Inclusion of aromatic and aliphatic anions into a cationic water-soluble calix[4]arene at different pH values

A cationic calix[4]arene derivative binds both aliphatic and aromatic, carboxylate and sulfonate anions in aqueous solution thanks to concerted electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions. The sulfonate guest inclusion is affected by the different mobility of the host caused by the pH change.