Biaryl-based anion receptors bearing thiourea groups: fluoride anion receptor

The synthesis, characterization and binding studies with anions for biaryl-based anion receptors bearing thiourea groups have been described. The results revealed that receptors (1 and 2) showed good selectivity and binding affinity for F^?, and among them binaphthyl-based receptor (1a) showed the best binding affinity for F^? in comparison to other tested anions (Cl^?, Br^?, I^?, $ {text{NO}}_{3}^{ - } ,;{text{HSO}}_{4}^{ - } , $ AcO^? and $ {text{H}}_{2} {text{PO}}_{4}^{ - } $ ). This is probably due to the fact that the moderate rigidity of binaphthyl skeleton in 1a is able to provide the better geometry of two thiourea groups for incorporating F^? into the binding pocket. The higher basicity of F^? also participated in this selectivity.