Calix[n]arene-based pseudorotaxanes induced by the weakly coordinating TFPB anion approach

Here, we wish to report our studies on the through-the-annulus threading of simple calixarenes in the presence of the weakly coordinating tetrakis[3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)phenyl]¬borate (TFPB) “superweak anion”. The TFPB anion gives a free naked dialkylammonium cation thus promoting the threading of alkylammonium guest inside the aromatic cavity. Our method works very well with calix[n]arenes of different cavity size