Allosteric Regulation Of The Conformational Dynamics Of A Cavitand Receptor

Inspired by allostery in nature, we synthesized cavitand 1 and investigated regulation of its conformational dynamics. Quantitative H-1 NMR studies have revealed that the rate of the conformational isomerization of 1 can be modulated using the external addition of acid. As 1 maintains its vase-like conformation in an acidic environment, ample opportunities for controlling the kinetics of molecular recognition, and thus reactivity, in this and related receptors have arisen.