Molecular scaffolds for di-metallic complexation: the synthesis, characterisation and complexation properties of tetrakis-terpyridinyl-calix[4]arene

The ligand tetrakis-terpyridinyl-calix[4]arene is used as a rigid scaffold and pre-organiser of supramolecular assemblies by complexation of the Ni(II), Cu(II) and Co(II) cations. The ligand synthesis was carried out using peptide synthesis conditions by coupling 4′-(2-aminoethoxy)-2,2′/6′,2′′-terpyridine to the tetra-succinimidoyl activated ester of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. The studies on complexation by UV show the existence of M2L-type complexes.