Highly constrained guests in complexes of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene dianion: Pentane-1,5-diammonium and choline

The structures of the complexes of choline and pentane-1,5-diammonium with p-t-bu-calix[6]arene dianion were determined. Both salts display the calixarene moiety at 1,2,3-alternate conformation, with two concave surfaces formed by three aromatic rings, and the phenolate units are at distal positions, interacting with two phenol units by hydrogen bonds. lt of pentane-1,5-diammonium shows the diammonium connecting both calixarene dianion units, and one NH3+ is located endo-calix position and the other occupies an exo-calix position. The t-butyl groups and the calix cavity constrains the pentane-1,5-diammonium chain to near syn-eclipsed and gauche conformations. The other semi-calix accomodates a THF solvent molecule. The salt of choline shows the trimethylammonium groups of choline units immersed in these concave surfaces, with several interactions N+–C–H---π interactions with the aromatic semi-cavities.