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The work represents a rare example of an aza-crown-based macrocyclic chemosensor, H 2 DTC (H 2 DTC = 1,16-dihydroxy-tetraaza-30-crown-8) for the selective detection of both Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ in HEPES buffer medium (pH 7.4). H 2 DTC exhibits a fluorescence response for both Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ ions. The reversibility of the chemosensor in its binding with Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ ions is also examined using a Na 2 EDTA solution. H 2 DTC exhibits a chelation-enhanced fluorescence (CHEF) effect in the presence of Zn 2+ ions and a quenching effect (CHEQ) in the presence of paramagnetic Cu 2+ ions. Furthermore, the geometry and spectral properties of H 2 DTC and the chemosensor bound to Zn 2+ have been studied by DFT and TDDFT calculations. The limit of detection (LOD) values are 0.11 × 10 -9 and 0.27 × 10 -9 M for Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ , respectively. The formation constants for the Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ complexes have been measured by pH-potentiometry in 0.15 M NaCl in 70:30 (v:v) water:ethanol at 298.1 K. UV-vis absorption and fluorometric spectral data and pH-potentiometric titrations indicate 1:1 and 2:1 metal:chemosensor species. In the solid state H 2 DTC is able to accommodate up to four metal ions, as proved by the crystal structures of the complexes [Zn 4 ( DTC )(OH) 2 (NO 3 ) 4 ] ( 1 ) and {[Cu 4 ( DTC) (OCH 3 ) 2 (NO 3 ) 4 ]·H 2 O} n ( 2 ). H 2 DTC can be used as a potential chemosensor for monitoring Zn 2+ and Cu 2+ ions in biological and environmental media with outstanding accuracy and precision. The propensity of H 2 DTC to detect intracellular Cu 2+ and Zn 2+ ions in the triple negative human breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-468 and in HeLa cells has been determined by fluorescence cell imaging.

Capitalizing on a recently reported iminosugar-based aza-crown (ISAC) accessed by a double Staudinger azaWittig coupling reaction, we have expanded the structural diversity of this new family of sweet cyclam analogs. Replacement of the two secondary amines linking the iminosugar units by two amide bonds obtained a cyclodimerization by with BOP and DIPEA led to a macrocycle that did not demonstrate efficient Zn 2+ chelation unlike the parent ISAC. Introduction of two pyrene moieties on the secondary amines of the parent ISAC yielded a new fluoroionophore that selectively binds Hg 2+ in methanol., (Copyright © 2021 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.)

Confinement and crowding have been shown to affect protein fates, including folding, functional stability, and their interactions with self and other proteins. Using both theoretical and experimental studies, researchers have established the independent effects of confinement or crowding, but only a few studies have explored their effects in combination; therefore, their combined impact on protein fates is still relatively unknown. Here, we investigated the combined effects of confinement and crowding on protein stability using the pores of agarose hydrogels as a confining agent and the biopolymer, dextran, as a crowding agent. The addition of dextran further stabilized the enzymes encapsulated in agarose; moreover, the observed increases in enhancements (due to the addition of dextran) exceeded the sum of the individual enhancements due to confinement and crowding. These results suggest that even though confinement and crowding may behave differently in how they influence protein fates, these conditions may be combined to provide synergistic benefits for protein stabilization. In summary, our study demonstrated the successful use of polymer-based platforms to advance our understanding of how in vivo like environments impact protein function and structure.

Surface modification has been proven to be an effective approach for ion exchange membranes to achieve separation of counterions with different valences by altering interfacial construction of membranes to improve ion transfer performance. In this work, we have fabricated a series of novel cation exchange membranes (CEMs) by modifying sulfonated polysulfone (SPSF) membranes via codeposition of mussel-inspired dopamine (DA) and 4'-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 (ACE), followed by glutaraldehyde cross-linking, aiming at achieving selective separation of specific cations. The as-prepared membranes before and after modification were systematically characterized in terms of their structural, physicochemical, electrochemical, and electrodialytic properties. In the electrodialysis process, the modified membranes exhibit distinct perm selectivity to K + ions in binary (K + /Li + , K + /Na + , K + /Mg 2+ ) and ternary (K + /Li + /Mg 2+ ) systems. In particular, at a constant current density of 5.0 mA·cm -2 , modified membrane M-co-0.50 shows significantly prominent perm selectivity [Formula: see text] in the K + /Mg 2+ system and M-co-0.75 exhibits remarkable performance in the K + /Li + system [Formula: see text], superior to commercial monovalent-selective CEM (CIMS, [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text]). Besides, in the K + /Li + /Mg 2+ ternary system, K + flux reaches 30.8 nmol·cm -2 ·s -1 for M-co-0.50, while it reaches 25.8 nmol·cm -2 ·s -1 for CIMS. It possibly arises from the effects of pore-size sieving and the synergistic action of electric field driving and host-guest molecular recognition of ACE and K + ions. This study can provide new insights into the separation of specific alkali metal ions, especially on reducing influence of coexisting cations K + and Na + on Li + ion recovery from salt lake and seawater.

G-quadruplexes (GQs), spatial assemblies of guanine-rich DNA strands, play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and chromosome stabilization. These structures are recognized to be useful in cancer therapies as the presence of multiple G-quadruplexes in a telomeric strand stops cancer cell proliferation. Metallacrowns of the type 12-MC-4 form planar structures that have remarkable similarity to G-tetrads in terms of dimension, shape and the ability to bind alkali metal and lanthanide cations in a central cavity. The interaction between the Sm(iii)[12-MC Ga(III)shi -4] (SmMC) metallacrown (MC) and human telomeric G-quadruplex structures was examined using several methods including CD titrations, CD melting temperatures, fluorescence titration of SmMC with GQ/Na + , fluorescence intercalator displacement (FID) assays and methods measuring the MC quenching effect on the Tb 3+ /GQ luminescence. It was proven that the studied metallacrown acted as a sensing probe and interacted with quadruplex DNA. The Stern-Volmer quenching constant (K as ) of Tb 3+ /GQ luminescence was calculated to be 3.9 × 10 5 M -1 . The binding constant using the indirect FID method gave the result of 1.3 × 10 5 M -1 . CD melting temperature experiments reveal the following pattern - the higher the concentration of the complex the lower the registered T m for quadruplex DNA, which indicates a destabilizing effect of SmMC at higher GQ : MC ratios. These data implicate a shape and size selective interaction between MCs and GQs that may be exploited for telomere detection.

