Semithiobambus[6]uril is shown to be an efficient transmembrane anion transporter. Although all bambusuril analogs (having either O, S or N atoms in their portals) are excellent anion binders, only the sulfur analog is also an effective anion transporter capable of polarizing lipid membranes through selective anion uniport. This notable divergence reflects significant differences in the lipophilic character of the bambusuril analogs.

Synthetic anion carriers are essential for studying natural ion transporters and channels and for useful applications, such as treatment of channelopathies, supramolecular architecture, anion sensing and catalysis. Driven by the hypothesis that replacement of oxygen atoms in bambusurils (BUs) by other heteroatoms could significantly modify their anion binding properties, we calculated their molecular electrostatic potential and found a general trend of anion‐affinity: S>O>NH. We confirmed these predictions experimentally by synthesizing semithio‐ and semiaza‐BUs and studying their binding and transport properties. Although all analogs are excellent anion binders, only semithio‐bambus[6]uril is an effective transmembrane transporter capable of polarizing lipid membranes through selective anion uniport. Semiaza‐BUs exhibit simultaneous accommodation of three anions, linearly positioned along the main symmetry axis, which is reminiscent of natural chloride channels in E. coli.

A short, concise synthesis of enantiopure, side chain-modified α-amino acids such as 4-oxo-L-norvaline, 6-oxo-L-homonorleucine, and 5-cis-alkyl prolines is described. Knoevenagel condensation of l-aminocarboxylate-derived β-ketoesters with aldehydes followed by reductive decarboxylation results in unnatural α-amino acids in good yield. A fluorescent amino acid is synthesized using a similar protocol. These studies show that aminocarboxylate-derived β-ketoesters are very useful intermediates and the method employed is both general and practical for the preparation of γ(δ)-oxo α-amino acids and alkylprolines.

The halogenation of alcohols under mild conditions expedited by the presence of substoichiometric amounts of thiourea additives is presented. The amount of thiourea added dictates the pathway of the reaction, which may diverge from the desired halogenation reaction toward oxidation of the alcohol, in the absence of thiourea, or toward starting material recovery when excess thiourea is used. Both bromination and chlorination were highly efficient for primary, secondary, tertiary, and benzyl alcohols and tolerate a broad range of functional groups. Detailed electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) studies, isotopic labeling, and other control experiments suggest a radical-based mechanism. The fact that the reaction is carried out at ambient conditions, uses ubiquitous and inexpensive reagents, boasts a wide scope, and can be made highly atom economic, makes this new methodology a very appealing option for this archetypical organic reaction.