The study of molecular assemblies formed via non-covalent interactions between calixarenes

The Mannich reaction is applied to synthesize new calixarene compounds by extending the calixarenes' upper rim. Amino methyl calixarenes are formed via the Mannich reaction. Solid state structures of a series of compounds which have an aromatic ring attached to the piperazine at the upper rim of calix[4]arene are compared in this thesis.; As the number of nitrogens on the aromatic ring increases from 0 to 2, molecules prefer to pack closer and make a large difference in crystal structures. The factors such as hydrogen bonding, hydrophobic interactions, hydrophilic interactions and the effect of solvent all act as a driving force in stabilizing each structure.; In addition, the structure of calix[4]arene with long aliphatic chains at the lower rim shows how molecules assemble to maximize hydrophobic interactions. By understanding the effects of non-covalent interactions between calixarene compounds, molecular design rationale aiming at specific molecular assembly can be established.