Supramolecular architecture containing end-capping bis-imidazolium cations

Multi-component self-assembly involving bis-phosphonium and bis-imidazolium cations, and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene feature supermolecules based on two geometrically opposed calixarenes end-capping each bis-imidazolium cation, either with coordinated lanthanide cations or with the phosphonium cations residing around the upper rim of the calixarenes. The nature of the calixarene-bis-imidazolium interaction is mapped out using Hirshfeld surface analysis. ¹H NMR and ROESY experiments establish the formation of the supermolecules of the bis-imidazolium cation and calixarenes in solution.