Configurations of a Calix[8]arene and a C60/Calix[8]arene Complex on a Au(111) Surface

Having a ball: Molecules of a calix[8]arene derivative, and the inclusion complex it forms with C60 (see schematic), can be adsorbed onto a Au(111) surface in solution to yield self-organized highly ordered arrays. The structures of the two arrays have been investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy, which gives clear evidence of the inclusion of the fullerene molecules. The stable configuration and well-defined arrays should be useful for the construction of nanostructures.