Anion Recognition by Molecular Capsules and Its Applications

Synthetic anion receptors have the potential to address some of the important problems associated with health and environment. In this regard, a wide variety of receptors (ligands) containing different anion recognition elements with increasing complexities have been developed by us and others which will be briefly presented in this talk. In particular, focus will be given on i) recognition of fluoride, arsenate (potential for removal of such toxic anions from water); ii) sequestration of aerial carbon dioxide in the form of carbonate; (iii) sulfate separation from mixtures of anions in highly alkaline medium (useful for nuclear waste reprocessing); and iv) trapping of cyanide (for industrial waste water treatment) by molecular capsules.