Density functional theory results for the structure and conformational equilibrium of four calix [4]arene conformers are reported. The results are compared with experiment, force field, and semiempirical molecular orbital calculations. The energy difference between the two most stable conformers of calix[4]arene (cone and partial-cone) is 10 kcal mol -1 at the BLYP/6-31G** level with the geometries optimized at BLYP/6-31G*. For the most stable conformer, results for the protonated structure are also reported. Electrostatic potential surfaces for the cone calix[4]arene and the corresponding tetra-O-H-depleted structure have been calculated. It is suggested that their representation may be of relevance to understand the known ability of calix[n]arene systems to form complexes with charged species in host-guest chemistry.

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Three new bidentate ureidodihomooxacalix[4]arene derivatives (phenyl 5a, n-propyl 5b, and tert-butyl 5c) were synthesized in four steps from the parent compound p-tert-butyldihomooxacalix[4]arene and obtained in the cone conformation, as shown by NMR studies. The binding ability of these neutral receptors toward spherical, linear, trigonal planar, and tetrahedrical anions was assessed by (1)H NMR and UV-vis titrations. The structures and complexation energies of some complexes were also studied by DFT methods. The data showed that the association constants are strongly dependent on the nature of the substituent (aryl/alkyl) at the urea moiety. In general, for all the receptors, the association constants decrease with decrease of anion basicity. Ph-urea 5a is the best anion receptor, showing the strongest complexation for F(-) (log K(assoc) = 3.10 in CDCl3) and also high binding affinity for the carboxylates AcO(-) and BzO(-). Similar results were obtained by UV-vis studies and were also corroborated by DFT calculations.