Most synthetic receptors have been designed based on the principle of preorganization. Flexible receptors tend to suffer entropic loss upon binding with guests and thus have poor binding as a result. We report that flexible receptors can be engineered to outperform their preorganized counterparts when disengaged intrareceptor interactions are turned on by their guests. The mechanism could be used to enhance binding especially when the direct binding forces are weakened by the environment.

Cooperatively enhanced receptors for cation binding and π-π interactions

251st National Meeting (2016)

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