The crystal structures of two potassium metal complexes {[K4(1·2H)2]·(MeOH)2·(H2O)1.5}2 (2) and {[K8(1)2]·(μ2-n-BuOH)2·(n-BuOH)4} (3) of partially- or fully-deprotonated p-H-thiacalix[4]arenes were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. In the crystal structure of complex 2, a coordination polymer was formed by continuing of complementary metal coordination and π-stacking interactions between the base dimer and a ca. 90° turned neighboring dimer. In addition, coordinated methanol molecules in the polymer play a significant role in the construction of a supramolecular architecture. In the case of the complex 3, eight potassium cations exhibited two triangular pyramidal arrangements, which are bridged at planar phenoxide oxygen atoms and linking sulfur atoms belonging to the thiacalixarene ligands further support via alkali-metal cation–π interactions in the thiacalixarene cavities.

The generation of hexameric channels by self assembly of 5,11,17,23-tetrabromo-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxythiacalix[4]arene (1) was successfully performed. The structure of the hexameric assembly (2) was provided by single crystal X-ray analysis, in which hydrogen bonding, π–π stacking interaction, S⋯H–C interaction and S–π interaction were recognized between base and adjoining thiacalix[4]arene stacking.

Single-crystal X-ray diffraction study of a thiacalix[4]arene complex with a rubidium cation demonstrated in different coordination environments of two thiacalix[4]arene molecular units, η2 and η6 coordination between rubidium cations and thiacalix[4]arene aromatic rings outside of the cavities.

Neutral fluorescent active di-pyrene modified γ-cyclodextrin (1) was synthesized in order to discriminate with single and double strand DNA (ssDNA and dsDNA, respectively) with high selectivity. The binding and selectivity of 1 for dsDNA was indicated by increase of the fluorescent intensity in an addition of dsDNA. On the other hand, an increase of fluorescent intensity of 1 was not recognized in an addition of ssDNA.

Two kinds of rhodamine modified β-cyclodextrins (R-1 and R-2), which are coupled up ethylene diamine (EDA) and tetraethylene pentamine (TEPA) between Rh B and β-cyclodextrin, respectively, have been synthesized. R-1 and 2 work as a new fluorogenic probe for monitoring pH of Hela cells, and MTT of assay R-1, R-2, and rhodamine B indicate that less a cytotoxicity of those R-1 and R-2 than that of rhodamine B, where R-1 has much less one than that of R-2. The fluorogenetic probe capability of R-2 was recognized in an area of acidic area in living cell, which is lysosome.

A water-soluble p-sulfonatothiacalix[6]arene (1) has been prepared in high yield and the inclusion complex with hydrated sodium cations and water has been investigated by X-ray crystal analysis. Host 1 formed a complex with two hydrated sodium cations with ten and sixteen water molecules.

Treatment of thiacalix[8]arene (3·8H) with KH in THF, followed by recrystallization from methanol, affords an adduct of [K4(3·4H)]·8MeOH as a pale yellow crystal (4), which shows highly-extensive coordination that gives rise to a zeolitic structure. An adduct of 4 gives apohost [K4(3·4H)] with the loss of methanol, which can adsorb such gaseous organic guest molecules as methanol and benzene. After binding methanol as the guest molecule, the apohost is converted back to the original structure of 4.