Synthesis and host-guest properties of pillar[6]arenes

A facile method for the synthesis of pillar[6]arenes was developed. A series of pillar[6]arenes were prepared with FeCl3 as catalyst and chloroform as solvent at room temperature in moderate yields (30%-40%). Their host-guest properties with n-cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were investigated by (HNMR)-H-1. The results showed that high selectivity in the host-guest relationship became apparent between pillar[6]arenes and pillar[5]arenes based on the different size of the inner cavity.