Role of alkali and alkaline earth ions on the formation of calix[4]arene-amide derivatives through 𝑂-alkylation of the lower rim phenolic-OH groups in general and template action of K⁺ in particular have been explored. Na⁺ and K⁺ ions among alkali, and Ca²⁺ and Sr²⁺ ions among alkaline earth have shown tetra-amide derivatives bound to metal ion species. Among all these, potassium salts act as template and yields a K⁺ bound tetra-amide derivative where the charge is counter balanced by a calix[4] arene-monoanion and the product is crystallographically characterized. Change in the amide precursor used in these 𝑂-alkylation reactions has no effect on the type of the amide derivative formed. Also demonstrated is a direct one-step reaction for the preparation of 1,3-di-amide derivative in high yield and low reaction period using CsHCO₃.

Binding of metal complexes of C2-glucosyl conjugates with DNA has been established by absorption and fluorescence studies. Conformational changes occurred in DNA upon binding have been studied by circular dichroism. All these studies are suggestive that the metal complexes bind to DNA through intercalation. Binding of di-nuclear copper complex 5 was found to be stronger when compared to the other complexes studied. Copper complexes were found to cleave the plasmid DNA in the absence of oxidizing or reducing agent, whereas, zinc complexes do not cleave. Metal complexes have shown toxicity to the HeLa and MCF-7 cell lines.Morphological studies, western blot and FACS analysis are suggestive of apoptotic cell death induced by the metal complexes. Di-nuclear copper complexes were found to be better as compared to the mononuclear ones in binding, plasmid cleavage and also in causing more cell death.

2-Hydroxynaphthylidene derivatives of hydrazine, namely L₁, L₂ and L₃, were synthesized by going through two-step reactions and the products were characterized. The ion recognition properties of these receptors were studied using fluorescence and absorption spectroscopy. The receptors were found to be sensitive and selective towards Cu²⁺ in methanol solution among the 13 metal ions studied, namely Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Ca²⁺ and Mg²⁺, by exhibiting switch off fluorescence. The stoichiometry of the complexed species was found to be 2:1. The fluorescence quenching with Cu²⁺ is in the order of L₁ > L₂ > L₃. These conjugates were also found to act as colorimetric sensors for Cu²⁺ in solution by exhibiting visual colour change. The 2:1 complex shows a centrosymmetric structure based on DFT computations.