Multistate Redox-Switchable Ion Transport Using Chalcogen-Bonding Anionophores

Synthetic supramolecular transmembrane aniono-phores have emerged as promising anticancer chemotherapeutics. However, key to their targeted application is achieving spatiotempor-ally controlled activity. Herein, we report a series of chalcogen-bonding diaryl tellurium-based transporters in which their anion binding potency and anionophoric activity are controlled through reversible redox cycling between Te oxidation states. This unprecedented in situ reversible multistate switching allows for switching between ON and OFF anion transport and is crucially achieved with biomimetic chemical redox couples.

Automated summary

Synthetic supramolecular transmembrane aniono-phores are a promising class of anticancer chemotherapeutics, and achieving spatiotemporally controlled activity is crucial for their targeted application. In this study, a series of chalcogen-bonding diaryl tellurium-based transporters were developed, with their anion binding potency and anionophoric activity controlled through reversible redox cycling. This unprecedented in situ reversible multistate switching allows for switching between ON and OFF anion transport, and is crucially achieved with biomimetic chemical redox couples.