Synthesis of a heterocyclic receptor for carboxylic acids

The synthesis of a tricyclic receptor having a bowl shape and three binding points for carboxylic acids has been achieved starting from readily available 1-tetralone derivatives. This host possesses a six-membered lactam moiety and a carboxamide at the end of a flexible arm. The association constant with benzoic acid and the stoichiometry of the complex have been determined using 1H NMR dilution experiments.