A new family of bis-ureidic receptors (L(1)-L(6)) has been synthesised. The binding properties of L(1)-L(6) towards different anions (acetate, benzoate, glutarate, malonate, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen pyrophosphate, triphosphate, AMP and ADP) have been studied by means of (1)H-NMR, UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies and a remarkable affinity for HPpi(3-) has been observed in the case L(3) (in DMSO-d6 and DMSO-d6-5% H2O) which also acts as a fluorimetric chemosensor, even to the naked eye, for this anion. Theoretical calculations helped us explain the binding properties observed.

A new family of bis-methylureas () have been synthesised and their ability to bind anions both in solution and in the solid state and to transport them through lipid membrane have been studied. From the solid state studies it has emerged that various conformations can be adopted by the receptors allowing the isolation of complexes of different stoichiometries (from 1 : 1 to 1 : 3). The transport studies highlighted the possibility to use bis-methylureas to mediate Cl(-) transport across membranes.

Nine tris-urea receptors (L(1)-L(9)) have been synthesised and shown to coordinate to a range of anionic guests both by (1)H NMR titration techniques and single crystal X-ray structural analysis. The compounds have been shown to be capable of mediating the exchange of chloride and nitrate and also chloride and bicarbonate across POPC or POPC : cholesterol 7 : 3 vesicle bilayer membranes at low transporter loadings. An interesting dependency of anion transport on the nature of the cation is evidence to suggest that a M(+)/Cl(-) cotransport process may also contribute to the release of chloride from the vesicles.

The chemical composition of the essential oil of the Sardinian dwarf curry plant [Helichrysum italicum G. Don ssp. microphyllum (Willd) Nym] was studied. Genetic analysis suggested the presence of two chemotypes; morphological and chemical differences confirmed the presence of two chemotypes (A and B). The maximum yields were 0.18 and 0.04% (v/w) for flowering tops and stems, respectively. The concentrations of nerol and its esters (acetate and propionate), limonene, and linalool reach their highest values during the flowering stage both in flowers and in stems. Besides the essential oil, type B showed an interesting antifungal activity

The interaction between ureidic receptors and acetate is described via NMR experiments.