Recognition of anion-water clusters by peptide-based supramolecular capsules

Abstract The biological and technological importance of anion-mediated processes has made the development of improved methods for the selective recognition of anions one of the most relevant research topics today. The hydration sphere of anions plays an important role in the functions performed by anions by forming a variety of cluster complexes. Here we describe a supramolecular capsule that recognizes hydrated anion clusters. These clusters are most likely composed of three ions that form hydrated C3 symmetry complexes that are entrapped within the supramolecular capsule of the same symmetry. The capsule is made of self-assembled α,γ-cyclic peptide containing amino acid with by five-membered rings and equipped with a tris(triazolylethyl)amine cap. To recognise the hydrated anion clusters, the hexapeptide capsule must disassemble to entrap them between its two subunits.