Applications:Carbohydrates represent a particularly enticing and important challenge to the organic chemist interested in molecular recognition. In addition to their role in addressing the fundamental problem of understanding binding and selectivity, novel carbohydrate receptors have significant potential as tools in the rapidly evolving field of glycomics, as components of sensing systems for isolated sugar and for pathogens, and as leads for the development of new therapeutic agents. The invention identifies a small molecule that binds carbohydrates with high affinity via non-covalent interaction in methanol. The invention provides potential for carbohydrate-targeted therapeutic agents, diagnostics and sensors. Advantages:The invention paves the way for further development of carbohydrate-targeted compounds active in water.