Synthesis of nucleobase-calix[4]arenes via click chemistry and evaluation of their complexation with alkali metal ions and molecular assembly

In this study, calix[4]arene derivatives (11–14) bearing a single nucleobase (adenine, thymine, cytosine or guanine) were synthesised via click chemistry. The complexation ability of the synthesised derivatives with alkali metal ions was measured using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and their molecular assembly in CDCl₃ was determined using ¹H NMR. Calix[4]arene derivatives (11–14) formed 1:1 complexes with all alkali metal ions and the rank order for the complexation selectivity was Rb⁺ > Cs⁺ > K⁺ ? Na⁺ > Li⁺. The attachment of nucleobase at the upper rim of calix[4]arene had little effect on its complexation selectivity for alkali metal ions. Thymine-, adenine- and guanine-calix[4]arenes formed self-assembled structures in CDCl₃ via base–base interactions. In addition, adenine-calix[4]arene (11) bound to thymine-calix[4]arene (12) to form a discrete species via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding.