Self-assembly of p-tert-butyl thiacalix[4]arenes and metal cations into nanoscale three-dimensional particles

The shape of supramolecular aggregates based on stereoisomers of p-tert-butyl thiacalix[4]arenes functionalized with secondary, tertiary amide and hydrazide groups at the lower rim in cone, partial cone and 1,3-alternate conformations with several metal cations were investigated by atomic force microscopy. The examined p-tert-butyl thiacalix[4]arenes form hostguest complexes; dimers, spherics ellipsoids and elongated nanoscale particles depending on the conformation of macrocycles, the nature of the binding centers and the nature of the metal cation. Only associates formed by p-tert-butyl thiacalix[4]arenes with morpholide groups at the lower rim in cone conformation with silver cations exhibited a higher antimicrobial activity. Copyright (c) 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.