Recognition of hydrophilic molecules in deep cavitand hosts with water-mediated hydrogen bonds
Hua-Wei Guan, Yu‐Jie Zhu, Joannes Peters, Oriana Brea, Fahmi Himo, Julius Rebek, Yang Yu
Abstract
A new supramolecular system was constructed based on water-mediated hydrogen bonding between a benzimidazole functionalized host, water and guest. Intriguingly, these hosts can recognize small hydrophilic guests in water through the synergistic action of water-mediated hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic effects.
Topics & Concepts
CavitandHydrogen bondSupramolecular chemistryChemistryBenzimidazoleMoleculeHydrophobic effectDeep waterCombinatorial chemistryOrganic chemistryMarine engineeringEngineeringSupramolecular Chemistry and ComplexesMolecular Sensors and Ion DetectionCrystallography and molecular interactions