We report a combined approach that introduces the use of 4-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 (4AB15C5) for the detection of ferric(III) ions by colorimetric, ultraviolet (UV)-visible light absorption, fluorescence, and live-cell imaging techniques along with density functional theory (DFT) calculations. We have found that 4AB15C5 is sensitive and selective for binding ferric(III) ions in aqueous solutions. DFT calculations using the polarizable continuum model have been used to explain the strong binding of the ferric ion by 4AB15C5 in aqueous solutions. The detection limit in the fluorescence quenching measurements was found to be as low as 50 μM for the ferric ion with a determined Stern-Volmer constant of 1.52 × 10 4  M -1 . Fluorescence intensity did not change for other ions tested, Fe 2 + , Co 2 + , Mn 2 + , Mg 2 + , Zn 2 + , Ca 2 + , NH 4 + , Na + , and K + ions. Live-cell fluorescence imaging was also used to check the intracellular variations in ferric ion levels. Our spectroscopic data indicated that 4AB15C5 can bind ferric ions selectively in aqueous solutions., (Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.)

Several N,N'-bis(n-alkyl-4,13-diaza[18]crown-6) lariat ethers were found to significantly enhance the potency of rifampicin and tetracycline, but not erythromycin and kanamycin, against the non-pathogenic DH5α and K-12 strains of Escherichia coli when administered at levels below their minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs). The enhancements in antibiotic potency observed for the lariat ethers ranged from three- to 20-fold, depending on the strain of E. coli, the antibiotic, and the lengths of the alkyl chains attached at the macroring nitrogen atoms. The dialkyl lariat ethers, previously thought to only be cation carriers, formed well-behaved, ion-conducting pores in soybean asolectin membranes, as judged by planar bilayer conductance measurements. The ability of lariat ethers to form stable pores, which appeared to be aggregated, depended in part on alkyl chain length and in part on the composition of the bilayer membrane in which they were studied., (© 2016 Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

In 2008, we reported a new class of pillar-shaped macrocyclic hosts, known as "pillar[n]arenes". Today, pillar[n]arenes are recognized as key players in supramolecular chemistry because of their facile synthesis, unique pillar shape, versatile functionality, interesting host-guest properties, and original supramolecular assembly characteristics, which have resulted in numerous electrochemical and biomedical material applications. In this Review, we have provided historical background to macrocyclic chemistry, followed by a detailed discussion of the fundamental properties of pillar[n]arenes, including their synthesis, structure, and host-guest properties. Furthermore, we have discussed the applications of pillar[n]arenes to materials science, as well as their applications in supramolecular chemistry, in terms of their fundamental properties. Finally, we have described the future perspectives of pillar[n]arene chemistry. We hope that this Review will provide a useful reference for researchers working in the field and inspire discoveries concerning pillar[n]arene chemistry.

Cesium templated Staudinger-aza-Wittig tandem reaction (S.A.W.) has been used in the synthesis of a bis-diazacrown-bis-cellobiosyl-tetra-ureido cryptand. A novel macrotricyclic compound having a "cone-shaped" configuration was selectively obtained. Additionally, first results on potential recognition properties of the cryptand are also given., (Copyright © 2015 Académie Nationale de Pharmacie. Published by Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.)

Interactions of the G-quadruplex (GQ) DNA with two pentacoordinate lanthanide (III) metallacrown (MC) complexes containing phenylalanine hydroxamic acid (pheHA) and copper(II) ions of the formula Eu 15-[MCCu,pheHA]-5 (1) and Tb 15-[MCCu,pheHA]-5 (2) were investigated. Binding of both metallacrowns to human telomeric G-quadruplex DNA was followed using CD spectroscopy, DNA melting profiles, and fluorescent intercalator displacement (FID) assay. A new G-quadruplex binding assay based of quenching of Tb(III)-GQ luminescence was proposed and evaluated. All performed tests confirmed interactions of MCs with studied GQ structure. Binding affinities of MCs were appreciable (KMC ~2-5×10(5)M(-1)). Higher concentration of MCs (the ratio of GQ:MC above 2.5) caused destabilization of tetraplex structure of GQ as evidenced by CD spectroscopy, melting temperatures, and Tb(III)-GQ luminescence quenching results., (Copyright © 2015 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)

In living systems, ion conduction plays a major role in numerous cellular processes and can be controlled by biological ion channels in response to specific environmental stimuli. This article describes biomimetic ionic gates for ion conduction based on sodium and potassium activated nanochannels. The Na(+) activated ionic gate and K(+) activated ionic gate were developed by immobilizing the alkali metal cation-responsive functional molecules, 4'-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 and 4'-aminobenzo-18-crown-6, respectively, onto the conical polyimide nanochannels. When the ionic gate was in the presence of the specific alkali metal cation, positively charged complexes formed between the crown ether and the alkali metal cation. On the basis of the resulting changes in surface charge, wettability and effective pore size, the nanochannel can achieve reversible switching. The switching behaviors of the two complexes differed due to the differences in binding strength between the two complexes. The Na(+) activated ionic gate is able to open and close to control the ion conduction through the nanochannel, and the K(+) activated ionic gate enables selective cation and anion conduction through the nanochannel. The Na(+) and K(+) activated ionic gates show great promise for use in clinical medicine, biosensors and drug delivery based on their high sensitivity and selectivity of being activated, and good stability.

