Tetrakis(imidazolium) macrocyclic receptors for anion binding

• DOI: 10.1039/b510068b
• Publication Date: 2005-10-31T11:29:38Z
• Authors: Wallace W. H. Wong; Matthew S. Vickers; Andrew R. Cowley; Rowena L. Paul; Paul D. Beer
• Keywords: Proton NMR

New (tetrakis)imidazolium macrocyclic receptor systems of variable cavity size have been synthesised by stepwise alkylation reactions bis(imidazolium) precursor compounds. Proton NMR titration studies reveal the macrocycles to strongly bind halide and benzoate anions, with two displaying notable selectivity for fluoride in competitive acetonitrile–water (9 : 1) solvent media.