A sulfone-functionalized molecular triangle as a strong anion receptor driven by anion–π interactions

A pyromellitic diimide-based molecular triangle was functionalized with six strongly electron-withdrawing ethyl sulfone groups, significantly enhancing the π-acidity and electron-accepting capability of the macrocycle. As a result, the modified molecular triangle exhibited strong recognition ability towards a series of anions, primarily driven by multiple preorganized anion-π interactions.