Receptor properties of oxa-corroles and oxa-smaragdyrins

Porphyrins and corroles are important ring systems involved in diverse biological functions. Recent research has concentrated on exploitation of these macrocycles as anion and cation receptors. In this overview, an account of receptor properties of two modified corroles namely oxa corrole and expanded oxacorrole (smaragdyrin) is described. Specifically it has been shown that they bind transition metals such as Rh(I) and Ni(II) in their free base form, while in the protonated form they act as aruon receptors for anions like F-, Cl-, AMP- etc. The details of the binding of anions and cations are highlighted here.