Comparative study of calix[4]arene derivatives: implications for ligand design

The first comparative theoretical study of three parent calix[4]arene analogues (calix[4]arene, thiacalix[4]arene, and homooxacalix[4]arene) has been performed using molecular dynamic simulations and density functional theory (MPWB1K/6-311G∗∗//B3LYP/6-311G∗∗) methods. The theoretical observations herein including optimized geometry, polarity, and atomic charge data provide that homooxacalix[4]arene would offer more efficient platform for metal ion recognition compared to thiacalix[4]arene or calix[4]arene.