Observation of transient alkali metal inclusion in Oxacalix[3]arenes

Abstract

Oxacalix[3]arenes exhibit transient binding to Na + , K + and Ca 2+ , with a strong preference for Na + , as determined by a quartz crystal resonant sensor technique. Computational models for the behaviour indicate that the preference for Na + is due to the depth to which that cation is drawn into the macrocycle's central cavity.