“Inherent chirality” in molecules like calix[4]arenes, fullerenes, and uranyl-salophen complexes can be related to the presence of curvature. This observation serves as a basis for the introduction of a new chirality descriptor.

In this critical review the use of metal–salophen complexes as anion receptors is discussed with an emphasis on the supramolecular control of selectivity derived by the presence of additional interaction sites on the ligand skeleton. Some examples of application in sensing are also reported (112 references).

Anthraquinone derived oxalamide gelator 1 forms with aromatic solvents and alcohols very stable gels which selectively respond to the presence of fluoride anion by colour change and/or gel-to-sol transition.

Zinc–salophen compounds 1–3 incorporating in the given order 1,2-diaminobenzene, 2,3-diaminonaphthalene, and 9,10-diaminophenantrene moieties were synthesised. Their binding properties toward a series of tertiary amines were assessed by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in chloroform solution. Unprecedented selectivities of quinuclidine vs. triethylamine higher than 10⁵ were recorded, thereby revealing the dramatic influence of steric effects on axial coordination of tertiary amines. X-Ray diffraction analyses showed that in the solid state compound 2 is dimeric, but its 1 : 1 quinuclidine complex is monomeric. Strong indications were obtained that both free receptors and their amine adducts are monomeric in dilute chloroform solution.