Selective recognition and extraction of arsenate by a urea-functionalized tripodal receptor from competitive aqueous media

A second-generation hydrogen bond donor (HBD) anion receptor with an inner amide cavity and an outer urea cavity can selectively and efficiently extract arsenate (AsO43-) from water in the presence of competitive oxoanions and halides. The X-ray structure showed encapsulation of AsO43- in a pi-stacked dimeric capsular assembly of the receptor, the first crystallography-based example of pentavalent AsO43- trianion recognition by a HBD receptor.

Automated summary

In this study, a second-generation hydrogen bond donor (HBD) anion receptor with an inner amide cavity and an outer urea cavity was developed. This receptor showed selective and efficient extraction of arsenate (AsO43-) from water, even in the presence of competitive oxoanions and halides. The X-ray structure analysis revealed the encapsulation of AsO43- in a pi-stacked dimeric capsular assembly of the receptor, demonstrating the successful recognition of pentavalent AsO43- trianion by the HBD receptor.