Resorcin[4]arene-Based Multidentate Phosphate Ligands with Superior Binding Affinity for Nanocrystal Surfaces

We designed and synthesized two resorcin[4]arene scaffolds with four phosphoric acid binding groups. The ligands effectively bind in at least a tridentate fashion. The superior binding affinity is demonstrated using solution NMR spectroscopy and exceeds that of phosphonic acids.