Host-guest interactions in aqueous media withp-tert.-butylcalix[4]arene bearing polyoxyethylene chains

The interactions ofp-tert.-butylcalix4]arene bearing polyoxyethylene chains (C3) with pyrene (Py), 1-anilino-8-naphthalenesulfonate (ANS) andN-phenyl-naphthylamine (NPN) in aqueous solution were studied by absorption and fluorescence measurements. Absorption spectral changes and fluorescence enhancements reveal that C3, which has a hydrophobic cavity, can include organic molecules and ions in aqueous solution and form 11 host-guest complexes with ANS and NPN. C3 forms inclusion complexes with Py at different stoichiometries depending on the host: guest molar ratio. Binding constants of 2.2×10⁴, 2.0×10⁴ and 3.6×10⁵ dm³ mol^–1 were calculated for the C3Py, C3ANS and C3NPN complexes (11), respectively, based on the Benesi-Hildebrand equation.Author for correspondence.