Phenyl-calix[4]arene-based fluorescent sensors: cooperative binding for carboxylates

Tetrakis-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-substituted and tetrakis-(4-amidophenyl)-substituted calix[4]arenes as well as the monomeric biphenylcarbamate have been synthesized as fluorescent receptors for anion sensing. Their binding properties with various anions including F-, CH3COO-, Ph-COO-, and H2PO4- were investigated by fluorescence titrations, Job plot experiments, 1H NMR spectroscopies, and ESI-MS measurements. Importantly, we have found that calix[4]arene-based sensors exhibit greatly enhanced binding affinity and selectivity toward carboxylates. The binding associations of tetrakis-(4-carbamoylphenyl)-substituted calix[4]arene for carboxylates are 1-2 orders of magnitude greater than those of the monomeric biphenylcarbamate sensor. Such an enhancement in the binding affinity and selectivity is attributed to the cooperative binding of the multiple ligating groups as revealed from the ab inito DFT calculations. Although tetrakis-(4-amidophenyl)-substituted calix[4]arene exhibited relatively weaker binding affinity toward anions, its superior binding selectivity for acetate ion over fluoride ion is evident. Our results also suggest that carbamate functionality is a useful H-bond donor for hydrogen-bonding interactions in molecular recognition and supramolecular chemistry.     

Colorimetric recognition of anions using preorganized tetra-amidourea derived calix[4]arene sensors

The synthesis and the spectroscopic studies of the amidourea based calix[4]arene sensors 1 and 2 are described. The 4-nitrophenyl based sensor 1 was synthesized in two steps from the corresponding calix [4]arene tetraethyl ester and shown to give rise to color changes in the UV-vis spectra in DMSO upon recognition of pyrophosphate and fluoride. Fitting the changes in the absorption spectra using nonlinear regression analysis indicated strong binding of several anions by 1 such as acetate and hydrogen phosphate in 1:1 (Host:Guest) stoichiometry, and at higher concentration in 1:2 stoichiometry. The preorganized calix-cavity was, however, not found to host chlorine while binding of bromide was determined. At high concentrations of these anions, significant colorimetric changes were also observed that were clearly visible to the naked eye for both pyrophosphate and fluoride. The phenyl analogue 2 was made to enable analysis of the anion recognition using 1H NMR titrations and showed that ions such as phosphate were bound in 1:1 stoichiometry, whereas the "urea" protons were shown to be significantly affected upon coordination to the anion.     

A new calix[4]pyrrole derivative and its anion (fluoride)/cation (mercury and silver) recognition

A new calix[4]pyrrole-based macrocycle, meso-tetramethyl-tetrakis{4-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]phenyl}calix[4]pyrrole, 7, has been synthesized and fully characterized. Unlike other calixpyrrole derivatives that show selective interaction with anions, calixpyrrole 7 described in the present work forms stable complexes with both metal cations and anions. The thermodynamics of complexation of this ditopic calixpyrrole derivative with metal cations (Hg2+ and Ag+) and the fluoride anion in nonaqueous solutions have been determined by titration calorimetry, and the host-guest composition has been investigated by using conductance measurements at 298.15 K. 1H NMR studies provide clear evidence about the sites of complexation of 7 with the ionic species, which show that the NH groups are taking part in the complexation of this ligand with the fluoride anion while the sulfur donor atoms are responsible for the interaction with metal cations. Using the present data on 7 and structurally related analogues (1-6), the complexation behavior is discussed comparatively from the thermodynamic point of view. Possessing four sulfur-containing pendent arms, 7 displays an enhanced hosting ability for Hg2+ in acetonitrile. As compared with 1, the calixpyrrole derivative, 7, shows a unique interaction with fluoride among the anions investigated in acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide. As far as the fluoride complex is concerned, the medium effect is assessed in terms of the thermodynamics of the transfer of reactants and product from acetonitrile (reference solvent) to dimethyl sulfoxide.     

