A chemically-responsive bis-acridinium receptor

A dicationic receptor based on two acridinium moieties linked by a triphenylene spacer was studied in solution and in the solid state. Recognition moieties, namely acridiniums, were exploited to evidence a host-guest response of the receptor with electron rich guests. Upon addition of methoxide anions, the formation of the bis-acridane form of the receptor was observed. The chemical responsiveness of the receptor to these anions inhibits its recognition properties towards -donor guests. In addition, the reversibility of the chemical response was demonstrated under acidic conditions.