A ‘toothpaste tube’ model for ion transport through trans-membrane channels
Abstract
The X-ray crystal structure of the 2 : 1 Na+ complex of the hexahomooxacalix[3]arene diethylamide derivative 1b shows capsular and nesting inclusion of the two Na+ cations suggesting a mechanism by which Na+ and K+ ions are desolvated and pass through biological ion channels.