Functional Calixphyrins: Synthetic Strategies and Applications

Calixphyrins are hybrid macrocycles that contain both sp²- and sp³-hybridized carbon atoms and hence bear analogy to both porphyrins and calixpyrroles. Due to the presence of sp³-hybridized carbon atoms, π-conjugation is disrupted in calixphyrins, which leads to conformational flexibility. Hence, these molecules find a use in anion binding, host-guest chemistry and metal-coordination chemistry. During the last decade, studies on calixphyrins have been a topic of wide interest to researchers. Various functionalities have been introduced to the structure of calixphyrins, leading to the development of expanded calixphyrins, core-modified calixphyrins and N-confused calixphyrins with diverse applications. This review outlines the detailed historical origin of the synthesis of calixphyrins with emphasis on current research and development in this area. The modular syntheses of normal calixphyrins, expanded calixphyrins, core-modified calixphyrins and N-confused calixphyrins are also discussed, along with their applicative aspects.