Application of Rigidity‐Controlled Supramolecular Affinity Materials for the Gravimetric Detection of Hazardous and Illicit Compounds

The combination of an (-)-isosteviol-derived building block and 9,9'-spirobifluorene or tetraphenylmethane generated highly potent new affinity materials for the detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Comparison of their affinity behaviour with different core structures showed remarkable influence on selectivity and sensitivity due to structural rigidity and their pre-organization. Their unique supramolecular properties were investigated in an affinity assay using high fundamental frequency quartz crystal microbalances.