Synthesis and anion recognition properties of pyrrole-bearing acyclic receptors

A new series of acyclic receptors (1-4) were designed for their far-ranging application in anion recognition. The experimental results indicated that these receptors formed 1:1 complexes with anionic guests through multi-hydrogen bonds. Interestingly, receptor 1 turns out to be a very good anion receptor with remarkably high preference in binding fluoride anion.