Cooperative Binding of Divalent Diamides by N-Alkyl Ammonium Resorcinarene Chlorides.

N-Alkyl ammonium resorcinarene chlorides, stabilized by an intricate array of hydrogen bonds leading to a cavitand-like structure, bind amides. The molecular recognition occurs through intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the carbonyl oxygen and the amide hydrogen of the guests and the cation-anion circular hydrogen-bonded seam of the hosts, as well as through CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions. The N-alkyl ammonium resorcinarene chlorides cooperatively bind a series of di-acetamides of varying spacer lengths ranging from three to seven carbons.