Synthesis and crystal structure of a novel phthalocyanine-calixarene conjugate

We report the synthesis and crystal structure of a novel phthalocyanine-calixarene conjugate (Pc-Calix) derived from a calixarene-based phthalonitrile (Pn-Calix). Crystal structures confirm the retention of the full cone configuration of the calixarene unit, which is thus suitable for the binding of appropriate chemical species. This new conjugate may find application as a molecular sensor in which the calixarene acts as the binding site and the perturbations of the optical properties of the phthalocyanine reports the presence of the binding species.