New calix[4]arene-based amides - Their synthesis, conformation, complexation

New chiral calix[ l]arene-based diol-diamides la, Ib, tetraamides 2a, 2b an d 7 as well as achiral diamide 3 and tetraamides 4-6 were prepared. The con formation of 1 has been studied in solution by NMR and in solid state by X- ray crystallography. The pinched-cone conformation of the calix[4]arene ske leton in 1 was found to be stabilized by a circular array of hydrogen bonds formed by two phenolic O-H and two amidic N-H bonds at lower rim. Whereas no significant complexation of Na+ was observed in solution for diamides 1 and 3, tetraamides 2, 4, 5, and 6 give strong complexes with Na+ as confirm ed by NMR titrations of 2 and 4. The influence of anions and the solvents u sed on complexation ability of 2 towards Na+ is negligible.