Cryptand L (L = N[(CH2)2NHCH2(2,6-C10H6)CH2NH(CH2)2]3N) and its dinuclear metal cryptates [Zn2L](NO3)4 (1) and [Cu2L](ClO4)4 (2) have been prepared, and the binding properties of the cryptates with fumarate and its cis isomer maleate were investigated using fluorescent spectra, 1H NMR titrations and single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis for [(Cu2L)(fum)][ClO4]2 (3) (fum = fumarate). Thanks to the size and shape matching effect, the cryptates can selectively recognize fumarate at physiological pH, with an association constant almost 18-fold larger than that of maleate, forming a cradle-like cascade complex.
