Guest-Induced 2-D Metallopolycapsular Networks Based on a 1,3-Alternate Calix[4]arene Derivative

Solvothermal reactions of the calix[4]arene tetraacetic acid (H4 CTA) with zinc nitrate in the presence of α,ω-diaminoalkanes afford two-dimensional metallopolycapsular networks of the formula {[Me2 NH2 ]2 [G@(Zn2 (CTA)2 )]⋅(DMF)2 ⋅(H2 O)4 }n (G=(+) NH3 -(CH2 )n -NH3 (+) , n=2, 3, 4; DMF=N,N-dimethylformamide). These metallopolycapsular networks are built up of metallocapsules that consist of two CTA and two Zn(II) ions. Short alkanediyldiammonium ((+) NH3 -(CH2 )n -NH3 (+) , n=2, 3, 4) guest ions are accommodated in each capsule of the metallopolycapsular network through a variety of supramolecular interactions. The thermal behaviours and the solid-state photoluminescent properties of these complexes were also investigated.