Highly selective recognition of the Al(ClO 4 ) 3 molecule by a mono-pyrene substituted thiacalix[4]arene chemosensor.

A mono-pyrene substituted thiacalix[4]arene chemosensor (TCA-Py) was successfully synthesized in satisfactory yield. Fluorescence analysis revealed that TCA-Py exhibited a high recognition selectivity toward the Al(ClO 4 ) 3 molecule due to the synergy between the Al 3+ cation and ClO 4 - anion. This unique ability to recognise an entire inorganic molecule broadens the field of molecular recognition.