Strapped and other topographically nonplanar calixpyrrole analogues. Improved anion receptors

Calixpyrroles and related macrocycles are non-aromatic synthetic anion receptors that have attracted considerable attention in recent years. The unfunctionalized, parent calix[4]pyrrole system, also known as octamethylporphyrinogen, may be prepared in one step and in high yield from pyrrole and acetone, and is an effective anion receptor, showing a preference for fluoride, phosphate, carboxylate and chloride anions in organic media. Efforts to improve the anion binding affinity of calix[4]pyrrole and to modify its inherent selectivity have led to the synthesis of a variety of new, modified calixpyrroles. Among the most effective of these are derivatives that contain bridging "straps". In this Feature Article, the preparation and properties of these and other topographically nonplanar calixpyrrole analogues are reviewed from the perspective of the anion recognition chemist.     

New redox anion receptors based on calix[4]pyrrole bearing ferrocene amide

Two redox anion receptors based on calix[4]pyrrole and ferrocene have been synthesized. The electrochemical investigation revealed that these compounds can be response to the anions with different shifts of Fc/Fc⁺ couple. With the ¹H NMR titration study, the selectivity to F⁻ and AcO⁻ ions in CD₃CN solution was confirmed. The conformations of the mono-aromatic meso-substituted calix[4]pyrroles, which were the synthetical intermediate of the ferrocene based receptors, and their anion complexes in the solid state have also been studied by single X-ray crystallography, and the rationality of the crystal conformations was proved by theoretical study.     

杯[4]吡咯-阴离子体系相互作用的理论研究——杯[4]吡咯-卤素阴离子体系的密度泛函研究

用密度泛函B3LYP/LANL2DZ方法对自由杯[4]吡咯的最低能量构象和卤素阴离子-杯[4]吡咯复合物进行了计算研究.结果表明,杯[4]吡咯与卤素离子能通过彼此间的相互作用形成复合物,并且这种相互作用在本质上应为分子间的氢键相互作用;杯[4]吡咯与卤素阴离子形成的复合物在构型变化、电荷转移、前线轨道及其作用方式、成键布居以及能量和热力学参数等方面均按元素周期律有规律地变化,杯[4]吡咯与卤素阴离子间的相互作用沿元素周期依次减少.     

Modified calix[4]pyrrole receptor: solution thermodynamics of anion complexation and a preliminary account on the phosphate extraction ability of its oligomer

A modified calix[4]pyrrole, namely meso-tetramethyl-tetrakis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) calix[4]pyrrole, 1, has been synthesized and characterized. (1)H NMR investigations in various deuterated solvents seems to indicate that this receptor interacts with acetone-d(6). The solution thermodynamics of 1 in various solvents is reported. Complexation studies in CD(3)CN show that the NH and OH functionalities of 1 are the active sites of its interaction with the fluoride and the dihydrogen phosphate anions. The composition of the anion complexes was established through conductance measurements. In all cases, 1:1 complexes are formed. The thermodynamics of anion complexation in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide is discussed comparatively with previous reported data for the parent calix[4]pyrrole, 2, and these anions in these solvents. The medium effect on anion complexation is discussed in terms of the solvation properties of the reactants and the product in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide. An oligomeric material containing 1 as anchor group was synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry. Preliminary studies have been performed to assess the extracting properties of this oligomer for the removal of phosphates from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, temperature on the extraction of this anion salt from water, as well as the kinetics of the process (fast) were investigated.     

