Cytosine: para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene assemblies: in solution, in the solid-state and on the surface of hybrid silver nanoparticles

The molecular recognition by para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene of cytosine, occurs in solution, in the solid-state and by assembly on the surface of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene capped silver nanoparticles. Each of these states shows different modes of assembly; in solution a 1:1 complex is formed; in the solid state a 4:1 assembly exists, however some of the cytosine molecules are present as space fillers and do not participate in the host (guest complexes, finally on the surface of the hybrid silver/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene nanoparticles a 2:1 cytosine/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene assembly is observed. The assembly processes have been studied by DOSY NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Single Crystal Solid State Diffraction, Visible Spectroscopy and Electron Microscopy. The results demonstrate how cytosine initiates the aggregation of the hybrid silver/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene hybrid nanoparticles.     

Arene C−H Activation at Aluminium(I): meta Selectivity Driven by the Electronics of SNAr Chemistry

The reactivity of the electron-rich anionic Al^I aluminyl compound K₂[(NON)Al]₂ (NON=4,5-bis(2,6-diisopropylanilido)-2,7-di-tert-butyl-9,9-dimethylxanthene) towards mono- and disubstituted arenes is reported. C−H activation chemistry with n-butylbenzene gives exclusively the product of activation at the arene meta position. Mechanistically, this transformation proceeds in a single step via a concerted Meisenheimer-type transition state. Selectivity is therefore based on similar electronic factors to classical S_NAr chemistry, which implies the destabilisation of transition states featuring electron-donating groups in either ortho or para positions. In the cases of toluene and the three isomers of xylene, benzylic C−H activation is also possible, with the product(s) formed reflecting the feasibility (or otherwise) of competing arene C−H activation at a site which is neither ortho nor para to a methyl substituent.     

Regioselective deuteration of 25,27-dialkoxycalix[4]arenes

A direct deuteration of the upper rim of calix[4]arene has been carried out for the first time. 25,27-Dialkoxy derivatives of calix[4]arene (R = Me, Et, n-Pr, n-Bu) were regioselectively deuterated at the para positions of unsubstituted phenolic rings using DCl/D₂O in tetrachloroethane. Interestingly, identical reaction conditions do not lead to deuteration of mono- or tri-substituted derivatives where only simple cleavage of alkyl substituents was observed.     

Anti-thrombotic Activity of Water-soluble Calix[n]arenes

The parent p-sulfonato-calix[n]arenes and six O-monosubstituted derivatives were investigated in vitro for anticoagulant activity. Different concentrations of calixarenes were tested, showing that the compound 49-mono-(2-carboxymethoxy)-5,11,17,23,29,35,41,47-octa-sulfonato-calix[8]arene (C8SMA) has a significantly strong prolongation on the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) and on the thrombin time (TT) than the other calixarenes. Secondly, investigation of whether the anticoagulant behaviour was via interaction with antithrombin or Heparin Cofactor II was determined. Thrombin inhibition mediated by antithrombin (AT) and Heparin Cofactor II (HCII) activation was investigated in comparison to the biological activators, Heparin (Hep) and Dermatan sulfate (DS). The results show that the 49-mono-(2-carboxymethoxy)-5,11,17,23,29,35,41,47-octa-sulfonato-calix[8]arene (C8SMA) and 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-sulfonato-calix[6]arene (C6S) produce activation of HCII at 500 μM comparable to that induced by DS at 100 μM. However, activation of AT by all of the investigated calixarenes is between 10 and 50 times lower than that observed in the presence of heparin. The mechanism of the anticoagulant effect of these calixarenes is as activators of HCII and not as activators of AT.in final form: 24 November 2004This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Development and application of a new 25,27‐bis(l‐phenylalaninemethylester‐N‐carbonylmethoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene stationary phase

A 25,27‐bis(l ‐phenylalaninemethylester‐N‐carbonylmethoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐ para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phase was synthesized, structurally characterized and used for LC. Its separation mechanism was studied and compared with octadecyl‐bonded stationary phase, as well as our previously prepared para‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐1,2‐crown‐4 stationary phase. Meanwhile, the chromatographic behaviors were investigated by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, monosubstituted benzenes, anilines, phenols, Tanaka tests solutes, fluoroquinolones, and flavonoids as probes. Mechanisms involved in the chromatographic separation included hydrophobic, π‐π and π‐electron transfer, hydrogen bonding, and inclusion interactions. Moreover, the column was successfully employed for the analysis of the illegal additive of melamine in milk product.     

