Synthesis of a diureidocalix[4]arene for investigation as a molecular capsule

ORGN 738

Suazette N. Reid, gte975y@mail.gatech.edu and Suzanne B. Shuker. School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA 30332-0400
Self-organization is a common occurrence among molecules in nature and questions of how and why these molecules interact and come together by intermolecular forces has been under investigation by those interested in molecular recognition. Synthetic molecules able to mimic nature have become important in the area of supramolecular chemistry. Calixarenes are a group of molecules that is being investigated for their ability to self-assemble into dimeric capsules. Such capsules can be very useful for catalysis, molecular recognition and for encapsulation. A calix[4]arene molecule substituted on its upper rim with two urea groups separated by a hydrocarbon chain was synthesized. This molecule is now being investigated for its ability to form a molecular capsule by dimerization.