10.1039/c4ob01954g
The research aimed to synthesize a new benzofuran-based receptor that mimics an oxyanion hole to recognize and bind amino acid derivatives, similar to natural enzymes. (E)-4-(5-Bromo-2-hydroxyphenyl) but-3-en-2-one (1) is a chalcone intermediate synthesized from 5-bromo-2-hydroxybenzaldehyde using NaOH in acetone, yielding a product with an 84% yield and a melting point of 148–149 °C. Characterized by NMR, IR, and HRMS, it serves as a crucial building block in the synthesis of the benzofuran receptor, which is designed to mimic an oxyanion hole for chiral recognition of amino acid derivatives. The study concluded that the benzofuran receptor effectively mimics the oxyanion hole, offering a promising approach for chiral recognition and separation of amino acid derivatives.