Na(I) binding by tartaric acid derivatives

The abilities of two readily available tartaric acid derivatives to bind Na+ have been evaluated using NMR Job plots and titrations. Dimethyl tartrate exhibits 1:1 binding while dipyrrolidine tartramide exhibits 2:1 binding. In contrast, the crystal structure of the dipyrrolidine tartramide complex of NaI shows a 1:1 binding stoichiometry.