Stable pi-dimers are formed upon oxidation of the model units of proposed calix[4]arene-based molecular actuators in a solvent of low dielectric constant (CH 2Cl 2) at room temperature. Evidence from UV-vis, EPR, and DPV are all in agreement with the pi-dimer formation. In addition, pi-dimer formation is dependent upon the conformational flexibility of the calix[4]arene hinge.