New conjugates of calix[4]arenes bearing dipyridine and indolizine heterocycles

A simple route to introduce various heterocycles, derivatives of dipyridyls and indolizines on the lower rim of the para-tert-butylcalix[4]arene via ester bond formation to afford 1,3-disubstituted conjugates is described. The conformation of the new compounds and some intermolecular interactions are discussed on the basis of X-ray and NMR analyses. Preliminary complexation properties of some of the new tert-butylcalix[4]arene heterocyclic conjugates with Cu (II), Co (II) and Ni (II) were studied by means of UV–Vis titration.     

Para-acylcalix[6]arenes: their synthesis, per-O-functionalisation, solid-state structures and interfacial assembly properties

The para-acylcalix[6]arenes bearing butanoyl, hexanoyl and octanoyl chains have been synthesized by Friedel–Crafts acylation of the parent calixarene. Persubstitution at the phenolic face was achieved to yield the methoxy-diethoxy, ethoxycarbonylmethoxy, methoxycarboxylic acid and butoxysulphonate derivatives. In the case of the derivatives, 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-octanoyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexa-methoxy-diethoxy-calix[6]arene, 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-butanoyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexaethoxycarbonyl methoxy-calix[6]arene and 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-octanoyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexaethoxycarbonyl methoxy-calix[6]arene the solid state structures were determined and show inclusion of two ester groups in the cavity. While for the para-acylcalix[6]arenes no stable monolayers can be formed at the air–water interface, stable monolayers are formed with the methoxy-diethoxy, ethoxycarbonylmethoxy, methoxycarboxylato compounds which show apparent molecular areas in the range 150–200 Å² depending on the length of the acyl chains.     

Competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metals by ionizable nano-baskets of calixarene

The competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metals using different nano-baskets was investigated. The novelty of this work is to study the correlations between the isomer structure of calixarenes and their extraction properties. The objective was to quantify the effects of aryl groups in the ionisable pendant moieties, calixarene conformation, steric orientations (cis- and trans-) and relative positions (ortho- and para-) of pendant moieties upon the extraction efficiency, pH_1/2 and the selectivity of calix[4]arene complexes. Alkaline earth metals were extracted from aqueous solutions into chloroform by di-ionisable calix[4]arenes and were measured using ion chromatography. The results revealed that alternation of aryl group in the pendant moieties, changing their orientation from cis- to trans-analogues as well as from ortho- to para- analogues, showed no changes in the selectivity, the extraction efficiency and the pH_1/2 of calix[4]arene complexes. Changing the scaffold of calixarene's ring to the cone, 1,2-alternate and partial-cone conformers altered their complexation ability towards alkaline earth metals and their extraction efficiency.     

Evaluation and solubility improvement of Carvedilol: PSC[n]arene inclusion complexes with acute oral toxicity studies

The aqua phobic molecules that are practically insoluble in aqueous media demonstrate a staggeringly slow intrinsic dissolution rate. In this work, we exemplify the utility of calixarenes as a tool to form inclusion complexes with Carvedilol (CDL). It is poorly water soluble drug. CDL is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II drug and it is a nonselective β-adrenegenic blocking agent with α1-blocking activity. It is mainly used in the management of hypertension. The maximum complexation of the drug was accomplished after 48?h of stirring with para sulphonato calix[4]arene (PSC[4]arene) and para sulphonato calix[6]arene (PSC[6]arene) in water and evaporation of water to acquire solid complexes. The study includes characterisation of both the complexes—physical mixtures of drug and PSC[4]arene and PSC[6]arenes by different methods like Fourier-transform infra red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction, proton nuclear magnetic resonance. This studies shows that there is electrostatic interaction between drug and PSC[n]arenes. The complexation was determined by phase solubility study. The prepared complexes exhibited improved in vitro dissolution profile and decreased in vivo acute oral toxicity compared to the pure drug.     

(1+1) or (2+2) Coupling for bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzenes with calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene

As bifunctional reagents, bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzenes can react with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene or p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene to afford intramolecularly bridged (1+1) or intermolecularly bridged (2+2) products. It was found that the bridging pattern strongly depended on the structure of bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzene and the kind of calixarene. For the ortho-isomer of bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzene, intramolecularly bridged calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene were the main products. For the para-isomer, the bridging reaction was in a (2+2) fashion. As for the meta-isomer, double thiacalix[4]arene and intramolecularly bridged calix[4]crown were synthesized.     

