Rugby-Ball-Shaped Sulfate−Water−Sulfate Adduct Encapsulated in a Neutral Molecular Receptor Capsule

Abstract

We report a tren-based tris(urea) receptor molecule that shows preferential binding with sulfate/phosphate anions. The receptor acts as a neutral molecular capsule, within which a unique sulfate-(H(2)O)(3)-sulfate adduct is encapsulated.