We report here a series of heteroatom-substituted macrocycles containing an anthraquinone moiety as a fluorescent signaling unit and a cyclic polyheteroether chain as the receptor. Sulfur, selenium, and tellurium derivatives of 1,8-anthraquinone-18-crown-5 (1) were synthesized by reacting sodium sulfide (Na2S), sodium selenide (Na2Se) and sodium telluride (Na2Te) with 1,8-bis(2-bromoethylethyleneoxy)anthracene-9,10-dione in a 1 : 1 ratio. The optical properties of the new compounds are examined and the sulfur and selenium analogues produce an intense green emission enhancement upon association with Pb(II) in acetonitrile. Selectivity for Pb(II) is markedly improved as compared to the oxygen analogue 1 which was also competitive for Ca(II) ion. UV-Visible and luminescence titrations reveal that 2 and 3 form 1 : 1 complexes with Pb(II), confirmed by single-crystal X-ray studies where Pb(II) is complexed within the macrocycle through coordinate covalent bonds to neighboring carbonyl, ether and heteroether donor atoms. Cyclic voltammetry of 2-8 showed classical, irreversible oxidation potentials for sulfur, selenium and tellurium heteroethers in addition to two one-electron reductions for the anthraquinone carbonyl groups. DFT calculations were also conducted on 1, 2, 3, 6, 6 + Pb(II) and 6 + Mg(II) to determine the trend in energies of the HOMO and the LUMO levels along the series.

A thiacalix[4]crown based di-topic receptor 3 possessing two types of binding sites viz. crown-5 ring and imino moieties has been synthesized which undergoes fluorescence enhancement in the presence of Zn(2+) ions. The selective binding of Zn(2+) to compound 3 does not allow the K(+) ions to bind with the crown-5 ring and thus a negative allosteric behaviour has been observed between Zn(2+)/K(+) ions. In addition, the 3-Zn(2+) complex can be used for the detection of H2PO4(-) ions with a fluorescence "turn-off" response. Furthermore, based on the fluorescence response, a two input and one output sequential logic circuit has been constructed.

Daphenylline, a novel daphniphyllum alkaloid, boasts a fused and bridging ring system coupled with six stereogenic centers. Here we present a direct and short construction of the ACDE ring system of daphenylline from the known 3-(2-bromophenyl)propanal in 10 steps and 17 % overall yield. The synthesis features an iron(III)-catalyzed aza-Cope-Mannich reaction, a self-terminating 6-exo-trig aryl radical-alkene cyclization and an intramolecular Friedel-Crafts acylation., (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Interactions of different hydrophilic (His, Asp, Glu,) and hydrophobic (Ala, Phe, Tyr, Trp) amino acids in water with a scorpiand aza-macrocycle (L1) containing a pyridine group in the ring and its derivative (L2) bearing a naphthalene group in the tail have been analysed by potentiometric and calorimetric measurements. Theoretical calculations corroborate that major attractive forces that hold the adduct together are hydrogen bonds and salt-bridges, even though other interactions such as π-stacking or NH(+)⋯π may contribute in the case of hydrophobic amino acids and L2. Calorimetric measurements indicate that the interactions between L1 and the different amino acids are principally driven by entropy, often associated with solvation/desolvation processes.

A library of dendronized cyclotriveratrylene (CTV) crowns substituted with chiral, racemic, or achiral peripheral alkyl chains, including enantiopure R and S branched alkyls, "racemic by mixture", "racemic by synthesis", n-octyl, and n-dodecyl groups was synthesized. In solvophobic solvents and in bulk they self-assemble in helical columns. Their solution and bulk shape-persistent supramolecular structures were determined by a complementary combination of circular dichroism (CD) and UV in solution and thin film, microspot CD in thin film, differential scanning calorimetry combined with fiber X-ray diffraction, computer simulation, and molecular models. In solution, self-assembly via a cooperative mechanism generates single-handed columns from enantiopure CTVs and mixtures of right- and left-handed columns from racemic by mixture, racemic by synthesis, other combinations of R and S, and even from achiral compounds. In bulk state all supramolecular columns form a 3D hexagonal crystalline phase, Φ(h)(k) (P6₃ symmetry), that can be obtained only from single-handed columns and a columnar hexagonal 2D liquid crystal, Φ(h). The highest order Φ(h)(k) consists of enantiopure single-handed columns that are slightly distorted 12-fold triple helices. The "hat-shaped" dendronized CTV assembles in bent-branch pine-tree columns that allow interdigitation of alkyl groups in adjacent columns regardless of their direction. Enantiomerically rich, racemic, and achiral compositions undergo deracemization in the crystal state by transfer of the transient disc-like conformer of dendronized CTV from column to column during crown inversion. Solid state NMR experiments identified motional processes that allow such transfer. This unprecedented supramolecular chiral self-sorting will impact the creation of functions in complex systems.

The 3d-4f mixed metallacrowns frequently show single-molecule magnetic behavior. We have used magnetic Compton scattering to characterize the spin structure and orbital interactions in three isostructural metallacrowns: Gd2Mn4, Dy2Mn4, and Y2Mn4. These data allow the direct determination of the spin only contribution to the overall magnetic moment. We find that the lanthanide 4f spin in Gd2Mn4 and Dy2Mn4 is aligned parallel to the Mn 3d spin. For Y2Mn4 (manganese-only spin) we find evidence for spin delocalization into the O 2p orbitals. Comparing the magnetic Compton scattering data with SQUID studies that measure the total magnetic moment suggests that Gd2Mn4 and Y2Mn4 have only a small orbital contribution to the moment. In contrast, the total magnetic moment for Dy2Mn4 MCs is much larger than the spin-only moment, demonstrating a significant orbital contribution to the overall magnetic moment. Overall, these data provide direct insight into the correlation of molecular design with molecular magnetic properties.

