(281f) Ionization, Molecular Recognition, and Wetting Phenomena on Self-Assembled Interfaces Formed from Chiral and Achiral Macrocylic Compounds

Self-assembly of complex molecular motifs is of increasing interest in the creation of novel functional interfaces. In this context, cavitands or molecules that possess a molecular-sized cavity have been the focus of recent studies for preparing interfaces suited for molecular recognition. We have investigated selective molecular interactions on nanometer length-scales using surfaces formed by the self-assembly of chiral and achiral derivatives of a macrocyclic synthetic host, calix[4]resorcinarene. These host molecules contain a bowl-shaped cavity and permit targeted recognition of chemicals. To establish the broad principles for the design of these novel surfaces, we will discuss ionization of the macrocyclic hosts. The changes accompanying this ionization have been probed using surface analytical techniques such as two-color surface plasmon resonance and the impact on interfacial wetting has been characterized. The applications of these ionized hosts in molecular recognition of guest molecules will also be presented.