Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: A major hurdle in current research on supramolecular anion channels is achieving the specificity and selectivity necessary for biological and pharmaceutical applications. To address this limitation, the present study reports a series of 3,5-dihalobenzamide derivatives designed to achieve selective anion transport via halogen-bonding interactions. Ion transport assays reveal that the diiodo derivative (3) exhibits superior activity compared with its dibromo (2) and dichloro (1) analogues. Fluorescence and electrophysiological experiments confirm that 3 functions as a selective chloride channel via an antiport mechanism. Furthermore, theoretical calculations confirm that intermolecular hydrogen bonding drives the self-assembly of 3 into supramolecular barrel-rosette structures that span the lipid bilayer. The study also highlights the pivotal role of halogen bonding in the recognition and transmembrane transport of the chloride ions.
Source: JACS Au
Language: English
Subfield: Organic Chemistry
Field: Chemistry
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,500
Funders: Arthritis National Research Foundation, Indian Institute of Science, Department of Science and Technology, Ministry of Science and Technology, India, Department of Atomic Energy, Government of India, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Pune, Indian Institute of Science Education and Research Mohali, Science and Engineering Research Board
Awards: G516658781, G5664258664, G8928320385
OpenAlex ID: W7164881291