Synthesis, structure, and ion-binding properties of luminescent gold(I) alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 complexes

Article abstract of DOI:10.1021/om030021c

A series of luminescent dinuclear gold(I) alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 complexes, [(R_nR′_3-nP)Au]₂L (n = 0-3) (R = Ph, R′ = o-Tol, p-Tol) H₂L = 5,17-diethynyl-25,27-dimethoxycalix[4]arene-crown-5, have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The binding properties of the complexes toward alkali metal ions (K⁺ and Na⁺) have been studied by UV - visible spectrophotometry. The dinuclear gold(I) alkynylcalix[4]crown-5 complexes were shown to exhibit preferential binding toward K⁺ over Na⁺ ions.