Metal-ion complexation by a new urea macrocyclophane

Abstract

A challenge in the biosensor area is to create artificial receptors capable of reversible binding with biological target analytes. Here we present the design, synthesis and characterization of a fluorescent urea macrocyclophane (2) which forms complexes with Zn^III and Cd^II ions. The metal-binding activity was characterized by fluorescence, FAB and FTIR analysis. The Zn^II–2 complex is a tetrahedral tetracoordinated system involving two macrocyclophane molecules and one Zn^II ion.