Two novel macroporous silica-polymer-calixcrown hybrid supramolecular recognition materials, 25,27-bis(n-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6 (BnOCalix[4]C6)/SiO2-P and 25,27-bis(i-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6 (BiOCalix[4]C6)/SiO2-P were synthesized by in situ polymerization and impregnation techniques. The obtained materials were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), particle size distribution, nitrogen adsorption-desorption isotherms, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, (29)Si solid-state NMR, and powder X-ray diffraction (XRD). The adsorption of some typical fission and non-fission products Na(I), K(I), Rb(I), Cs(I), Sr(II), Ba(II), La(III), Y(III), Pd(II), Ru(III), Zr(IV), and Mo(VI) onto BnOCalix[4]C6/SiO2-P and BiOCalix[4]C6/SiO2-P in HNO3 solution was investigated. The bleeding of the materials in HNO3 solution was evaluated by analysis of total organic carbon (TOC). BnOCalix[4]C6/SiO2-P and BiOCalix[4]C6/SiO2-P exhibited excellent adsorption ability and high selectivity for Cs(I) over all the other tested metals., (Crown Copyright © 2013. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A heteroditopic chemosensor 2 based on a thiacalix[4]crown with a 1,3-alternate conformation has been synthesized and shows a selective fluorescence turn-off response with Fe(3+) ions in mixed aqueous media. Furthermore, the 2-Fe(3+) complex can be used as a chemosensing system for the detection of Li(+) and cysteine based on two different approaches. Moreover, the sequence addition of Fe(3+) and Li(+) triggers an Fe(3+)/Li(+) switchable on-off-on fluorescence chemosensor with negative allosteric regulations.

The aza-semi-crown pentadentate ligand rigidified by pyridine and piperidine rings was designed and synthesized. It can react with Mn(II) in water to form complex with improved longitudinal relaxivity, leading to efficient signal intensity enhancement of vascular vessels under a clinical magnetic resonance imaging scanner.

A new, selective, straightforward and general method for preparation of highly functionalized coronands or spiro derivatives bearing 1,2-dihydroxyacetophenone unit, under conventional conditions and ultrasonic irradiation, is reported. The reaction setup involves only one step, acylation of an α-chloro-3,4-dihydroxyacetophenone with phthaloyl dichloride derivatives. 1,3- and 1,4-Phthaloyl dichloride derivatives leads to coronands only, while 1,2-phthaloyl dichlorides lead either to coronands or to spiro derivatives. A feasible explanation for the different behavior between conventional and ultrasound methods could be the different reaction mechanism involved in the two procedures: tetrahedral nucleophilic substitution under conventional conditions and radical substitution under ultrasound. Ultrasound induces a remarkable acceleration of the reactions (from days to minutes) and, most significantly, the yields are twice as high. A feasible explanation for the efficiency of the reactions under ultrasonic irradiation is presented., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

A polyvinylchloride (PVC) based liquid membrane ion selective electrode (ISE) for cesium has been developed. 25,27-Dihydroxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (L1), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-dimethoxycalix[4]arene-crown-6 (L2) and 25,27-bis(1-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6 (L3) were investigated for their use as ionophores. The cation exchange resin DOWEX-50W was used to maintain low activity Cs+ in inner filling solution to improve the performance. The best response for cesium was observed with L3 along with optimized membrane constituents and composition. Excellent Nernstian response (56.6 mV/decade of Cs(I)) over the concentration range 10(-7) to 10(-2)M of Cs(I) was obtained with a fast response time of less than 10s. Detection limit for Cs(I) using the present ISE is 8.48×10(-8) M Cs(I). Separate solution method (SSM) was applied to ascertain the selectivity for Cs(I) over alkali, alkaline earth and transition metal ions. The response of ISE for Cs(I) was fairly constant over the pH range of 4-11. The lifetime of the electrode is 10 months which is the highest life for any membrane based Cs-ISE so far developed. The concentration of cesium ion in two simulated high level active waste streams was determined and results agreed well with those obtained independently employing AAS., (Copyright © 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)

Reaction of the cyclic lacunary [H(7)P(8)W(48)O(184)](33-) anion (noted P(8)W(48)) with the [Mo(2)S(2)O(2)(H(2)O)(6)](2+) oxothiocation led to two compounds, namely, [K(4){Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(WO(2))(P(8)W(48)O(184))](30-) (denoted 1) and [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(P(8)W(48)O(184))](36-) (denoted 2), which were characterized in the solid state and solution. In the solid state, the structure of [K(4){Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(WO(2))(P(8)W(48)O(184))](30-) reveals the presence of two disordered {Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2+) "handles" connected on both sides of the P(8)W(48) ring. Such a disorder is consistent with the presence of two geometrical isomers where the relative disposition of the two {Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2+) handles are arranged in a perpendicular or parallel mode. Such an interpretation is fully supported by (31)P and (183)W NMR solution studies. The relative stability of both geometrical isomers appears to be dependent upon the nature of the internal alkali cations, i.e., Na(+) vs K(+), and increased lability of the two {Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2+) handles, compared to the oxo analogous, was clearly identified by significant broadening of the (31)P and (183)W NMR lines. Solution studies carried out by UV-vis spectroscopy showed that formation of the adduct [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(P(8)W(48)O(184))](36-) occurs in the 1.5-4.7 pH range and corresponds to a fast and quantitative condensation process. Furthermore, (31)P NMR titrations in solution reveal formation of the "monohandle" derivative [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(P(8)W(48)O(184))](38-) as an intermediate prior to formation of the "bishandle" derivatives. Furthermore, the electrochemical behavior of [{Mo(4)O(4)S(4)(H(2)O)(3)(OH)(2)}(2)(P(8)W(48)O(184))](36-) was studied in aqueous medium and compared with the parent anion P(8)W(48).

In this work, the complexes formed by a fluoroionophore with three dications (M(2+) = Ca(2+), Hg(2+) and Pb(2+)) were studied theoretically, by applying both Density Functional Theory and its Time Dependent version (TDDFT). The experimental information concerning this fluoroionophore-Pb(2+) complex indicates a large increment in the absorption and emission signals. From a theoretical point of view, by using the structure with minimum energy of the fluoroionophore free as reference; distortions in the structure are observed when the complexes are formed and consequently important changes in terms of certain properties occur. Although there are increments in signal intensity in the case of the three ions considered here, TDDFT predicts that the Pb(2+) complex will manifest the most pronounced response and this conforms to experimental observations. Thus, we can associate the experimentally observed behavior with conformational changes. In order to corroborate this hypothesis we have analyzed the fluoroionophore-M(2+) structure complexes, both with ions, without ions and without the ionophore (which binds the ions); it is evident that if the ligand manifests geometric distortions, then the absorption signal will increase. The inert pair effect induces the particular conformation of the complex, when the Pb(2+) is present, acting as a lone pair, which is revealed when the electron localization function is analyzed. If structural distortions are present then the charge distribution and consequently the dipolar moment also present significant changes.

