Metal, ammonium and alkyl ammonium cation recognition by a novel calix[4]arenediquinone crown ether

Abstract

A novel calix[4]arenediquinone crown ether molecule L is prepared and shown to strongly complex and electrochemically recognise Na⁺, K⁺, Ba²⁺, NH₄ ⁺ and BuNH₃ ⁺ guests; the X-ray crystal structure of the sodium complex of L is reported.