Supramolecular systems based on alkylated p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes: aggregation and catalytic and biological activity

Aggregation, catalytic activity, and the influence of alkylated p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (SCA; n = 4, 6, 8) on the energy exchange in cells of wheat roots were studied. In water SCA are surfactants, and their efficiency changes with an increase in the number of aromatic rings (n) and the length of hydrocarbon substituents (R) in the molecule. In the range of critical micelle concentration, SCA form micelles with an effective hydrodynamic diameter of ∼200 nm. The catalytic activity of micellar solutions of SCA (n = 4, 8; R = C₁₂H₂₅) in hydrolysis of ethyl 4-nitrophenyl chloromethylphosphonate (ENCP) decreases with an increase in n, whereas the binding constant of ENCP increases. The modifying effect of SCA on the membranes and the energy exchange in cells of wheat roots was revealed: the membranotropic activity of SCA increases with an increase in the hydrophobicity of substituents R and the macrocycle size.