Synthesis of diverse N,O-bridged calix[1]arene[4]pyridine-C(60) dyads and triads and formation of intramolecular self-inclusion complexes

Starting from both the bridging nitrogen atom-functionalized and the upper rim-functionalized N,O-bridged calix1]arene4]pyridine reactants, different types of heteracalixaromatics-C(60) dyads and triads of varied spacers were expediently synthesized using mainly the click reaction as the key step. By means of various spectroscopic methods, the heteracalixaromatics-C(60) dyads and triads obtained have been shown to form intramolecular self-inclusion complexes rather than oligomers or polymers in solution because of a flexible spacer in between the heteracalixaromatic ring and C(60) moiety. The current study, coupled with previous investigations, would provide the guideline for the construction of supramolecular fullerene motifs based on molecular design of the dyads and triads.