Hard–Soft Receptors, Tetrakis[(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl)methoxy] thiacalix[4]arene Derivatives with cone and 1,3-alternate Conformation

Direct O-alkylation of p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene with N,N-diethylchloroacetamide afforded two conformational isomers (1,3-alternate and cone) of tetrakis[(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl)methoxy]thiacalix[4]arene and 1,3-disubstituted bis[(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl)methoxy]thiacalix[4]arene, depending on the base used. The complaxation behaviors of the tetrakis isomers were assessed by ¹H NMR titration experiments. Evidence of 1:2 (homo- and hetero-dinuclear) complexes formation of 1,3-alternate-tetrakis[(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl)methoxy]thiacalix[4]arene with alkali (K⁺ and Na⁺) or transition (Ag⁺) metal ions was obtained. Interestingly, it was found that the cone-tetrakis[(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl)methoxy]thiacalix[4]arene required a prior Ag⁺ complexation to form 1:2 heterodinuclear complex. Received in final form: 26 January 2005     

The solid-state structures of the ethanol solvated complexes of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene with magnesium and calcium ions

The structures ethanol solvated complexes of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene with magnesium and calcium have been determined. Both show the classical bilayer structure of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene. The cations are situated between the bilayers. In the case of the magnesium complex the cation is octahedrally coordinated by six water molecules, however for the calcium complex the cation is coordinated in two different geometries by water molecules, bridging oxygen atoms of the sulphonate anions and an oxygen of an ethanol molecule. Both complexes contain an ethanol molecule embedded in the macrocyclic cavity.     

Design,synthesis and structure determination of new inherently chiral para-bromoalkoxycalix[4]arenes

The preparative method for the synthesis of inherently chiral para-bromoalkoxycalix[4]arenes based on para-bromination, stepwise regioselective debenzoylation and the following alkylation of the readily available 25-propoxy-26,27-dibenzoyloxycalix[4]arene with propyl bromide or (R)-N-(1-phenylethyl)bromoacetamide has been developed. Three types of the inherently chiral calix[4]arenes in cone or partial cone conformations with asymmetrical (_AHHH^HBHH, _AAHH^HBHH, _AHBH^HCHH) substitution of both upper and lower rims have been obtained in racemic, diastereomerically pure or enantiomerically pure forms. Their structure and the absolute configuration have been determined by NMR and X-ray.     

Mass Spectrometric Determination of Association Constants of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with para-Sulphonato-Calix[n]arene Derivatives

Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS) has been used to determine the association constants (K_As) and binding stoichiometries for parent para-Sulphonato-calix[n]arenes and their derivatives with bovine serum albumin (BSA). K_A values were determined by titration experiments using a constant concentration of protein. K_A measurements were carried out in a methanol–formic acid solution. 5,11,17,23–tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1a) and 25-mono-(2-aminoethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1d) interact strongly with BSA showing 3 non-equivalent binding sites with K_A1 = 7.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 3.85 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.33 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and K_A1 = 1.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 2.94 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.60 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The strength of the interactions between the calixarene and BSA is inversely proportional to the size of macrocyclic ring: n = 4 > n=6>>n=8.     

Asararenes—A Family of Large Aromatic Macrocycles

We announce the establishment of a new family of macrocycles—the asararenes, which are based on para‐methylene linked “asarol methyl ether” (1,2,4,5‐tetramethoxybenzene) units. Macrocycles with 6–12 aromatic units have been synthesized and isolated in a single step from asarol methyl ether and paraformaldehyde. Even larger rings, with up to 15 asarol methyl ether units, have been observed by high‐resolution mass spectrometry. Single‐crystal X‐ray structures of asar[6]‐, asar[7]‐, asar[8]‐, asar[9]‐, asar[10]‐ and asar[11]arene highlight the diverse structural features of this family of macrocycles. While the cavities of the asar[6–8]arene macrocycles are mostly filled with methoxyl groups, the asar[9]‐ and asar[10]arene rings contain accessible cavities and self‐assemble into infinite channels filled with solvent molecules in the solid state. These solid‐state structures highlight the potential of this family of macrocycles for a wide range of potential applications.     

Synthesis and Inclusion Properties of a Novel Thiacalix[4]arene-Based Hard–Soft Receptor with 1,3-Alternate Conformation

A novel ditopic receptor possessing two complexation sites and bearing 1,3-alternate conformation based on thiacalix[4]arene was prepared. The binding behaviors with alkali metals and silver ion have been examined by ¹H NMR titration experiment. Although the formation of the heterogeneous dinuclear complexes was not observed, the exclusive formation of mononuclear complexes of 1,3-alternate-3 with metal cations is of particular interest in negative allosteric effect in the thiacalix[4]arene family. These findings demonstrate that preorganization, subtle conformational changes and affinity have a pronounced effect on the complexation process between the two different arms placed at the two edges of the thiacalix[4]arene cavity.     

p47phox, the phagocyte NADPH oxidase/NOX2 organizer: structure, phosphorylation and implication in diseases

