Investigation of the interaction of calixarene (host) and neutral benzotrifluoride (guest): Comparison of luminescence characteristics of calixarenes with results of model calculations relating to complex formation

The ‘host’ properties of calix[4]arene and 4-tert-butyl-calix[6]arene molecules under the effect of different neutral pesticide related trifluoromethyl-benzene (benzotrifluoride) molecules as ‘guests’ have been investigated by spectrofluorometric method. Photoluminescence signal was detected in chloroform and dimethylformamide solvents. The characteristics of the photoluminescence (intensity and anisotropy decay) of calixarene derivatives show significant changes in presence of benzotrifluorides. The host–guest interaction and complex formation were described by quantum-chemical method. The results show that the photoluminescence signal reflects the supramolecular interaction. This makes calixarenes promising candidates as host molecules to be used in chemical sensors measuring neutral organic molecules.