Solvent effect on neutral chiral supramolecular assemblies and their distinct receptor behaviour towards anions

Abstract

We describe the distinct receptor behaviour of a neutral chiral Cu(ii) complex in dimethylsulfoxide or methanol towards anions, such as F-, Cl-, Br-, I- or OAc-, where F- and OAc- show the most colorimetric change, through various spectroscopic techniques. Further insights into this at the molecular level come from the single crystal X-ray structures of both dimethylsulfoxide and methanol solvates which show a solvent effect on their supramolecular network formation. Both chromogenic and fluorogenic sensing of the anions indicate a 2:1 receptor-anion formation via anion-π as well as hydrogen bonding interactions.