A polyaromatic receptor with an ethereal fence that directs K+ for effective cation-pi interaction.

We have designed and synthesized a HAB-based receptor with six ethereal oxygens on one face of the central benzene ring by a trimerization of a diarylacetylene in which the ethereal oxygens are tied together with a tetramethylene bridge. This unique amphiphilic receptor allows an efficient binding of a single potassium cation by a synergistic interaction with the polar ethereal fence and with the central benzene ring via cation-pi interaction. Furthermore, the ready accessibility of this unique receptor with a bipolar binding pocket will allow the exploration of its usage for developing efficient sensing devices for various metal cations.