Phagocytes such as neutrophils play a vital role in host defense against microbial pathogens. The anti-microbial function of neutrophils is based on the production of superoxide anion (O₂^•-), which generates other microbicidal reactive oxygen species (ROS) and release of antimicrobial peptides and proteins. The enzyme responsible for O₂^•- production is called the NADPH oxidase or respiratory burst oxidase. This multicomponent enzyme system is composed of two transmembrane proteins (p22phox and gp91phox, also called NOX2, which together form the cytochrome b₅₅₈) and four cytosolic proteins (p47phox, p67phox, p40phox and a GTPase Rac1 or Rac2), which assemble at membrane sites upon cell activation. NADPH oxidase activation in phagocytes can be induced by a large number of soluble and particulate agents. This process is dependent on the phosphorylation of the cytosolic protein p47phox. p47phox is a 390 amino acids protein with several functional domains: one phox homology (PX) domain, two src homology 3 (SH3) domains, an auto-inhibitory region (AIR), a proline rich domain (PRR) and has several phosphorylated sites located between Ser303 and Ser379. In this review, we will describe the structure of p47phox, its phosphorylation and discuss how these events regulate NADPH oxidase activation.     

p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene Derivatives Containing Azathiol Receptors and Their Recognition towards Hg(II)

25,27(2,2'-bis(ethoxybenzyl))-1,9-diimine-3,7-dithianonane-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (3),25,27(4,4'-bis(ethoxybenzyl))-1,9-diimine-3,7-dithianonane-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (4),25,27(2,2'-bis(ethoxybenzyl))-1,8-diimine-3,6-dithianonane-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (5) and25,27(4,4'-bis(ethoxybenzyl))-1,8-diimine-3,6-dithianonane-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (6) havebeen synthesized by condensation reactions between25,27(2,2'-bis(ethoxybenzaldehyde))-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1) and25,27(4,4'-bis(ethoxybenzaldehyde))-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (2) and appropriateamines. Reduction of 3 and 4 withNaBH₄ and subsequent protonation byHCl/CH₃OH resulted in25,27(2,2'-bis(ethoxybenzyl))-1,9-diaza-3,7-dithianonane-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenedihydrogenchloride (7) and25,27(4,4'-bis(ethoxybenzyl))-1,9-diaza-3,7-dithianonane-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenedihydrogenchloride (8), respectively. Complexation studies of 7 and 8 withZn(II), Cd(II) and Hg(II) ions were carried out bypotentiometric titration. Compounds 7 and8 selectively form 1 : 1 complexes with Hg(II), andtheir stability constants (log Ks) were estimated tobe 4.47 ± 0.08 and 3.20 ± 0.13, respectively. From spiecies distribution plots, 7 and 8were found to form the highest amount of 1 : 1 complexes with Hg(II) at pH 8.7 and 9.1, respectively.     

Theoretical investigation of [2.2]paracyclophane as a donor toward a Cr(CO)3 group

A comparative molecular orbital study of [2.2]paracyclophane and simple arenes as ligands toward a Cr(CO)₃ group was performed with the aim of accounting for the observed coordination patterns. While the inter-ring repulsion is an important factor in [2.2]paracyclophane activation, it is not the only one. The molecular orbitals of two arene rings stacked parallel to each other were analyzed in some detail. The inward hybridization (toward the other ring) of the (arene)₂ HOMO was shown to reduce the strength of consequent bonding with the Cr(CO)₃ is fragment. The overall stabilization of [2.2]paracyclophane complex with Cr(CO)₃ is enhanced by a reduction of the inter-ring repulsion and strengthening of the Ar−Cr bond, and reduced by weakening of the intra-ring carbon-carbon bonds. The inter-ring repulsion increases with approach of the arenes to each other, as appears to happen in the structure of [2.2]paracyclophane complex with Cr(CO)₃. This explains the high donor ability of the free ring of the (arene)₂Cr(CO)₃ complex toward another Cr(CO)₃ fragment. It was proposed that the stabilization of the [2.2]paracyclophane complex with Cr(CO)₃ results ultimately from the relaxation of the strained framework of [2.2]paracyclophane. The kinetic factor in Cr(CO)₃ complexation was also studied by analyzing the charges on competing arene rings in monoaryl-substituted derivatives of [2.2]paracyclophanes. Translated fromIzvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 1, pp. 151–157, January, 1998.     

Structures and properties of solvated and unsolvated isopropyl functionalised calix[4]arenes

The tetra-isopropyl ethers of calix[4]arene and p-t-butylcalix[4]arene have been isolated in the cone conformation, and structurally characterised as chloroform solvates. Thermogravimetric analysis demonstrated that the parent isopropylcalix[4]arene solvate is significantly more stable than the p-t-butylcalix[4]arene analogue, retaining the solvent up to a temperature of 125°C. It was found that the calix[4]arene ether sublimes at atmospheric pressure, and solvent-free crystals appropriate for structure determination were produced at reduced pressure. The p-t-butylcalix[4]arene ether was also isolated without solvent in the lattice, but in this case the calixarene was crystallised from acetone, as sublimation did not produce crystals of sufficient quality.