Novel Schiff base compounds containing calix[4]arene

New cyclic and acyclic Schiff bases have been prepared by condensation reaction of 5,17-diamino-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix [4] arene (L(B)) with 2,6-diformyl-4-chlorophenol and 1,5-diamino-3-aza(methyl)pentane or with 2,3-dihydroxybenzaldehyde. The related complexes containing d- or f-metal ions have been obtained by reaction of the preformed ligands with the appropriate metal salt or by a template macrocyclic synthesis. The hetero-polynuclear complexes have been synthesized by a step by step procedure. Condensation of 5,17-diformyl-25,27-dipropoxycalix [4]arene (L(A)) with tris(2-aminoethyl) amine affords a macrobicyclic ligand containing three calixarene units. The ligands and the related complexes have been characterized by elemental analyses, IR or NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry. The stoicheiometries of the complexes have been assigned by SEM and EDX investigations.