New insights on anion recognition by isomers of a calix pyrrole derivative

Two isomeric structures of meso-tetramethyltetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)calix[4]pyrrole, 4-alphaalpha betabeta and 4-alphabeta alphabeta, have been isolated and characterized by 1H NMR in different solvents (CD3CN, CD3OD, and DMSO-d6) at 298 K. Standard Gibbs energies of solution derived from solubility data in various solvents were used to calculate the transfer Gibbs energy, delta(t)G(o), of these ligands using acetonitrile as the reference solvent. These results are consistent with the 1H NMR studies in different media that show chemical shift changes observed in the resonances of the NH and the OH protons of these ligands. Solvate formation was observed when these isomers were exposed to saturated atmosphere of N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and propylene carbonate. Anion interaction involving 4-alphaalpha betabeta and 4-alphabeta alphabeta was investigated by 1H NMR in CD3CN while the complex composition was assessed through conductance measurements. Significant differences are observed in the affinity of these ligands for anions as well as in the composition of the fluoride complexes. Thus 4-alphaalpha betabeta shows selectivity for H2PO4(-) in acetonitrile while its isomer 4-alphabeta alphabeta is selective for the fluoride anion. Again the complex composition is altered for the fluoride anion when complexed with 4-alphaalpha betabeta in acetonitrile (1:1 complex) relative to 4-alphabeta alphabeta in the same solvent. The latter isomer shows an enhanced hosting ability for this anion. Thus two anions are taken up per unit of ligand. The thermodynamics of complexation of H2PO4(-) and these ligands in acetonitrile is discussed, and the results are compared with those involving calix[4]pyrrole and this anion in this solvent. It is shown that the isomers interact with two H2PO4(-) anions while one calix[4]pyrrole unit interacts with this anion. This paper demonstrates for the first time that the enthalpy parameter may be a suitable reporter of the number of hydrogen bonds formed when calix[4]pyrrole and its derivatives interact with the dihydrogen phosphate anion in acetonitrile. In moving from acetonitrile to N,N-dimethylformamide, 4-alphaalpha betabeta is unable to enter complexation with most anions, except fluoride, with which the formation of a 1:2 (ligand:anion) complex is demonstrated. The rather versatile behavior of these receptors for anions is explained on the basis of 1H NMR evidence and solvation effects. These investigations highlight the importance of the medium effect on the stability of the complex and reflect the inherent nature of the solvent and its highly significant involvement in the complexation process.     

Coumarin-strapped calix[4]pyrrole: a fluorogenic anion receptor modulated by cation and anion binding

A new strapped calix[4]pyrrole containing a fluorophore as part of the strap has been synthesized and characterized. Association constants with various anions have been determined using both fluorescence titration and isothermal titrations calorimetry (ITC). The two sets of association constants were found to be in good agreement with one another. The fluorescence emission properties of this new receptor could be controlled by addition of Na+ (or H2O) and anions. However, the fluorescence quenching by anions is only observed in the presence of Na+ (or H2O). All the experimental evidence is consistent with the notion that independent PET processes are modulated by separate cation and anion recognition events. As such, this system operates as an elementary logic gate wherein anion and cation concentrations serve as the input and fluorescence intensity changes provide the output.     

Calix[4]arene-Based New Neutral Sensors for Fluoride

The development of new receptors which can recognize neutral and charged species has attracted considerable interest in the recent past.[1] Anions such as fluoride, chloride, phosphate and carboxylate play crucial roles in a range of biological phenomena and are implicated in many disease states.[2] Investigations on molecular and/or ionic recognition by calixarenes and their derivatives as synthetic receptors have attracted increasing attention in supramolecular chemistry because of their modifiable structure.[3] However, calix[4]arenes-based neutral receptors containing thiourea and amide groups are still rare. In this paper, we report fluoride selective optical chemosensors 4 and 5, based on calix[4]arene thiourea and amide derivatives, which only show a remarkable absorption change in the presence of fluoride ions, while have no any change upon addition of other anions (Cl- Br-, I-, AcO- and H2PO4-). The association constants are 947 and 2883 mol·L-1, respectively. The synthesis of calix[4]arene derivatives 4 and 5 is outlined in the following Scheme 1.     

Tuning the anion binding properties of calixpyrroles by means of p-nitrophenyl substituents at their meso-positions

Extended cavity calix[4]pyrroles and a calix[6]pyrrole were synthesized by cyclization of 5-methyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)dipyrromethane with acetone in the presence of acid. The solid-state structures of the novel macrocycles were determined by X-ray crystallography. The host-guest chemistry of these receptors towards halide ions was investigated in solution by ¹H NMR titration techniques and compared with those of the meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole and meso-dodecamethylcalix[6]pyrrole. The binding of chloride anions was observed to occur with different affinities on the two faces of the novel calix[6]pyrrole derivative described here.     

