Selenacalix[4]selenophene: Synthesis, Structure, and Gel Formation of Cyclic Selenoether of Selenophene

A selenacalix[4]selenophene derivative, a cyclic selenophene oligomer linked with divalent selenium atoms, was successfully synthesized via a one-pot cyclization reaction using 2,5-dibromo-3,4-bis(4-t-butylphenyl)selenophene and (Bu3Sn)(2)Se. The X-ray analysis revealed an annular geometry consisting of two sets of vertical and horizontal selenophene pairs. The observed geometry was preserved by intermolecular Se center dot center dot center dot Se and Se center dot center dot center dot pi interactions, leading to a one-dimensional array. This self-assembled network results in a supramolecular gel, despite the absence of any hydrogen bonding sites.