Functionalized calix[4]arene as an ionophore: Synthesis, crystal structures and complexation study with Na+ and K+ ions

A family of trisubstituted calix[4]arenes with a partial cone conformation has been synthesized and structurally characterized. Crystal structural analyses show that the precise shape of the molecule, and intra- and intermolecular interactions (C-H⋯π, π⋯π and C-H⋯O) of these compounds are significantly different due to the variation of the substituents. A complexation study with Na+ and K+ ions reveal that one of the ionophores (L3) selectively forms a complex with the latter ion.