Calix[6]pyrrole and hybrid calix[n]furan[m]pyrroles (n+m=6): syntheses and host-guest chemistry

Calix[6]pyrrole 2 and the "hybrid systems" calix[3]furan[3]pyrrole 12, calix[2]furan[4]pyrrole 13, and calix[1]furan[5]pyrrole 14, have been synthesized by increasing conversion of the furan units present in the readily accessible calix[6]furan 3 to pyrroles. The host-guest chemistry of these novel macrocycles towards a number of anions, including halogen ions, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, and cyanide has been investigated in solution by (1)H NMR titration techniques and/or phase transfer experiments. The solid-state structures of the free receptors 2, 12, and 13, the 1:1 complexes of calix[6]pyrrole 2 with chloride and bromide, and the 1:1 complex of 14 with chloride are also reported.     

Spectroscopic and spectrometric studies of anion recognition with calix[4]pyrroles in different reaction conditions

The binding studies of calix[4]pyrroles (1–6) with fluoro, chloro, bromo, iodo and sulphato anions generated from normal-tetrabutylammoniumfluoride, normal-tetrabutylammoniumchloride, normal-tetrabutylammoniumbromide, normal-tetrabutylammoniumiodide, and normal-tetrabutylammoniumsulphate respectively were investigated by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS) in dichloromethane–acetonitrile in negative ion mode. The efficacy of a particular calix[4]pyrrole to bind with anions was found maximum at low cone voltage of the instrument, at high cone voltage the binding was suppressed due to removal of anion from the cavity of the macrocycles. The binding strength was found inversely proportional to the size of anion for a particular calix[4]pyrrole. The fragmentation pattern of calix[4]pyrrole was observed at higher cone voltage of ESI-MS and was interpreted. The association constants of calix[4]pyrroles and anions obtained from electronic transition studies were in good agreement with that observed from ¹H NMR titration studies.     

Double-cavity calix[4]pyrrole derivative with enhanced capacity for the fluoride anion

A double-cavity calix[4]pyrrole derivative, meso-tetramethyl-tetra[N-(2-phenoxyethyl)-N'-phenylurea]calix[4]pyrrole, 1, with enhanced hosting ability for the fluoride anion has been designed and characterized. Its interaction with anions (fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, perchlorate, nitrate, and trifluoromethane sulfonate) was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed through 1H NMR, conductance, and calorimetric studies. The outcome of these investigations demonstrates that 1 interacts only with fluoride and dihydrogen phosphate anions in dipolar aprotic media. However, the composition of these complexes differs in that two units of fluoride are taken per unit of 1, while a 1:1 anion/ligand complex is formed with the dihydrogen phosphate anion. Results from the 1H NMR studies are striking in that these not only provide information about the active sites of the ligand-anion interaction but also allow the establishment of the sequence of events taking place during fluoride complexation. Thus, hydrogen-bond formation between the pyrrolic hydrogen and the fluoride anion is followed by the uptake of a second anion through the same type of interaction, but with the phenyl urea. It is also the latter group that is responsible for the interaction of 1 with the dihydrogen phosphate anion. Finally, this paper illustrates the importance of structural information for the interpretation of the thermodynamics associated with these systems.     

一类新型四酰胺杯[4]氮杂冠醚的合成及阴离子识别研究

合成了一类新型四酰胺杯[4]氮杂冠醚（4a，4b），其结构经~1H NMR、质谱及 元素分析证实。用紫外可见光谱研究了主体与阴离子之间的相互作用，并计算出其 配合常数。结果表明，四酰胺杯[4]氮杂冠醚（4a，4b）对四面体型阴离子（p - O_2GC_6OPO_3~2_4）没有识别性能，而对平面型阴离子（p - O_2NC_6H_4O）有较 好地选择性识别性能，且主客体间形成1：1配合物。     

Ditopic Receptors based on Lower‐ and Upper‐Rim Substituted Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arenes: Cation‐Controlled Hydrogen Bonding of Anion

Heteroditopic hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene receptors that are capable of binding an anion and a cation simultaneously in a cooperative fashion were synthesized. The structure of one of the triamide derivatives was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The binding of alkali metals at the lower rim, and the binding of anions (chloride, bromide) at the upper rim, has been investigated by using ¹H NMR titration experiments. Alkali metal binding at the lower rim controls the calix cavity. Li⁺‐ion binding to the lower rim can improve the binding ability of anions at the upper rim amide moiety by a factor of 15, thus suggesting a strong positive allosteric effect for anion recognition. However, when a Na⁺ cation is bound to the ionophoric site on the lower rim, the calix cavity is changed from a “flattened cone” to a more‐upright form, which is favored for intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the neighboring NH and C?O groups; this change can block the inclusion of anions onto the amide moiety at the upper rim, which strongly suggests a negative allosteric effect of Na⁺‐ion binding, which controls the cooperative recognition system.     

