Mixed-magnesium/zinc calix[4]arene complexes: structure, and ring opening polymerisation studies.

Different combinations of organomagnesium reagents and zinc bromide react with either 1,3-dimethoxy-4--butylcalix[4]areneH (L(OMe)H) or trialkoxycalix[4]arenes (L(OR)H) (R = -Pr, -pentyl) to afford mixed-metal calix[4]arene systems. Intriguing molecular structures are formed and the systems are capable of the ring opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone under N, air, or as melts.