Anion induced conformational switch of a macrocyclic amide receptor

Isophthalic acid-based macrocyclic tetraamide 4 shows considerable conformational change during anion binding. In the solid state and in solution the free receptor exists in nonbonding, closed conformation stabilized by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds. Upon anion complexation, the receptor switches to a conformation with convergent arrangement of hydrogen bond donors. The conformational switch is evidenced by 2D NMR and X-ray analyses of the free ligand and its Cl− complex.