Polarizing a hydrophobic cavity for the efficient binding of organic guests: The case of calix[6]tren, a highly efficient and versatile receptor for neutral or cationic species

The host-guest properties of calix[6]tren 1 are evaluated. The receptor is based on a calix[6]arene that is covalently capped at the narrow rim by a tren unit and the system presents a concave hydrophobic cavity with, at its bottom, a grid-like nitrogenous core.