A superior and accessible cavitand receptor for the binding of monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes in water

Abstract

A water-soluble receptor based on resorcin[4]arene featuring 8 solubilising carboxylate units (BC4) has been obtained in a straightforward manner without chromatographic purifications. BC4 is soluble in water in a wide range of pH, and is able to accommodate guests of different sizes and shapes, including monoterpenes and sesquiterpenes, providing enhanced binding capabilities with respect to previously reported analogues. The molecular recognition events within BC4 are sensitive to subtle changes in guest shape and size, as illustrated by disparate exchange kinetics observed among the guests tested.