Protonation and Anion Binding Properties of Aromatic Bis‐Urea Derivatives—Comprehending the Proton Transfer

Abstract A series of aromatic bis‐urea derivatives was prepared and their proton dissociation, as well as anion binding properties in DMSO were investigated. To this end, UV/Vis and 1 H NMR spectroscopies and computational methods were employed. The synthesized molecules differed in the relative position of the urea moieties ( ortho ‐ and meta ‐derivatives) and in the functional groups (−H, −CH 3 , −OCH 3 , −NO 2 ) in the para ‐position of the pendant phenyl groups. Remarkably high acidities of the compounds (log K 1 H ≈14), were ascribed primarily to the stabilizing effect of the aromatic subunits. Quantum chemical calculations corroborated the conclusions drawn from experimental data and provided information from the structural point of view. Knowledge regarding protonation properties proved to be essential for reliable quantitative determination of anion binding affinities. Studied receptors were selective for acetate and dihydrogen phosphate among several anions. Formation of their complexes of 1:1 and 1:2 (ligand/anion) stoichiometries was quantitatively characterized. Proton transfer was taken into account in the course of data analysis, which was especially important in the case of AcO − . ortho ‐Receptors were proven to be more efficient acetate binders, achieving coordination with all four NH groups. The meta ‐analogues preferred dihydrogen phosphate, which acted as both hydrogen bond donor and acceptor. Cooperative binding was detected in the case of 1:2 H 2 PO 4 − complexes, which was assigned to formation of interanionic hydrogen bonds.