The calix[4]arene derivative 3 substituted
at the wider rim by four urea residues was prepared in
three
steps from the corresponding tert-butyl
calix[4]arene 2a. Due to the different
ether residues attached to the narrow
rim its constitution is
C
2
v
-symmetrical, and the
hydrogen bonded dimers 3·3 formed in benzene
have C
2-symmetry.
Thus, the 1H NMR spectrum not only gives an
unambiguous proof for the dimerization but also allows the
determination
of the exchange rates for four sets of protons by NOESY experiments.
The rate constant for the dissociation/dimerization k
d = 0.26 ± 0.06
s-1 is in reasonable agreement with the rate
constant for the exchange of included
and free benzene k
e = 0.47 ± 0.1
s-1. It was also shown that the
formation of dimers is induced by the presence
of suitable guest molecules like benzene.
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