AGRAWAL at al: DESIGN AND SYNTHESIS OF CALIXARENE

Introduction Calixarene is a macrocycle or cyclic oligomer based on a hydroxyl alkylation product of phenols and aldehydes. Calixarenes have hydrophobic cavities that can hold smaller molecules or ions and belong to the class of cavitands known as host-guest chemistry. In 1940s, Zinke & Ziegler discovered base-induced reaction of p-alkylphenols with formaldehyde, which yields cyclic oligomers. Then, synthesis of cyclic oligomers was reported. Calixarenes can be used as ion sensitive electrodes or sensors, optical sensors, chiral recognition devices for solid phase extraction, as a stationary phase and modifiers. Several books 12 and reviews covered synthesis, properties and applications of calixarenes. Some studies reported structures and properties of calixarene. This review presents five types of calixarenes.