NSF Center for Aqueous Supramolecular Chemistry

CASC will enable the supramolecular control, transport and transformation of oxy and fluorinated anions. The two targeted anions, bicarbonate and PFOA, represent two extremes in terms of size, shape, and solvation, features that will aid in the establishment of fundamental supramolecular principles applicable to a broad chemical landscape. CASC will demonstrate that by adjusting The local electronic and electrostatic environment within supramolecular host guest complexes, both the affinity and selectivity of the host guest complexes can be manipulated to enable the design of a new class of switchable receptors. The ability to control both affinity and selectivity will propel anion supramolecular chemistry into novel domains that extend beyond recognition and sensing. Switchable supramolecular receptors will be utilized as directing agents to improve the reactivity of catalysts and foster transformation. A newfound capability to simultaneously transport and transform anions in water will impact environmental chemistry, chemical biology, and catalysis.