A calixarene-amide-tetrathiafulvalene assembly for the electrochemical detection of anions

The synthesis of a calix[ 4] arene derivative bearing pendant tetrathiafulvalene ( TTF) units is described. Two electroactive TTF units are linked to the calix[ 4] arene platform through amide functions for the binding of anions. An X- ray structure of a calixarene - amide - TTF assembly existing in a cone conformation is provided. The binding ability of this receptor for H2PO4- is shown by H-1- NMR and electrochemical studies ( cyclic voltammetry).