Enantio- and Substrate-Selective Recognition of Chiral Neurotransmitters with C3-Symmetric Switchable Receptors

Org Lett. 2020 Feb 7;22(3):891-895. doi: 10.1021/acs.orglett.9b04440. Epub 2020 Jan 27.

Abstract

We report on the synthesis of C3-symmetric enantiopure cage molecules 1, which exhibit remarkable to exclusive enantioselective recognition properties toward chiral ammonium neurotransmitters. Strong changes in the substrate selectivity are also observed when different stereoisomers of 1 are used. Furthermore, protonation/deprotonation induces a reversible modification of the conformation of 1, which switches from an imploded to an inflated form, leading to ejection and reuptake of the guest initially encaged inside the cavity.

MeSH terms

  • Ammonium Compounds / chemical synthesis
  • Ammonium Compounds / chemistry*
  • Molecular Structure
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / chemical synthesis
  • Neurotransmitter Agents / chemistry*
  • Stereoisomerism

Substances

  • Ammonium Compounds
  • Neurotransmitter Agents