Supramolecular Assemblies of 1,2-Dicarbadodecaborane(12) with Bowl-Shaped Calix[5]arene

Treatment of globular 1,2-dicarbadodecaborane(12) (o-carborane) 1 with the bowl-shaped container molecule calix[5]arene 2 affords either the crystalline 1:1 or 1:2 host-guest complexes (o-carborane)(calix[5]arene)(CH2Cl2) 3, (o-carborane)(calix[5]arene)(toluene) 4 and (o-carborane)(calix[5]arene)2(CH2Cl2)0.55. The three complexes show a remarkable range of different supramolecular interplay beyond the common structural unit, a ball-and-socket nano-structure or supermolecule [(o-carborane)∩(calix[5]arene)]. Complex 3 forms dimeric [(o-carborane)∩(calix[5]arene)]2 units, and 5 has an additional edge on interaction between the supermolecule and a secondary calix[5]arene host.