Dimeric Capsules Formed by Tetra-CMPO Derivatives of (Thia)Calix[4]arenes

Thiacalix[4]arene 2, calix[4]arene 3 a and its tetraether fixed in the cone conformation 3 b form homo- and heterodimeric capsules in apolar solvents, which are held together by a seam of NH⋅⋅⋅O=P hydrogen bonds between carbamoylmethyl phospine oxide functions attached to their wide rim. Their internal volume of ∼370 A3 requires the inclusion of a suitable guest. Although neutral molecules such as adamantane (derivatives) or tetraethylammonium cations form kinetically stable complexes (1H- and 31P-time scale), the included solvent is rapidly exchanged. The internal mobility of the included tetraethylammonium cation is distinctly higher (ΔG=42.5 and 49.7 kJ mol−1 for 3 a and 3 b) than that f…