title: Strong and Selective Anion Binding within the Central Cavity of Molecular Knots and Links.
abstract: A molecular pentafoil knot and doubly and triply entwined [2]catenanes based on circular Fe(II) double helicate scaffolds bind halide anions in their central cavities through electrostatic and CH···X(-) hydrogen-bonding interactions. The binding is up to (3.6 ± 0.2) × 10(10) M(-1) in acetonitrile (for pentafoil knot [2·Cl](PF6)9), making these topologically complex host molecules some of the strongest synthetic noncovalent binders of halide anions measured to date, comparable in chloride ion affinity to silver salts.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jean-François
authors.initials: JF
authors.lastname: Ayme
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Jonathon E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Beves
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Christopher J
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Campbell
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Guzmán
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gil-Ramírez
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Leigh
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry, University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, United Kingdom.
authors.forename: Alexander J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Stephens