Cytosine: para-sulphonato-calix (4) arene assemblies: in solution, in the solid-state and on the surface of hybrid silver nanoparticles

Abstract

The molecular recognition by para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene of cytosine, occurs in solution, in the solid-state and by assembly on the surface of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene capped silver nanoparticles. Each of these states shows different modes of assembly; in solution a 1:1 complex is formed; in the solid state a 4:1 assembly exists, however some of the cytosine molecules are present as space fillers and do not participate in the host (guest complexes, finally on the surface of the hybrid silver/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene nanoparticles a 2:1 cytosine/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene assembly is observed. The assembly processes have been studied by DOSY NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Single Crystal Solid State Diffraction, Visible Spectroscopy and Electron Microscopy. The results demonstrate how cytosine initiates the aggregation of the hybrid silver/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene hybrid nanoparticles.