Selective Anion Binding in Water with Use of a Zinc(II) Dipicolylamino Functionalized Diketopiperazine Scaffold

[GRAPHICS] The design and synthesis of a diketopiperazine based anion receptor bearing two dipicolylamino arms complexed to zinc(II) ions is described. This receptor is readily prepared from the dipeptide precursor by a microwave-assisted intramolecular cyclization reaction. Upon addition of zinc(II), the receptor binds di- and triphosphate ions with high affinity and selectivity in aqueous solution, as determined by using a fluorescent indicator displacement assay.