Copper cation recognition

Similarly, nickel(ll) and copper(ll) transition metal dithiocarbamate ion-pair receptors 21, containing amide-and crown ether-recognition sites, bind alkali metal cations and various anions. The sandwich K+ complex of the nickel(ll) receptor cooperatively enhanced the binding of acetate anion, while the copper(ll) receptor electrochemi-cally can sense anions and cations via perturbation of the copper(n)/copper(m) dithiocarbamate redox couple <2002JSU89>. 

Finally, De Munno et al. reported the one-pot synthesis of a stable polynuclear copper(n)-cytidine complex, entitled as the nucleoside-wheel . Surprisingly, despite the positive charges from eight copper(II) centers the complex is able to act as a host for [Cu(H20)6] cations. These unique complexes provide new opportunities for specific molecular recognition in the broad field of host-guest chemistry [67]. 

---