A novel series of calix[4]arene derivatives were synthesized via a Pd-catalyzed Sonogashira coupling reaction from para-substituted iodobenzene and 25,27-dipropargyl-calix[4]arene. Fluorescence studies found that nitro-phenols clearly exhibited quenching effects on 2c. Moreover, we minimized the free energy of the complexes by theoretical calculations. As the result, the πr-π stacking interactions take place between the 4-nitrophenol and calix[4]arene, which may lead to the significant fluorescence quench.
