Synthesis and complexing behavior of amphiphilic starlike calix[4]arenes

The synthesis of starlike polymers based on calix4]arene with amphiphilic nonionogenic arms is described. For the polymer containing residues of ω-cetyl oligo(ethylene oxide) as arms, the complexing ability with respect to alkaline-metal ions and tetraphenylporphyrin is studied. It is shown that the conformation of the calixarene ring is a factor determining the efficiency of guest binding. In the case of a partially conical conformation of the macrocycle, the polymer forms stable (with a binding constant of 10⁶) water-soluble complexes with porphyrin molecules. This phenomenon may be used to create drug-delivery systems in the photodynamic therapy of oncological diseases.