Modular synthesis of di- and tripeptides of luminescent crown ether aminocarboxylic acids

Luminescent benzo crown ether aminocarboxylic acids with ammonium ion affinity were prepared and converted into linear bis- and tris benzo crown ether amides using standard peptide coupling protocols. The affinities of the new crown ethers to ammonium ions and di- and tetrapeptides bearing ammonium ion moieties were determined by emission titration in methanol and buffered water.