Metal ion binding properties of a bimodal triazolyl-functionalized calix[4]arene on a multi-array microcantilever system. Synthesis, fluorescence and DFT computation studies.

A bimodal calix[4]arene functionalized with triazolyl-linked anthracenyl and 3-propylthioacetate groups is described. This new calix[4]arene formed an effective SAM on Au in a multi-arrayed microcantilever instrument and was shown to be a sensitive receptor to low concentrations of Hg2+. Competitive studies confirmed the Hg2+ sensitivity. DFT computational studies were in agreement with the likely site of binding of the metals.