Neutral anion-detecting organic cages based on anion-π interactions.

ABSTRACT: A series of neutral tetrahedral molecular cages were self-assembled in relatively high yields by condensing a triamino linker with triangular tris-aldehyde precursors. Each tris-aldehyde features a central triazine core, which imparts an electron-deficient cavity that facilitates anion encapsulation through fourfold anion-π interactions. The anion binding affinity is significantly influenced by substituents on the tris-aldehyde precursors: electron-donating groups (e.g., Ph) diminish binding by compromising the electron-deficient nature of the cage, whereas more electron-withdrawing substituents (e.g., Cl, Br, and CF₃-Ph) enhance it. Interestingly, the strongly electron-withdrawing fluorine (F) substituents, in close proximity to the binding pocket, unexpectedly di

SUBMITTER: Lu Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12854773 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature