Design and synthesis of chalcone-based macrocyclic polyethers

A series of chalcone-based macrocyclic ethers have been synthesized. These macrocyclic ethers contain polyether as well as extended conjugation to the benzene ring to function as fluorescent sensor for cations. The modeling studies show that the chalcone part of the receptors remains partially out of plane from the polyether part and the keto moiety of the receptors always directed outwardly in the receptor itself. This may be changed during the recognition of metal ions. The tendency of the fluorophore, to be out of plane, increases with increasing the ring size. Subjects: Chemical Spectroscopy; Computational and Theoretical Chemistry; Organic Chemistry