Shaping the cavity of calixarene architecture for molecular recognition : synthesis and conformational properties of new azocalix[4]arenes

A series of new azocalix[4]arenes containing one, two, three, and four free phenolic groups have been synthesized through the reaction of 4-nitro- and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazines with flexible calix[4]arene diquinones as well as through diazocoupling reactions of calix[4]arenes. Characterization of synthesized compounds by spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction revealed that azocalix[4]arenes adopt a cone conformation if they contain at least one free phenolic group. Partial cone or 1,3-alternate conformers of azocalix[4]arenes result only when they are devoid of free phenolic groups. The results can be utilized to shape calix[4]arene architecture for ionic and molecular recognition.