Squaramide-based tripodal receptors for selective recognition of sulfate anion

Abstract

Squaramide-based tripodal anion receptors have been prepared and their anion binding properties with various inorganic anions were investigated. Receptor formed a dimeric complex in solid state and a 1 : 1 complex in solution with SO(4)(2-). All receptors could selectively encapsulate SO(4)(2-)via hydrogen bonds over other examined anions.