Tetraurea calix[4]arenes with sulfur functions: synthesis, dimerization to capsules, and self-assembly on gold

A giant hybrid organic–inorganic octahedron from a narrow rim carboxylate calixarene

Here we discovered an unprecedented giant octahedral coordination compound bearing 16 Zn²⁺, 12 Na⁺, 8 O²⁻, 4 OH⁻, 13 H₂O and 6 L⁴⁻ ligands [L⁴⁻ = fully deprotonated tetra(carboxymethoxy)calix[4]arene].

Co(II/III) Complexes with Benzoxazole and Benzothiazole Ligands as Efficient Heterogenous Photocatalysts for Organic Dyes Degradation

The problem of pollution in the current world is growing, however people’s awareness of environmental protection and ecology is also increasing. The aim of the study is to present three new Schiff base compounds with Co(II/III) ions and to assess their photocatalytic activity. The study was supported by cyclic voltammetry technique. In due course the complex 2 revealed as the most effective in AR18 degradation, even more than commercially available TiO2. The search for new photocatalysts able to decompose harmful organic dyes into environmentally friendly basic substances is becoming a new trend in the area of chemistry development.

Single-molecule electronics: from chemical design to functional devices

The use of single molecules in electronics represents the next limit of miniaturisation of electronic devices, which would enable to continue the trend of aggressive downscaling of silicon-based electronic devices.

Tetra-urea calix[4]arenes 1,3-bridged at the narrow rim

The synthesis of special tetra-urea calix[4]arene derivatives is described. Two propyl ether groups in 1,3-position and a 5-iodo-isophthalamide bridge connecting two aminopropylether residues in 2,4-position at the narrow rim keep the molecule fixed in the cone conformation. The aryl urea residues are substituted by decyloxy groups in p-position to increase the solubility in apolar solvents, while the iodo substituent allows further functionalization. Two single crystal X-ray structures of 3 and 4 show a strongly pinched cone conformation in which the bridged phenol units are bent outwards, while the phenol units bearing the propyl ether groups are nearly parallel. The molecules are flexible enough, however, to form hydrogen bonded dimeric capsules in apolar solvents. Their (time averaged) D(2) conformation is confirmed by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.