Efficient transmembrane anion transport mediated by a bis(imidazolyl)-functionalized bis(choloyl) conjugate.

A bis(imidazolyl)-functionalized bis(choloyl) conjugate was synthesized and assessed for its transmembrane anionophoric activity by means of chloride ion selective electrode technique and pyranine assays. The results indicate that under the assay conditions, this conjugate was capable of mediating the symport of proton and anions, presumably via a channel mechanism. In addition, this compound was found to exhibit much higher anionophoric activity than the analogue without imidazolyl groups, revealing the significant role of the imidazolyl groups in the anion transport process.