A mixed lithium–strontium polynuclear complex formed within the hexa-deprotonated calix[8]arene framework; the synthesis and structure of Li4Sr2(H2L)(O2CC4H9)2(dmf)8 [H8L = p-Pri- or p-Bui-calix[8]arene]†

Abstract

The deprotonation of calix[8]arenes (H₈L) with BuⁿLi in DMF followed by reaction with dry SrBr₂ yielded the discrete molecular complexes Li₄Sr₂(H₂L)(O₂CC₄H₉)₂(dmf)₈ (H₈L: 1, p-Prⁱ; 2, p-Buⁱ); the crystal structures of these complexes of hexa-deprotonated calix[8]arenes show that mixed metal, polynuclear, inorganic cores can be formed within the large and flexible cavity of calix[8]arenes.