Hydrogen bonding patterns of calix[4]arenes with thiourea functionalities in solution and in the solid state

Abstract

We have synthesized a number of calix[4]arene derivatives presenting thiourea functional groups at their upper rims by the condensation of a 1,3-di(p-amino)calix[4]arene with alkyl isothiocyanates. Mono- and dithiourea-substituted calix[4]arenes were prepared selectively in good yields, and homocoupling of the former led to calix[4]arene dimers with a thiourea linker. X-ray crystallography revealed interesting intra- and intermolecular hydrogen bonding patterns. H-1 NMR data and computational studies also provided some insight into the hydrogen bonding patterns.