Abstract

Tris(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane derivatives (1) displayed excellent selectivity for chloride (Cl-), in comparison with bromide (Br-), iodide (I-) and nitrate (NO3 -) ions. This selectivity is attributed to the fit size and shape of chloride, which favor the formation of a stable host-guest complex through the multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds between 1 and the chloride anion.

Keywords: Tris(2-hydroxyphenyl)methane, anion receptor, chloride anion selectivity, hydroxy group, multiple hydrogen bonding