Diketopiperazine receptors: highly selective layers for gravimetric sensors

Diketopiperazine with two peptidic side chains have been evaluated as selective and sensitive coatings for gravimetric gas sensors. Individually coated arrays of multiple quartz crystal microbalances yield characteristic response patterns, which allow identification and monitoring of the individual components of complex aromas or mixtures of different analytes. The diketopiperazides tested here differentiate simple alcohols. Thanks to their facile synthesis, the composition and stereochemistry of their receptor arms can easily be modified and optimized for the detection of a variety special analytes.