Tetraphenylethene-based tetracationic cyclophanes and their selective recognition for amino acids and adenosine derivatives in water

Two new tetracationic cyclophanes 1 and 2 containing tetra-phenylethene and bipyridinium moieties were synthesized via a two-step S(N)2 reaction. These water-soluble cyclophanes with a cationic and hydrophobic cavity exhibited selective recognition for amino acids (e.g. tryptophan) and adenosine derivatives (e.g. ATP) via electrostatic and pi-pi interactions in water.