Synthesis and Complexation Properties of Sugar Derived Receptors for Chiral Ions

In this account, selected applications of monosaccharides, starting from sugar-based crown-ethers, in recognition of chiral ammonium cations derived from chiral amines and amino acids, are presented. The influence of sugar incorporation into the crown ether ring on binding and structural properties is discussed as well as selected methods used in determination of chiral recognition ability of these hosts. Afterwards, the differences in the design of hosts for chiral anions and receptors for cations are compared. The key-factors in construction of the sugar-based anion receptors: the structure of anion binding pocket and the role of sugar moiety, are shown. Application of these hosts in recognition of biologically important N-protected amino acids and α-hydroxy-acids, using titrations methodology under 1H NMR, UV/VIS and fluorescence control is reviewed.