Two-component self-assembly of a tetra-guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole cation and Na4EDTA: formation of pH switchable supramolecular networks

Abstract

A guanidiniocarbonyl pyrrole (GCP) cation forms stable H-bond assisted ion pairs with carboxylates even in aqueous solutions. A tetra GCP cation 1 undergoes efficient two-component self-assembly with Na₄EDTA, a tetra-carboxylate, leading to 3D supramolecular networks. These networks show dual pH responsiveness and reversibly dissociate back into monomers upon addition of either acid or base.