Inclusion complexes of imidazolium carboxylate-metal species in the water-soluble sulfonated calix[4]arene system

Abstract

Two multi-component crystal structures comprising a carboxylic acid-functionalized imidazolium zwitterion, a p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene anion and aquated metal ion (Na⁺ or Y³⁺) with or without an auxiliary component (the 3-methoxyphenyl-triphenylphosphonium cation) are reported. The carboxylic acid-functionalized imidazolium ion binds either as a monodentate or a bidentate ligand depending on the nature of the metal ions, and a bi-layer arrangement prevails in the extended structure regardless of the type of metal ion employed or presence/lack of auxiliary component.

Graphical Abstract

Keywords:

• Calixarenes
• coordination chemistry
• self-assembly
• encapsulation
• host-guest chemistry

Acknowledgement

The authors would like to acknowledge the facilities, and the scientific and technical assistance of the Australian Microscopy & Microanalysis Research Facility at the Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation & Analysis, The University of Western Australia, a facility funded by the University, State and Commonwealth Governments. IL and SJD would like to thank the Royal Society for supporting this work under the Newton Mobility Grant (NI170151). Authors also thank the Ministry of Education Malaysia for supporting this work (Fundamental Research Grant Scheme – FRGS/1/2018/STG07/MUSM/03/1).

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).