By using an improved synthetic method reported earlier, the cyclic stannoxanes obtained from RN-diethanolamine (R = Me, Bu) and dibutyltin oxide have been reacted with 1H-pyrazole-3,5-dicarbonyl dichloride to afford 26-membered diaza tetraester crowns (1, R = Me; 3, R = Bu) and 39-membered triaza hexaester crowns (2, R = Me; 4, R = Bu). The new structures were identified from their analytical and spectroscopic ((1)H and (13)C NMR, FAB-MS, and/or ESI-MS) data. Both diaza tetraester crowns (1 and 3), containing two 1H-pyrazole units, self-assemble into dimeric species through the formation of four hydrogen bonds involving the two NH pyrazole groups and the two tertiary amine groups of both crowns, as proved by X-ray crystallography and NMR analysis. Preliminary NMR, ESI-MS, MALDI-TOF-MS, and molecular modeling studies suggest that, in CDCl(3) solution, 1 interacts with ethyleneurea (ETU), affording 1:1, 2:1, and 2:2 1-ETU complexes.

Theoretical studies of an unsymmetrical calix[4]-crown-5-N-azacrown-5 (1) in a fixed 1,3-alternate conformation and the complexes 1·K(+)(a), 1·K(+)(b), 1·K(+)(c) and 1·K(+)K(+) were performed using density functional theory (DFT) at the B3LYP/6-31G level. The fully optimized geometric structures of the free macroligand and its 1:1 and 1:2 complexes, as obtained from DFT calculations, were used to perform natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The two main types of driving force metal-ligand and cation-π interactions were investigated. NBO analysis indicated that the stabilization interaction energies (E (2)) for O…K(+) and N…K(+) are larger than the other intermolecular interactions in each complex. The significant increase in electron density in the RY or LP orbitals of K(+) results in strong host-guest interactions. In addition, the intermolecular interaction thermal energies (ΔE, ΔH, ΔG) were calculated by frequency analysis at the B3LYP/6-31G level. For all structures, the most pronounced changes in the geometric parameters upon interaction are observed in the calix[4]arene molecule. The results indicate that both the intermolecular electrostatic interactions and the cation-π interactions between the metal ion and π orbitals of the two pairs that face the inverted benzene rings play a significant role.

The helical tetranuclear complex [LZn(3)La(OAc)(3)] having two benzocrown moieties was designed and synthesized as a novel molecular leverage for helicity control and helix inversion. Short alkanediammonium guests H(3)N(+)(CH(2))(n)NH(3)(+) (n = 4, 6, 8) preferentially stabilized the P-helical isomer of [LZn(3)La(OAc)(3)], while the longer guest H(3)N(+)(CH(2))(12)NH(3)(+) caused a helix inversion to give the M-helical isomer as the major isomer. The differences in the molecular lengths were efficiently translated into helical handedness via the novel molecular leverage mechanism using the gauche/anti conversion of the trans-1,2-disubstituted ethylenediamine unit.

The cytostatic properties of novel rhodium(III) thiacrown ether complexes [RhCl(LL)([9]aneS(3))](n+) with either aromatic κ(2)N ligands (n = 2) or anionic chelate ligands (n = 1) have been investigated for the human cancer cell lines HT-29 and MCF-7 and for immortalized HEK-293 cells. Taken together with literature IC(50) values for analogous complexes with polypyridyl ligands or 1,4-dithiane, the in vitro assays indicate that dicationic complexes with soft κ(2)N (imino) or κ(2)S (thiaether) ligands exhibit significantly higher antiproliferative effects than those with hard κ(2)N (amino) ligands. Dicationic complexes are more active than monocationic complexes with similar ligands. Pronounced apoptosis-inducing properties towards Jurkat cells were established for complexes with LL = bpm, dpq, and 1,4-dithiane. The order of activity (bpm > 1,4-dithiane > dpq > bpy) contrasts to that observed for adhesive cancer cells (bpm > bpy, 1,4-dithiane > dpq). Necrosis is insignificant in all cases. The percentage of Jurkat cells exhibiting apoptosis after 24 or 48 h incubation periods is directly correlated to the percentage of cells exhibiting high levels of reactive oxygen species. As established by online monitoring with a sensor chip system, treatment of MCF-7 cells with the bpm and 1,4-dithiane complexes leads to a significant and permanent concentration-dependent decrease in oxygen consumption and cellular adhesion.

Synthetic methodology and physicochemical characterization of multi-wall carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) functionalized with a crown ether molecule is reported. The MWCNTs were synthesized by spray pyrolysis technique using toluene as carbon source and ferrocene as catalyst. The nanotubes were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Oxidation of MWCNTs was carried out by 8 h of sonication in a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acid (3:1). The MWCNT-COOH was amidated with 4-aminobenzo-15-crown-5 under mild reaction conditions using N,N'-dicyclohexylcarbodiimide and dimethylaminopyridine as catalyst and dimethylformamide as solvent, at room temperature for 24 h. The amidation product was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy and a mass spectrometry study to determine the fragmentation pattern being m/z 309, 177 and 149 the most important ions.

The preceramic polymer perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) is an attractive candidate as a coating material to prevent discoloration of veneering resin composites. At the present time, however, a practical method to apply this material is not available. The purpose of this study was to establish a low-temperature method for applying a silica film coating to a veneering resin composite. Two types of PHPS, NP and NL, were coated onto a veneering resin composite. The specimens were exposed to hydrogen peroxide vapor at 97°C, and the state of the conversion process was evaluated using FT-IR. With exposure to the hydrogen peroxide vapor, a 0.5-µm-thick silica film similar to that produced by baking was formed on the surface of the NP samples in 10 min, while a 0.2-µm-thick film was formed on the NL in 15 min. The silica coating method described in this study may mitigate the discoloration of veneering resin composite.

