Molecular freaky Friday: Polarity reversal and resorcin[4]arenes as chloride receptors

Resorcin[4]arenes, as well as other electron-rich macrocyclic molecules, have long been studied for their utility as cation binders. In this issue of Chem, Szumna and co-workers show that through straightforward synthetic modifications, resorcin[4]arenes can be transformed into potent anion binders with record-breaking dipole moments for a neutral molecule. Resorcin[4]arenes, as well as other electron-rich macrocyclic molecules, have long been studied for their utility as cation binders. In this issue of Chem, Szumna and co-workers show that through straightforward synthetic modifications, resorcin[4]arenes can be transformed into potent anion binders with record-breaking dipole moments for a neutral molecule. Supramolecular umpolung: Converting electron-rich resorcin[4]arenes into potent CH-bonding anion receptors and transportersAbdurakhmanova et al.ChemMarch 27, 2024In BriefBecause of the technological and biological relevance of anions, their receptors and transporters are of great interest in various fields. This study introduces a paradigm shift in design, presenting the traditionally cation-focused resorcin[4]arenes as versatile anion receptors and efficient chloride transporters with remarkable performance in water-rich environments. The design is based on the generation of a large dipole moment, which concentrates the electrostatic potential in a buried binding site, and a seemingly trivial substitution with alkyl chains, which endows the receptors with anion transport capability. Full-Text PDF Open Access