A beta-Mannoside-Selective Pyrrolic Tripodal Receptor

Acetalic substituents strategically located in a pyrrolic tripodal structure provide a new synthetic receptor endowed with unprecedented affinity for mannosides and the highest selectivity for beta-mannose ever reported for synthetic H-bonding receptors. Binding properties have been determined by NMR, ITC, and ESI-MS techniques, while affinities have been univocally assessed by the BC50 degrees parameter, a general descriptor of binding affinity.