Langmuir and LB properties of two calix[4]resorcinarenes

Abstract

The ability of calixarene-based molecules to interact with amino acids has been the basis of many studies. The Langmuir and LB properties of two calix[4]resorcinarenes have been investigated. The properties of the layer formed at the air-water interface were studied by surface pressure-area isotherms. LB deposition onto glass substrates has shown that multilayer assemblies can be built up. The UV-vis spectra of resulting LB films have been recorded, indicating that the compounds are coloured as a result of intra-molecular charge transfer bands. The sensitivity of the surface pressure-area isotherms has been investigated in relation to the exposure to various analytes delivered from the subphase (i.e. amino acids). Furthermore, exposure of the LB films to a wide range of vapours (e.g. amines, alcohols, thiols) has led to modified UV-vis spectra. © 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.