Macrosteres: The Deltic Guanidinium Ion.

The "deltic guanidinium" ion is described here as a "macrostere" of the guanidinium ion. The use of the 2,4-dimethoxybenzyl protecting group allows for the synthesis of the fully unsubstituted parent compound and a variety of derivatives bearing multiple N-H functions for the first time. Deltic urea, deltic thiourea, and deltic benzamidine are also synthesized. A comparison of the physical properties of guanidinium and deltic guanidinium ions is provided. The use of a deltic guanidinium dendrimer for cell transport is demonstrated.