A Synthetic Receptor Selective for Citrate

Abstract

Applied molecular recognition—strong and selective binding of citrate in highly competitive media such as water and orange juice is reported. Five steps are enough to synthesize receptor 1 that is complementary in charge and shape of citrate. Electrostatic interactions and a network of hydrogen bonds, preorganized by steric effects, are the design principles responsible for the binding of receptor and citrate [Eq. (a)].