Three new compounds bearing furyl, aryl, or thienyl moieties linked to an imidazo-crown ether system (1, 2, and 3) were synthesized and fully characterized by elemental analysis, infrared, UV-vis absorption, and emission spectroscopy, X-ray crystal diffraction, and MALDI-TOF-MS spectrometry. The interaction toward metal ions (Ca(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), and Hg(2+)) and F(-) has been explored in solution by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. Mononuclear and binuclear metal complexes using Cu(2+) or Hg(2+) as metal centers have been synthesized and characterized. Compounds 2 and 3 show a noticeable enhancement of the fluorescence intensity in the presence of Ca(2+) and Cu(2+) ions. Moreover compound 3 presents a dual sensory detection way by modification of the fluorimetric and colorimetric properties in the presence of Cu(2+) or Hg(2+). EPR studies in frozen solution and in microcrystalline state of the dinuclear Cu(II)3 complex revealed the presence of an unique Cu(2+) type.

A joint theoretical-experimental investigation has been carried out to unravel the details of the complexation of cations by fluoroionophores based on coumarin 343 and to interpret the modifications in the ligand and also in the coumarin structural, electronic, magnetic, and vibrational properties. It is confirmed that C343-dea (1) complexes the cations by both the lactone and the amide oxygen atoms whereas for C343-crown (2) and C343-dibenzocrown (3), the cations are complexed by the oxygen atoms of the lactone as well as those of the crown ligand. These complexations induce geometric modifications, which are delocalized over the coumarin backbone and are related to electronic reorganizations that modify the spectroscopic signatures. This paper analyzes these signatures and shows how they are related as well as how they can be used to monitor the complexation process. Upon complexation, the UV-visible absorption spectra display a bathochromic shift of the most intense electronic transition; this shift is generally larger for the most flexible compound 1 as well as when complexing divalent cations. NMR spectra bear many signatures of the complexation, of which the most remarkable ones are the large shielding of C(1) and the large deshieldings of C(9) and C(16). Additional makers of complexation are highlighted in the IR vibrational spectra, in particular the bands associated with the lactone and amide CO vibrations, which are downshifted when the corresponding CO is involved in the complexation mode and, otherwise, upshifted. A high degree of consistency characterizes the different geometrical, electronic, magnetic, and vibrational signatures, which substantiates the assignment of the modes of complexation in 1-3. In addition, the agreement between the experimental data and the theoretical values is rather satisfactory, in that it at least enables us to interpret the spectral signatures.

Half-sandwich rhodium(III) polypyridyl (pp) complexes with the metal atom capped by the facial crown thiaether 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane [9]aneS(3) represent a promising class of apoptosis-inducing potent cytostatic agents. The necrotic damage caused by the complexes is negligible. In vitro cytotoxicity assays with the human cancer cell lines MCF-7 and HT-29 and immortalized HEK-293 cells indicate that the dicationic kappa(2)N(imino) complexes [([9]aneS(3))RhCl(pp)](2+) are much more active than monocationic complexes [([9]aneS(3))RhCl(2)(L)](+) (L=imidazole, CH(3)CN). Whereas the kappa(2)N(amino) complex [([9]aneS(3))RhCl(piperazine)](2+) is inactive, replacing piperazine with the structurally analogous kappa(2)S (thiaether) ligand 1,4-dithiane restores cytotoxicity as evidenced by IC(50) values in the range 8.1-11.6 microM. Spectroscopic (CD, UV/Vis, NOESY) and viscosity measurements indicate that the active dppz complex 8 (IC(50) values: 4.7-8.9 microM) exhibits strong intercalative binding towards DNA whereas the even more potent bipyrimidine complex 9 (IC(50) values: 0.6-1.9 microM) causes no alteration of the duplex B conformation. Weaker intercalative binding is observed for the dpq complex 7. A comparative annexin V-propidium iodide binding assay with lymphoma (BJAB) cells and healthy leukocytes demonstrates that the cytotoxic activity of complex 8 and particularly complex 9 is highly selective towards the malignant cells.

Aristolochene synthase from Penicillium roqueforti (PR-AS) catalyzes the formation of the bicyclic sesquiterpene (+)-aristolochene (5) from farnesyl diphosphate (1, FDP) in two mechanistically distinct cyclization reactions. The first reaction transforms farnesyl diphosphate to the uncharged intermediate (S)-(-)-germacrene A (3) through a macrocyclization process that links C1 and C10 upon magnesium ion-assisted diphosphate ester activation. In the second reaction mediated by PR-AS, a protonation induced cyclization has been suggested to generate the highly reactive trans-fused eudesmane cation 4 as a consequence of the precise folding of the enzyme-bound germacrene A intermediate. This contribution describes the use of the transition state analogue inhibitor 4-aza-eudesm-11-ene to explore the intermediacy of cation 4 as an on-path intermediate in the biosynthesis of aristolochene. 4-Aza-eudesm-11-ene as the hydrochloride salt 6 was stereospecifically synthesized in seven steps and 37% overall yield starting from chiral enamine 9. The synthetic sequence featured a highly regio- and stereoselective deracemization reaction of 9 that gave rise to the corresponding Michael adduct in >95% diastereomeric excess as evidenced by optical rotation and NMR measurements. 6 acts as a potent competitive inhibitor of PR-AS (K(i) = 0.35 +/- 0.12 microM) independent of the presence of diphosphate (K(i) = 0.24 +/- 0.09 microM). The failure of exogenous PP(i) to enhance the binding affinity of 6 for PR-AS could be interpreted against an eudesmyl cation/diphosphate anion pair mechanism as the enzymatic strategy to stabilize the highly reactive eudesmane cation 4. In addition, these observations seem to rule out simple favorable electrostatic and/or hydrogen bonding interactions between the active site anchored diphosphate ion and the ammonium ion 6 as the binding mode. Ammonium ion 6 seems to act as a genuine mimic of eudesmane cation (4) that most likely binds the active site of PR-AS in a productive conformation resembling that adapted by 4 during the PR-AS-catalyzed synthesis of 5.

A new fluorescent sensor 1, based on the naphthalimide chromophore and thioether-rich crown receptor, exhibited dual signaling behaviors for Hg(2+) and Ag(+) in aqueous solution. Upon addition of Hg(2+), the fluorescence intensity enhanced in a linear fashion with a quantum yield increase of about 5-fold. Moreover, with the 1-Hg(2+) complex, Ag(+) was easily recognized by a marked fluorescence quenching. The living cells image experiments demonstrate the value of sensor 1 in fluorescent visualization of Hg(2+) ions in biological systems.

