A Rationally Designed NH4+ Receptor Based on Cation-π Interaction and Hydrogen Bonding

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2001 Jun 1;40(11):2116-2119. doi: 10.1002/1521-3773(20010601)40:11<2116::AID-ANIE2116>3.0.CO;2-M.

Abstract

A cage-type receptor binds an NH4+ ion by cation-π interactions and hydrogen bonding with high sensitivity and selectivity, comparable or even superior to those of the natural antibiotic nonactin over a wide pH range. The high performance, low cost, and easy synthesis may offer practical applications for this receptor as an ammonium ion sensor.

Keywords: ammonium ion; hydrogen bonds; molecular recognition; pi interactions; supramolecular chemistry.