Abstract:
Nature endowed different structurally and functionally complex transmembrane proteins that adequately maintain ionic homeostasis, which is essential for maintaining different physiological functions with an intention of understanding the ion transport process and making alternative synthetic analogous. Herein, we utilized 3,5-diiodo benzamide-based small molecules 1a–1d which can assemble to form an ion channel in the membrane. Ion transport screening divulged that compound 1c showed higher transport activity across the membrane. Self-assembly studies confirmed that compound 1c has self-assembly properties. Detailed ion transport studies revealed that the compound can selectively transport the anions with preferential selectivity towards the chloride anion, and it follows the antiport mechanism. The crystal structure of the compounds confirmed that the iodide atom has a tendency to form halogen bonding.
