This review describes the properties of the bambus[n]urils and some of their applications. These macrocycles are synthesized by the condensation of glycoluril derivatives and paraformaldehyde in acid medium. The alternate conformation of the monomers creates low electron density regions at the center of the macrocycle cavity and this is the main cause of bambus[n]urils high affinity and selectivity towards anions. Due to these properties, bambus[n]urils have been used for the detection of anions in mixtures, but also in complex supramolecular systems where they act as donors in photoinduced electron-transfer processes, and synthetic ion-channels for example. These compounds are relatively recent and deserve attention for their potential in many branches of chemistry, especially in supramolecular and inclusion chemistry.