Interaction of phenyl 2-pyridyl ketoxime (PhPyCNO)/X(-)"blends" (X(-) = OH(-), Cl(-), ClO(4)(-), 2,4-D) (2,4-DH = 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) with copper perchlorate has yielded trinuclear clusters that have been characterized as inverse-9-metallacrown-3, accommodating one or two anions. The structure of the complex [Cu(3)(PhPyCNO)(3)(mu(3)-OH)(2,4-D)(2)] x 1.25CH(3)OH.0.25CH(3)CN (1) has been determined by single-crystal X-ray crystallography. Spectroscopic studies of the interaction of copper inverse {(OH)[9-MC(CuN(PhPyCNO))-3]} metallacrowns with DNA showed that these compounds bind to dsDNA by intercalative mode with an additional covalent {(OH)[9-MC(Cu(PhPyCNO))-3]}-DNA interaction leading to hydrolytic cleavage of DNA that may be assigned to the presence of the hydroxyl group in the inverse metallacrown ring. The binding strength of [Cu(3)(PhPyCNO)(3)(mu(3)-OH)(2,4-D)(2)] (1) complex for CT-DNA was determined to be 0.56 x 10(5) M(-1). All the complexes exhibited the ability to displace the DNA-bound EthBr. DNA electrophoretic mobility experiments showed that all complexes, at low cluster concentration, are capable of binding to pDNA and linear DNA. At higher cluster concentration and in the absence of any reducing agent they showed marked chemical nuclease activity.

Simple but powerful chemosensors were developed by taking advantage of self-assembly processes. First, we will describe a turn-on fluorescent sensor for the pharmacologically important lithium ion. The sensor can be used in purely aqueous solution, and it displays a very high selectivity for lithium over sodium and magnesium ions. It is based on a metallacrown receptor unit, which can be assembled in situ from simple building blocks. Furthermore, we will describe a cross-reactive sensor array for the detection of small peptides. The individual sensors of the array are formed by mixing metal complexes with fluorescent dyes.

The synthesis and structural properties of tetramethoxy resorcinarene mono-crown-5 (1) are described. The binding characteristics of 1 toward acetylcholine and tetramethylammonium salts were investigated by 1H NMR titration. It was observed that the cavity of 1 provides a better fit to acetylcholine compared to the smaller tetramethylammonium cation, as acetylcholine is able to interact with both the crown ether moiety and the free hydroxyl groups of receptor 1 simultaneously.

A versatile synthetic strategy, which was conceived and employed to prepare doubly threaded, bistable [c2]daisy chain compounds, is described. Propargyl and 1-pentenyl groups have been grafted onto the stoppers of [c2]daisy chain molecules obtained using a template-directed synthetic protocol. Such [c2]daisy chain molecules undergo reversible extension and contraction upon treatment with acid and base, respectively. The dialkyne-functionalized [c2]daisy chain (AA) was subjected to an [AA+BB] type polymerization with an appropriate diazide (BB) to afford a linear, mechanically interlocked, main-chain polymer. The macromolecular properties of this polymer were characterized by chronocoulometry, size exclusion chromatography, and static light-scattering analysis. The acid-base switching properties of both the monomers and the polymer have been studied in solution, using (1)H NMR spectroscopy, UV/vis absorption spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammetry. The experimental results demonstrate that the functionalized [c2]daisy chains, along with their polymeric derivatives, undergo quantitative, efficient, and fully reversible switching processes in solution. Kinetics measurements demonstrate that the acid/base-promoted extension/contraction movements of the polymeric [c2]daisy chain are actually faster than those of its monomeric counterpart. These observations open the door to correlated molecular motions and to changes in material properties.

Silica coatings doped with spiropyran (SP) were prepared using xylene solutions of perhydropolysilazane (PHPS) as the silica source, where the SP-doped PHPS coatings were prepared by spin-coating and the PHPS-to-silica conversion was achieved by exposing the coatings to the vapor from aqueous ammonia at room temperature. The films could be heavily doped with SP at SP/(SP + PHPS) mass ratio as high as 0.2. The as-deposited SP-doped PHPS films were transparent and light-yellow, which turned to red as the PHPS-to-silica conversion proceeded, where the absorbance at 500 nm increased. When the films were stored in air in the dark for 73 h after the exposure treatment, the absorbance at 500 nm further increased, where the film turned from red to dark red. The SP-doped silica coatings thus obtained showed reversible photochromic reaction, where the absorbance at 500 nm decreased and increased when the films were irradiated with visible and ultraviolet light, respectively. The pencil hardness of the films was higher than 9H at a load of 1 kg, while significant amount of SP was leached out when the films were soaked in xylene.

Paraquat bis(hexafluorophosphate) undergoes stepwise dissociation in acetone. All three species-the neutral molecule, and the mono- and dications-are represented significantly under the experimental conditions typically used in host-guest binding studies. Paraquat forms at least four host-guest complexes with dibenzo[24]crown-8. They are characterized by both 1:1 and 1:2 stoichiometries, and an overall charge of either zero (neutral molecule) or one (monocation). The monocationic 1:1 host-guest complex is the most abundant species under typical (0.5-20 mM) experimental conditions. The presence of the dicationic 1:1 host-guest complex cannot be excluded on the basis of our experimental data, but neither is it unambiguously confirmed to be present. The two confirmed forms of paraquat that do undergo complexation-the neutral molecule and the monocation-exhibit approximately identical binding affinities toward dibenzo[24]crown-8. Thus, the relative abundance of neutral, singly, and doubly charged pseudorotaxanes is identical to the relative abundance of neutral, singly, and doubly charged paraquat unbound with respect to the crown ether in acetone. In the specific case of paraquat/dibenzo[24]crown-8, ion-pairing does not contribute to host-guest complex formation, as has been suggested previously in the literature.

