A supramolecular complex formed from a carbazolylphenyl-porphyrin first generation dendrimer and [2,2,2]cryptand was prepared. The influence of alkali metal cations on its formation and some properties were investigated by spectrophotometric and 1H NMR titration methods. It was established that the complexation occurring between potassium cation and [2,2,2]cryptand affects the complexation between the octacarbazolylphenyl substituted Zn(II)-tetraphenylporphyrin and the cryptand. This on–off behavior can be used in the development of cation assisted molecular switches and polyfunctional materials for chemical sensors and actuators.
