A novel calixsalen macrocycle: metal sensing behavior for Zn2+ and intracellular imaging application

The chiral [3+3] macrocycle 1 which displays a calixarene-like crystal structure has been synthesized. The UV/Vis and fluorescence spectral studies show that 1 and Zn2+ have a 1:3 complex stoichiometry. It exhibits high selectivity toward Zn2+, but no significant responses toward other competitive cations. The intracellular imaging ability has been tested in HeLa cells using a confocal microscope. (C) 2011 Published by Elsevier Ltd.