Molecular baskets form inclusion complexes with phenethylamine drugs in water.

Molecular basket 1 6- comprising a nonpolar cavity and an anionic nest of six carboxylates at its rim was found to form inclusion complexes with (1 R , 2 S )-ephedrine, (1 R , 2 R )-pseudoephedrine, and (1 S , 2 R )-tranylcypromine. Experimental results (NMR) and theory (MM/DFT) suggest the basket encapsulates phenethylamines in unique and predictable fashion.