Calix [4] crowns with methoxynaphthoylmethyl pendant groups

摘要: The novel calix [4] crowns with two pendant groups were prepared by the alkylation of calix [4] crowns with 6‐methoxy‐2‐bromoacetylnaphthalene. 1H NMR titration and picrate extraction experiments indicated that they exhibit higher complexing efficiency than their parent compounds and possess obvious selectivity for Na+ or K+, respectively, and that the cation is encapsulated inside the preorganized ionophoric cavity defined by carbonyl oxygens, the crown ether and the phenoxy oxygens. From UV and fluorescent spectra it is revealed that calix [4]‐crown‐4 3a with 6‐methoxy‐2‐naphthoylmethyl pedant groups exhibits remarkable cation‐induced photophysical effects and it could be utilized as a selective fluorescent sensor for Ca2+.