A [2+3] fragment coupling approach to N,O-bridged calix[1]arene[4]pyridines and their complexation with C60

Functionalized N,O-bridged calix[1]arene[4]pyridines, first examples of the odd-numbered heterocalixaromatics containing mixed heteroatom bridges and mixed aromatic units, have been synthesized from the Pd2(dba)3/dppp-catalyzed 2+3 macrocyclic fragment coupling reaction between readily available staring materials. These novel macrocyclic compounds, which adopted distorted 1,3-alternate conformation in solid state, were powerful host molecules able to form 1:1 complex with fullerene C60 in solution, giving binding constant up to 49,494 M−1.