Calix[n]arenes - powerful building-blocks of supramolecular chemistry

Abstract

Current methodology provides ready access to the bowl-shaped calix[n]arenes. Further chemical manipulation of these unique molecular structures provided a means to modifying their basic skeleton. These molecules were found to be extremely useful in host-guest chemistry due to their propensity to complex the ions and/or neutral molecules inside their cavities. They are thus ideal building blocks for the construction of various types of more sophisticated host molecules, sensors, and larger molecular systems with well-predefined structures. Some recent advances made in this field concerning the usage of calix[n]arenes in supramolecular chemistry are summarized in this review.