The coordination chemistry of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene with transition and lanthanide metal ions

A survey of the literature and the Cambridge Structural Database reveals thirty nine p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene-supported transition (3d, limited to V–Cu) and lanthanide metal complexes ranging in nuclearity from one to eighteen, twenty of which are homometallic and nineteen of which are heterometallic. We provide a review of the coordination chemistry of these complexes, including our own work in the area. We also provide our thoughts and perspectives on the common structural themes observed, identify gaps in knowledge and evaluate how that may inform and direct future synthetic efforts. What is clear is that the coordination chemistry of H8TBC[8] with paramagnetic metal ions remains hugely underexplored.