Preparation of a new receptor for anions, macrocyclic polythiolactam—structure and high anion-binding ability

Thiocarbonylation of a macrocyclic tetralactam gave a new macrocyclic tetrathiolactam. The chemical transformation enhances hydrogen-bonding ability of the NH protons in the cavity of the macrocycle, and provides strong affinity toward anions. The association properties of the polythiolactam with anions was examined, and molecular structures of the macrocycle and its Cl− complex were determined.