Synthesis and self-assembly of two 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arenes derivatives bearing amide groups

Two 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene derivatives bearing amide groups, 1,3-alternate p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene tetraamide (4), and 1,3-alternate p-H-thiacalix[4]arene tetraamide (6) were prepared, and their crystal structures were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction method. The steric hindrances posed by tert-butyl groups play an important part in the synthesis and the self-assembly of the two compounds. Compound 6 was synthesized from the corresponding ester, which was obtained by the reaction of acid chloride with ammonia. In the crystal structure, compound 4 presents a highly symmetric molecular structure, while for compound 6, because of absence of tert-butyl groups, it presents a more flexible molecular structure.