Large diameter non-covalent nanotubes based on the self-assembly of para-carboxylatocalix[4]arene

Abstract

Non-covalent nanotubular assemblies with large core diameters are rare. Here we show that simple crystallisation of para-carboxylatocalix[4]arene from pyridine results in the formation of one such assembly, facilitated by back-to-back packing of calixarenes and the well known pyridine–carboxylic acid interaction.