Upper rim tetrathiafulvalene-bridged calix[4]arenes

The synthesis of novel upper rim calix[4]arene–tetrathiafulvalene conjugates 1a–d has been performed by bridging the tetrachloromethylated calix[4]arene derivative 4 with the corresponding tetrathiafulvalene-dithiolates. The cyclic voltammetry of 1a–d shows a two-step oxidation behavior, whereas NMR binding titrations showed their binding affinity to pyridinium salts. X-ray structure of 4 features calixarene fixed in the pinched cone conformation; its crystal packing is defined by the network of C–H···Cl weak hydrogen bonds.