Self-assembled calix[4]arenequinhydrone on the platinum electrode by cathodic reduction of calix[4]arenediquinone

The electrochemical reduction of di(methoxy-p-tert-butyl)calix[4]arenediquinone led to its calix[4]arenedihydroquinone. The presence of both in the solution refers to the generation of calix[4]arenequinhydrone charge-transfer complex at the electrode surface through a donor/acceptor process type. Self-assembled adlayers of calix[4]arenequinhydrone was obtained by partial electrochemical reduction. Electrochemical deposition of the last form was achieved on the platinum disk electrode at −1.16 V versus SCE (saturated calomel electrode) in aprotic solution by cathodic reduction of the starting substrate. The deposit was first characterized by cyclic voltammetry (CV) in electrolytic solution and then in electrolyte support solution and finally in a ferricyannure solution. The self-assembled product was characterized by MALDI-TOF Mass and IR spectroscopy techniques. It was observed too by SEM technique. Calix[4]arenequinhydrone is observed on the electrode surface as hexangular prisms with a length of few micrometers.