title: Molecular recognition in methanol: the first example of hydrogen-bond-mediated self-association of a calix[4]arene in polar, protic solvent.
abstract: Tetraalaninecalixarene was prepared by coupling of tetraaminocalix[4]arene with alanine. It dimerizes in methanol, providing the first example of a substituted calixarene that undergoes self-association through hydrogen bonding in polar, protic solvent. The association constant in 24:1 MeOH:H2O was determined to be 29 000 M-1. Addition of arginine or lysine results in disruption of the dimer and formation of a 1:1 complex between the amino acid and the tetraalaninecalixarene. The preparation of a peptidocalixarene that associates in polar solvent opens new doors for the use of calixarenes for molecular recognition in biologically relevant environments.
authors.affiliation: School of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, Georgia 30329-0400, USA.
authors.forename: R Elizabeth
authors.initials: RE
authors.lastname: Brewster
authors.forename: Suzanne Beckham
authors.initials: SB
authors.lastname: Shuker