A series of novel coronands having a 2n-crown-n topology based on trioxane (6-crown-3) derivatives are designed and characterized. These neutral hosts can sense anions through pure aliphatic C鈥揌 hydrogen bonding (HB) in condensed phases due to the unusual topology of 2n-crown-n. C鈥揌 bonds are strongly polarized by two adjacent oxygen atoms in this scaffold. These hosts provide a rare opportunity to modulate anion binding strength by changing the electronic nature of aliphatic C鈥揌 bonds and offer ease of synthesis.