The intracellular behaviour of diaza-18-crown-6 appended with two H-substituted hydroxyquinoline groups (DCHQ1) was investigated to explore its application as a new sensor for the evaluation of cell magnesium content and distribution. We used five cells lines characterised by different contents of magnesium and different intracellular membrane-defined compartments. The main result is the definition of the appropriate experimental conditions to quantitatively assess the total cell magnesium by fluorescence spectroscopy. We showed that disrupting cells by sonication, DCHQ1 was capable to assess total cell magnesium in all cell types examined, obtaining overlapping results with atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). This new analytical approach requires very small cell samples and a simple fluorimetric technique, and can be a valid alternative to AAS. The fluorescent properties of DCHQ1 in living cells are: (a) it consistently stains live cells, (b) it discriminates small variations of cell Mg contents, (c) cell staining is stable for at least 30 min. We also investigated the role of lipophilic environment on DCHQ1 fluorescence by mimicking cell membranes and described how the composition and structure of lipid vesicles affect Mg-DCHQ1 fluorescence. Thus, DCHQ1 may offer important information also on magnesium distribution in living cells, providing a novel strategy to map the intracellular compartmentalization of this cation.

Simple chiral aza-crown ethers based on sucrose display high enantioselectivity in complexation of phenylethylammonium chlorides.

Artificial molecular rotators were designed in an attempt to achieve unidirectional molecular rotation. Supramolecular assemblies of cations and crown ethers in the solid state were shown to form rotator structures, diverse in their rotational symmetry and frequency. The counter cation of [Ni(dmit)2]- anion, bearing one S=1/2 spin, was used to couple molecular rotation to magnetic properties. Random rotation of [18]crown-6 molecules was first observed in the Cs(+)2([18]crown-6)(3) supramolecule, where the rotational freedom of [18]crown-6 rotators was evidently coupled to the magnetic properties of [Ni(dmit)2]-pi-dimer. In other cases, dual rotary motions of anilinium([18]crown-6) and rotator-stator assemblies of (adamantylammonium)(dibenzo[18]crown-6) were investigated as a means to control rotational symmetries and frequencies in the solid state. The supramolecular approach for construction of molecular rotator-stator assemblies in the solid state is a convenient approach to the design of molecular rotary functionality in [Ni(dmit)2]- salts.

Two new macrocyclic ligands (3) and (4), containing nitrogen-sulfur donor atoms, were designed and synthesized in a multi-step reaction sequence. The macrocycles (3) and (4) were used in solvent extraction of metal picrates such as Ag(+), Hg(2+), Cd(2+), Zn(2+), Cu(2+), Ni(2+), Mn(2+), Co(2+), and Pb(2+) from aqueous phase to the organic phase. The metal picrate extractions were investigated at 25+/-0.1 degrees C by using UV-visible spectrometry. The extractability and selectivity of the mentioned metal picrates were evaluated according to the organic solvents. The values of the extraction constants (logK(ex)) and the complex compositions were determined for the extracted complexes.

Novel (R)-diaza-18-crown-6 has been prepared by a simple two-step synthetic method and characterized for its ability to form a uniform self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on gold as well as to immobilize proteins using atomic force microscopy, quartz crystal microbalance, and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) experiments. The (R)-lipo-diaza-18-crown-6 was shown to form a well-defined SAM on gold, which subsequently captures the antibody (Ab) molecules that in turn capture the antigen (Ag) molecules. The Ab molecules studied include antibody C-reactive protein (Ab-CRP) and antibody ferritin (Ab-ferritin) along with their Ag's, i.e., CRP and ferritin. Quantitative detection of the Ab-Ag interactions was accomplished by EIS experiments with a Fe(CN)6(3-/4-) redox probe present. The ratios of the charge-transfer resistances for the redox probe on the SAM-antibody-covered electrode to those with the antigen molecules attached show an excellent linearity for log[Ag] with lower detection limits than those of other SAMs for the electrochemical sensing of proteins.

We report the synthesis and full characterization for a series of cyclometallated complexes of Pt(II) and Pd(II) incorporating the fluxional trithiacrown ligand 1,4,7-trithiacyclononane ([9]aneS3). Reaction of [M(C insertion mark N)(micro-Cl)]2 (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); C insertion mark N = 2-phenylpyridinate (ppy) or 7,8-benzoquinolinate (bzq)) with [9]aneS3 followed by metathesis with NH4PF6 yields [M(C insertion mark N)([9]aneS3)](PF6). The complexes [M(C insertion mark P)([9]aneS3)](PF6) (M = Pt(II), Pd(II); Cinsertion markP = [CH2C6H4P(o-tolyl)2-C,P]-) were synthesized from their respective [Pt(C insertion mark P)(micro-Cl)]2 or [Pd(C insertion mark P)(micro-O2CCH3)]2 (C insertion mark P) starting materials. All five new complexes have been fully characterized by multinuclear NMR, IR and UV-Vis spectroscopies in addition to elemental analysis, cyclic voltammetry, and single-crystal structural determinations. As expected, the coordinated [9]aneS3 ligand shows fluxional behavior in its NMR spectra, resulting in a single 13C NMR resonance despite the asymmetric coordination environment of the cyclometallating ligand. Electrochemical studies reveal irreversible one-electron metal-centered oxidations for all Pt(II) complexes, but unusual two-electron reversible oxidations for the Pd(II) complexes of ppy and bzq. The X-ray crystal structures of each complex indicate an axial M-S interaction formed by the endodentate conformation of the [9]aneS3 ligand. The structure of [Pd(bzq)([9]aneS3)](PF6) exhibits disorder in the [9]aneS3 conformation indicating a rare exodentate conformation as the major contributor in the solid-state structure. DFT calculations on [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) and [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6) indicate the HOMO for both complexes is primarily dz2 in character with a significant contribution from the phenyl ring of the ppy ligand and p orbital of the axial sulfur donor. In contrast, the calculated LUMO is primarily ppy pi* in character for [Pt([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6), but dx2-y2 in character for [Pd([9]aneS3)(ppy)](PF6).

1',2,3,3',4,4'-Hexa-O-benzyl-sucrose was converted in good yields into the macrocyclic receptors containing two and three nitrogen atoms in the ring. Their complexation properties towards the ammonium cation were significantly higher than for receptors without any nitrogen atoms in the ring.