Aromatic Solvent Specific Induced Arrays of Calix[5]arenes

Abstract

Calix[5]arene forms three inclusion complexes with benzene, which have been structurally authenticated and studied by Hirshfeld surface analysis. Two of them are 1:1 polymorphs (α and β), both with the calix[5]arenes packed in a back-to-back style arrangement. In the α polymorph, three 1:1 supermolecules, [calix[5]arene∩benzene], cooperate in creating a large cavity containing three solvent molecules. In the β polymorph, the calix[5]arenes alternate in an up and down orientation, resulting in a less dense arrangement. The other inclusion complex is 1:2 ([calix[5]arene∩benzene]·benzene) which has a benzene molecule endo and exo relative to the calix[5]arene cavity. Hirshfeld surface analyses are effective in differentiating the intermolecular contacts between this structure and the α and β polymorphs, both for the calix[5]arene and the included benzene guest molecules.