Calix[4]arene-porphyrin conjugates as versatile molecular receptors for anions.

[structure: see text] Appending tetraphenylporphyrin units to the calix[4]arene skeleton via the ureido function leads to novel anion receptors designed for anion and/or cation detection by UV-vis spectroscopy. Calixarenes in the cone or 1,3-alternate conformations bearing two ureido moieties on the upper rim represent well-preorganized cavities where the anion can be held by synchronous hydrogen bonding interaction with the NH groups.