Selectivity in the binding and detection of charge diffuse ions

The selective binding of charge diffuse alkyl and arylammonium ions relies upon multiple weak interactions with a complementary synthetic receptor. Using appropriately sized lipophilic cyclodextrin derivatives, the chemoselective binding of alkylammonium ions such as dopamine, acetyl choline, guanidine, and long chain cationic surfactants may be achieved allowing their selective detection by either potentiometric or amperometric methods of analysis. Enantioselectivity in the binding of chiral β-hydroxyarylammonium ions, such as propranolol, allows chiral sensors to be developed. The selective detection of various clinically important analytes, such as imipramine, lignocaine and creatinine has also been studied.