Spectacular induced-fit process for guest binding by a calix[6]arene Zn(II) funnel complex

The host properties of a calix[6]arene cone capped by a Zn(II) tris-imidazole core at the small rim and decorated by three NH2 substituents at the large rim are described and compared to the hexa-tBu parent complex. It is shown that the replacement of three bulky tBu substituents by three hydrophilic and small NH2 groups has three major impacts: the receptor is now soluble in aqueous media, it accepts large guests such as dimethyldopamine and, most interestingly, undergoes a spectacular induced-fit behavior for guest binding.