Calix[6]azacryptand Ligand with a Sterically Protected Tren-Based Coordination Site for Metal Ions

A new calix[6]azacryptand ligand has been prepared in six steps starting from 1,3,5-trismethoxycalix[6]arene. An X-ray study shows that this ligand has a sterically protected tren-based binding site at the bottom of a polyaromatic bowl and ether sites around its rim. It binds Zn²⁺ to give a complex in which zinc is in a trigonal bipyramidal geometry with a water bound in one apical position and two additional hydrogen-bonded waters that fill the calixarene cavity.
United States. Department of Energy (Grant DE-SC0013307)