Coordination chemistry of calix[4]arene derivatives with lower rim functionalisation and their applications

This article presents a systematic review of the coordination chemistry of calix[4]arenes, which have been functionalised at the lower rim and are in the cone conformation. Particular attention is given to the use of the resulting metal complexes in terms of fluorescence, catalysis, electrochemical sensing, extraction and biological applications. It will cover the period January 2000 to May 2007. However, a large body of work involving the direct attachment of metals to the phenolic oxygen atoms of the lower rim of the calix[4]arene will not be covered by this review, for the reason that the calix[4]arene has not been functionalised in the strictest sense.