Highly Efficient and Selective Recognition of Dicyanoaurate(I) by a Bambusuril Macrocycle in Water

Abstract

Dicyanoaurate(I) anion, [Au(CN)2]−, plays a central role in the current industrial production of gold, as its extraction from crude ore samples represents the most money‐consuming step. Herein, we present the strongest host–guest recognition of dicyanoaurate anion using the bambusuril receptor in water, a highly competitive solvent. The micromolar stability of such a complex facilitated the up to date most efficient supramolecular stripping of dicyanoaurate from activated carbon at ambient temperature. Thermodynamic characteristics of bambusuril binding with [Au(CN)2]− differing from binding of other inorganic chaotropic anions are rationalized, as well as the bambusuril selectivity for [Au(CN)2]− over [Ag(CN)2]−.

Nanoparticles Based on Silver Chloride and Bambusuril[6] for the Fine-Tuning of Biological Activity

“…Recent studies focused on the chemistry of bambusuril and its use as an effective and selective adsorbent for anions [38,39]. Recent discoveries have revealed that bambusuril can selectively bind to [Au(CN) 2 ] − ions [40], suggesting their potential application in the gold mining industry. Additionally, it has been found that semithiobambusuril, featuring terminal thiocarbonyl groups, has a fascinating ability to form highly stable and well-ordered monolayers on gold surfaces.…”

“…The chemistry of bambusuril is actively developing; however, there are still many questions regarding its supramolecular properties. It is known that bambusuril possesses "host-guest" properties [40,41], but to date, the suitability of BU [6] for the synthesis and stabilization of metallic nanoparticles, particularly AgNPs, has not been investigated. Previously, AgNPs stabilized with cucurbituril [7] were obtained in an aqueous medium in the presence of NaOH at room temperature [42].…”