Synthesis, Characterisation and UV-Vis Properties of Azocalix[4]crowns

This article describes the synthesis, structure andUV properties of azocalixcrowns in which the photoresponsivetrans-cis azo benzene unit has been introduced in the glycolicchains of the calix4]crowns. The synthesis proceeded via the selective-1,3O-dialkylation of calix4]arene with glycolic chains terminated bynitrophenyl residues. After reduction of thenitro groups into amino functions,intramolecular oxidative coupling produced thecapping of the calixarene. Thesynthetic approaches and the cis-transstructure of these new ligandsare discussed and full details on synthesesand structural data are given. Apreliminary example of cesium complexation byone of the ligands is proposed.