Abstract

A new receptor based on a 9,9-dimethylxanthene framework was synthesized. Owing to its suitable oxyanion hole structure, this receptor is able to associate carboxylic acids and anions. The introduction of a chiral center provides enantio-selective properties to this receptor as a result of its different interactions with both enantiomers of the substrate. The combination of this skeleton with a fluorescent unit such as dansyl allows the detection of small amounts of carboxylic acids by making use of fluorescent techniques. ((C) Wiley-VCH Verlag GmbH Co. KGaA, 69451 Weinheim, Germany, 2009)