Nitrate anion templated synthesis of a [2]catenane for nitrate recognition in organic-aqueous solvent media.

The first example of a catenane synthesised using a nitrate anion template is demonstrated. Removal of the templating anion reveals a mechanically interlocked molecular host system which is capable of recognising nitrate selectively over a range of more basic mono-anionic oxoanions in a competitive organic-aqueous solvent mixture