Anion receptor chemistry: highlights from 2011 and 2012

This review covers advances in anion complexation in the years 2011 and 2012. The review covers both organic and inorganic systems and also highlights the applications to which anion receptors can be applied such as self-assembly and molecular architecture, sensing, catalysis and anion transport

Highly effective yet simple transmembrane anion transporters based upon ortho-phenylenediamine bis-ureas

Simple, highly fluorinated receptors are shown to function as highly effective transmembrane anion antiporters with the most active transporters rivalling the transport efficacy of natural anion transporter prodigiosin for bicarbonate

Supramolecular Chemistry: Young Talents and their Mentors

Celebrating Supramolecular Chemistry and Mentoring: ChemPlusChem is pleased to publish a Special Collection on Supramolecular Chemistry: Young Talents and their Mentors, guest‐edited by Anna McConnell, Cally Haynes, Claudia Caltagirone, and Jennifer Hiscock. The Special Collection features recent developments in supramolecular chemistry and highlights mentoring relationships between emerging investigators and their mentor

Editorial: International Women of Supramolecular Chemistry

There is a need to address the lack of diversity in Chemistry (Urbina-Blanco et al., 2020). Despite dedicated programmes and outreach activities to attract individuals from minority backgrounds to initiate their academic studies in this area, at the most senior levels there remains an underrepresentation of minority and marginalised groups (RSC, 2018). People who have one or more protected EDI (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion) characteristic such as race, religion, disability, sexuality, or gender face more barriers to remain and to succeed within science

Advances in applied supramolecular technologies

Supramolecular chemistry is a comparatively young field that to date has mainly been focused on building a foundation of fundamental understanding. With much progress in this area, researchers are seeking to apply this knowledge to the development of commercially viable products. In this review we seek to outline historical and recent developments within the field of supramolecular chemistry that have made the transition from laboratory to market, and to bring to light those technologies that we believe have commercial potential. In doing so we hope we may illuminate pathways to market for research currently being conducted

Embedding and Positioning of Two FeII4L4 Cages in Supramolecular Tripeptide Gels for Selective Chemical Segregation

An unreported d,l-tripeptide self-assembled into gels that embedded FeII4L4 metal–organic cages to form materials that were characterized by TEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, rheometry, UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. The cage type and concentration modulated gel viscoelasticity, and thus the diffusion rate of molecular guests through the nanostructured matrix, as gauged by 19F and 1H NMR spectroscopy. When two different cages were added to spatially separated gel layers, the gel–cage composite material enabled the spatial segregation of a mixture of guests that diffused into the gel. Each cage selectively encapsulated its preferred guest during diffusion. We thus present a new strategy for using nested supramolecular interactions to enable the separation of small molecules.Un tripéptido d,l no informado se autoensambló en geles que incrustaron jaulas metalorgánicas de Fe II 4 L 4 para formar materiales que se caracterizaron por TEM, EDX, espectroscopia Raman, reometría, espectroscopia UV/Vis y NMR, y dicroísmo circular. El tipo de jaula y la concentración modularon la viscoelasticidad del gel y, por lo tanto, la tasa de difusión de los huéspedes moleculares a través de la matriz nanoestructurada, medida por 19 F y 1Espectroscopía de RMN H. Cuando se agregaron dos jaulas diferentes a capas de gel separadas espacialmente, el material compuesto de jaula de gel permitió la segregación espacial de una mezcla de invitados que se difundió en el gel. Cada jaula encapsuló selectivamente a su huésped preferido durante la difusión. Por lo tanto, presentamos una nueva estrategia para utilizar interacciones supramoleculares anidadas para permitir la separación de moléculas pequeñas

Embedding and Positioning of Two FeII4L4 Cages in Supramolecular Tripeptide Gels for Selective Chemical Segregation

An unreported d,l\u2010tripeptide self\u2010assembled into gels that embedded FeII4L4 metal\u2013organic cages to form materials that were characterized by TEM, EDX, Raman spectroscopy, rheometry, UV/Vis and NMR spectroscopy, and circular dichroism. The cage type and concentration modulated gel viscoelasticity, and thus the diffusion rate of molecular guests through the nanostructured matrix, as gauged by 19F and 1H\u2005NMR spectroscopy. When two different cages were added to spatially separated gel layers, the gel\u2013cage composite material enabled the spatial segregation of a mixture of guests that diffused into the gel. Each cage selectively encapsulated its preferred guest during diffusion. We thus present a new strategy for using nested supramolecular interactions to enable the separation of small molecules

Tripodal transmembrane transporters for bicarbonate

Easy-to-make tripodal tris-thiourea receptors based upon tris(2-aminoethyl)amine are capable of chloride/bicarbonate transport and as such represent a new class of bicarbonate transport agent.<br/

Full elucidation of the transmembrane anion transport mechanism of squaramides using in silico investigations

A comprehensive experimental and theoretical investigation of the transmembrane chloride transport promoted by four series of squaramide derivatives, with different degrees of fluorination, number of convergent N-H binding units and conformational shapes, is reported. The experimental chloride binding and transport abilities of these small synthetic molecules in liposomes were rationalised with quantum descriptors and molecular dynamics simulations in POPC bilayers. The tripodal tren-based compounds, with three squaramide binding motifs, have high chloride affinity, isolating the anion from water molecules within the membrane model and preventing its release to the aqueous phase, in agreement with the absence of experimental transport activity. In contrast, the symmetrical monosquaramides, with moderate chloride binding affinity, are able to bind and release chloride either in the aqueous phase or at the membrane interface level, in line with experimentally observed high transport activity. The PMF profiles associated with the diffusion of these free transporters and their chloride complexes across phospholipid bilayers show that the assisted chloride translocation is thermodynamically favoured

An Area-Specific, International Community-Led Approach to Understanding and Addressing Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion Issues within Supramolecular Chemistry

Diversity, equality, and inclusion (DEI/EDI) are pressing issues in chemistry and the natural sciences. In this Essay we share how an area-specific approach is “calling in” the community so that it can act to address EDI issues, and support those who are marginalised. Women In Supramolecular Chemistry (WISC) is an international network that aims to support equality, diversity, and inclusion within supramolecular chemistry. WISC has taken a field-specific approach using qualitative research methods with scientists to identify the support that is needed and the problems the supramolecular community needs to address. Herein, we present survey data from the community which highlight the barriers that are faced by those who take career breaks for any reason, a common example is maternity leave, and the importance of mentoring to aid progression post-PhD. In conclusion, we set out an interdisciplinary and creative approach to addressing EDI issues within supramolecular chemistry