calixarenes

Compounds that have molecules with a cuplike structure (the name comes from the Greek calix, cup). The simplest, has four phenol molecules joined by four –CH₂– groups into a ring (forming the base of the 'cup'). The four phenol hexagons point in the same direction to form a cavity that can bind substrate molecules. Interest has been shown in the potential ability of calixarene molecules to mimic enzyme action.