Pyrrole N-H anion complexes

Synthetic pyrrole-based anion receptors date back to the 1990s. They have been extensively developed in the context of macrocyclic systems such as expanded porphyrins and calixpyrroles, and related systems. The chemistry of open-chain pyrrolic systems is, in many respects, no less venerable. It also has more direct analogy to naturally occurring pyrrole-based anion binding motifs. However, it has not been the subject of a comprehensive review. Presented herein is a summary of efforts devoted to the creation of de novo pyrrole-based receptors, as well as the anion recognition chemistry of naturally occurring pyrrolic systems as prodigiosins and their synthetic analogues.