A Schiff basep-tent-butylcalix[4]arene. Synthesis and metal ion complexation

This communication describes the synthesis of Schiff base calix[4]arene (1) in which the Schiff base unit bridges two opposite hydroxy groups ofp-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. The synthesis of (1) has been achieved by refluxing in acetonitrile-methanol the appropriate 1,3-dicarbaldehyde-p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (4) with 1,3-diaminopropane. The yield of the reaction is 19%. Ligand (1) possesses a compartment containing two nitrogen atoms, four ether-type oxygen atoms, and two ionizable hydroxy groups likely to complex metal cations.