooperative interactions with a urea functionalized crown ether dual-host

Selective solid–liquid extraction of KBr is demonstrated for the first time with a crown ether based pentafluorophenyl urea functionalised dual-host receptor.

Ion pair binding by an l-tyrosine-based polymerizable molecular receptor

A polymerizable molecular receptor able to bind ion pairs and new functional polymers containing the receptor units were synthesized and characterized.

Elucidating the structures and cooperative binding mechanism of cesium salts to the multitopic ion-pair receptor through density functional theory calculations

Quantum chemical studies predict the binding of Cesium salts to multitopic ion-pair receptor is through cooperative mechanism.

Fluorescent metal ion chemosensors via cation exchange reactions of complexes, quantum dots, and metal–organic frameworks

Overview of a new paradigm in the design of fluorescent chemosensors for detecting metal ions via cation exchange reactions of complexes, quantum dots, and metal–organic frameworks.