Voltammetric and NMR studies of a bis(ferrocenecarboxamide)-substituted diaza 18-crown-6 receptor that simultaneously complexes and electrochemically recognises both cations and anions

Abstract

Voltammetric and NMR investigations of a bis(ferrocenecarboxamide)-substituted diaza 18-crown-6 receptor in an aprotic environment have been carried out. This receptor molecule can complex metal cations or anions individually and can accommodate both a cation and anion. The binding of anions is significantly enhanced by the presence of a bound metal cation, with selectivity for HSO₄^– over Cl^–. The receptor is capable of electrochemically recognising the complexed anions, cations and anion/cation pairs.