Novel interactions of calixarene π-systems with metal ions and fullerenes

This review article introduces encounters of calixarenes with fullerenes (particularly, with [60]fullerene) in the solid state, in solutions, and in the covalently linked conjugates. The starting point of this chemistry is the accidental finding that calix[8]arenes selectively include [60]fullerene in carbon soot and give the precipitate with 1:1 stoichiometry. It is shown that calixarenes not only behave as a unique receptor for fullerenes but also are useful to modify the functions inherent to the fullerene pi-systems.