Calixarenes in Thin Film Supramolecular Materials

Abstract

Calix[n]arenes have found new applications in the area of thin films . Thin films can be thought of as two dimensional supramolecular materials that are of both fundamental and industrial interest . Calix[n]arenes and resorcin[4]arenes can be deposited as thin films through a variety of techniques such as Langmiur-Blodgett, self-assembly , and evaporative methods. This chapter examines the physical properties of thin films and their interactions with their environment. In particular, thin films of calix[n]arenes and their adsorption of metal ions, molecular ions , and neutral organic molecules have become of great interest for use in new devices for sensing, nonlinear optics, pyroelectric and semiconductor applications. 8.1 Introduction Calix[n]arenes and resorcin[4]arenes (Figure 1) have become important molecules for the preparation of new supramolecular materials.14 These novel materials have been examined for purely fundamental interest but, often they have other potential applications. Central to their ongoing development as new supramolecular materials are their host-guest properties. Calix[n]arenes and resorcin[4]arenes have found applications in thin films, chromatography supports, polymers and catalysts. This review focuses on the preparation and application of thin films of calix[n]arenes and resorcin[4]arenes. OH Calix[n]arene R Resorcin[4]areneFigure 1. Generalised structures of calix[n]arenes and resorcin [4]arenes.172 Calixarenes in Action Downloaded from www.worldscientific.com by NANYANG TECHNOLOGICAL UNIVERSITY on 08/23/15. For personal use only.