Synthesis and study of a heterocyclic receptor designed for carboxylic acids

The synthesis of a tricyclic receptor having a bowl shape and three binding points for carboxylic acids has been achieved starting from readily available 1-tetralone derivatives according to two different methods. This host possesses a six-membered lactam moiety and a carboxamide at the end of a flexible arm. Association constant with benzoic acid and stoichiometry of the complex have been determined using H-1 NMR dilution experiments. (C) 2004 Published by Elsevier Ltd.