A series of triazole–cyanostilbene receptors were designed and synthesized. The receptor binds with the anions through various CH···anion hydrogen bonding interactions, where strong binding was observed for SO4 2– anions followed by Cl–, Br–, NO3 –, and I–, calculated from the 1H NMR titration experiment. The NOESY NMR experiment of the receptor confirmed the formation of anion-induced folded conformation. The CH···anion hydrogen bonding interaction-mediated anion recognition and foldamer formation were further confirmed from geometry optimization studies of the anion-bound complex. The receptor transports Cl– anions efficiently compared to SO4 2– anions across the lipid bilayer membrane via a mobile carrier mechanism.

Synthetic anion transmembrane transporters are adding new aspirations for treating channelopathies by replacing defective ion channels. The availability of such suitable candidates is still infrequent due to the associated toxicity. Here, we report 3-(1H-1,2,3-triazol-1-yl)­benzamides as transmembrane anion carriers, nontoxic to cells. The selective and electrogenic chloride transport activity was established by fluorescence and ion selective electrode-based assays. MQAE assay confirmed the chloride uptake into the cells by the nontoxic compounds.