Complexation of neutral molecules by synthetic hosts

Abstract

The interactions of neutral polar molecules with synthetic (macrocyclic) hosts are described. Extraction, NMR spectroscopy, polarography, and membrane transport studies have been carried out in order to understand these interactions. A step-wise process is described in which ultimately a general approach for a rational design of hosts is obtained. This approach has finally led to the first transfer of urea across a membrane by a neutral host (carrier) in which binding sites are placed in such a way that all possible interactions with urea are indeed used. © 1993, Walter de Gruyter GmbH.