ABSTRACT: The synthesis and characterization of a novel bis-urea-based cage receptor for anions (3S,15S)-3,15,20,25-tetramethyl-1,4,6,12,14,17,20,25-octaazatricyclo[15.5.5.17.11]octacosa-7(28),10-diene-2,5,13,16-tetraone (L) is reported. L is a macro-bicyclic ligand built on the 1,7-dimethyl-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane scaffold to obtain a cage topology in which two ureido moieties have been inserted as binding sites for anions. L can interact with anion guests (G) via H-bonding; in particular, it binds both spherical (Cl-) and V-shaped anions (AcO-) as well as more complex carboxylate anions, such as the norfloxacin (Nor-). NMR experiments highlight that the interaction between L and G mainly occurs at the ureido moieties. L forms L-G adducts of 1 : 1 ([LG]-
