The selective functionalisation and difunctionalisation of p-substituted calix[6]arene and calix[8]arenes using hydrophilic moieties

Methodologies to access water soluble large ringed calixarenes in good yield using efficient synthetic procedures have been investigated. Symmetrical partial functionalisations at the lower rim are described using activated [n]ethylene glycol chains and the addition behaviour contrasted with that of bromoalkanenitriles which proceeds with no observed regioselectivity. Full functionalisations of the calixarenes bearing hydrophilic groups are then investigated and a two-step procedure established which appears to be generally applicable for the addition of different [n]ethylene glycol chains. Furthermore, difunctionalisation under different reaction conditions are described. Throughout, strategies for the characterisation of these high mass compounds are outlined.     

Suppression of multiple ionization of atomic ions in intense ultrafast laser pulses

The interaction of an intense laser field with a beam of atomic ions has been investigated experimentally for the first time. The ionization dynamics of Ar+ ions and Ar neutrals in a 60 fs, 790 nm laser pulse have been compared and contrasted at intensities up to 10(16) W cm-2. Our results show that nonsequential ionization from an Ar+ target is strongly suppressed compared with that from the corresponding neutral target. We have also observed for the first time the strong field ionization of high lying target metastable levels in the Ar+ beam.