Binding Sugars in Water Inside Molecular Temples
92 Pages Posted: 23 Apr 2021 Publication Status: Review Complete
More...Abstract
The development of synthetic receptors that recognize carbohydrates in water with high selectivity and specificity is challenging on account of their structural complexity and strong hydrophilicity. Here, we report on the design and synthesis of two pyrene-based, temple receptors for the recognition of a range of common sugars in water. These receptors rely on the use of two parallel pyrene panels, which serve as roofs and floors, capable of forming multiple [C–H•••π] interactions with the axially oriented C–H bonds on glycolpyranosyl rings in the carbohydrate-based substrates. In addition, 8 polarized pyridinium C–H bonds, projecting from the roofs and floors of the temple receptors toward the binding cavities, form [C–H•••O] hydrogen bonds with the equatorially oriented OH groups on the sugars located inside the hydrophobic cavities. Four para -xylylene pillars play a crucial role in controlling the distance between the roof and floor. These temple receptors are highly selective for the binding of glucose and its derivatives. Furthermore, they show enhanced fluorescence upon binding with glucose in water, a property which could be integrated into glucose-sensing devices.
Keywords: Carbohydrates, Cyclophanes, [C–H•••π] Interactions, Fluorescence, Hydrogen Bonding, Molecular Cages, Molecular Modeling, Sensing.
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