Anion binding studies of fluorinated expanded calixpyrroles

The anion binding properties of fluorinated calix[n]pyrroles (n = 4-6) in aprotic solvents (acetonitrile and DMSO) and modified reaction conditions allowing for the synthesis and isolation of the hitherto missing dodecafluorocalix[6]pyrrole from the condensation of 3,4-difluoro-1H-pyrrole and acetone are described. In acetonitrile solution containing 2% water, the association constants for the 1:1 binding interaction between octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole and chloride anion obtained with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and (1)H NMR titration methods were found to match reasonably well. As compared to its nonfluorinated congener, octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole was found to display enhanced binding affinities for several representative anions in pure acetonitrile as judged from ITC analyses. Similar analyses of the fluorinated calix[n]pyrroles revealed an increase in the relative affinity for bromide over chloride with increasing macrocycle size, as manifest in a decrease in the binding ratio K(a(Cl))/K(a(Br)). Anion binding studies in the solid state, involving single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of the chloride and acetate anion complexes of octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole and decafluorocalix[5]pyrrole, respectively, confirmed the expected hydrogen bond interactions between the pyrrolic NH protons and the bound anions.     

Anion effects on the recognition of ion pairs by calix[4]arene-based heteroditopic receptors

A novel heteroditopic receptor (5) based on a rigid calix[4]arene cavity bearing at the upper rim four arylsulfonamido binding sites has been synthesized. The binding abilities of this new host have been investigated in apolar solvents toward a series of tetramethylammonium salts (tosylate, chloride, acetate, trifluoroacetate, and picrate) and compared with those of monotopic and heteroditopic calix[4]arene-bis(crown-3)-based receptors 1 and 2 in order to evaluate the role of the anion on ion-pair recognition. While monotopic host 1 shows an efficiency order toward the different salts that increases when the anion is less interactive (Hofmeister trend), an opposite role of the counteranion on the recognition process was observed with host 5 (anti-Hofmeister trend). A more complex behavior is experienced by host 2, which shows a high and leveled efficiency for all the anions tested. The results obtained were explained on the basis of the different types of ion pairs present in the recognition process. Further information on the role of the anion were obtained by the "dual host" strategy utilizing the tri-n-butylthioureido derivative of tren 7, which forms a stable complex with chloride anion. The very high efficiency shown by these heteroditopic hosts opens new routes in supramolecular projects and is a very interesting tool in the molecular recognition of ion-pairs and its applications.     

含硫脲和酰胺单元的新型杯［4］芳烃中性氟离子受体

Two-armed neutral anion receptors (4,5), calix[4]arenes beating thiourea and amide binding sites, were prepared and examined their anion-binding ability by the UV-vis spectra. The results of non-linear curve fitting and Job plot indicate that 4 or 5 forms 1：1 stoichiometry complex with fluoride by hydrogen bonding interactions. Receptors 4 and 5 have an excellent selectivity for fluoride but have no binding ability with acetate, dihydrogen phosphate and the halogen anions (Cl^-,Br^-,I^-).     

1,10-邻菲啰啉并咪唑衍生物阴离子受体的合成及识别性能

设计合成了2个1,10-邻菲啰啉并咪唑衍生物阴离子受体2-(2-羟基苯基)-1H-咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉(1)和2-(2-羟基-5-溴苯基)-1H-咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉(2), 受体2的结构由X射线单晶衍射分析确证. 通过紫外-可见光谱滴定及 ¹H NMR滴定研究了这2个受体对F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, H₂PO₄^-和AcO^- 6种阴离子的识别传感作用及作用机理. 结果表明, 受体对AcO^-, F^-和H₂PO₄^-有较强的传感作用, 溶液颜色由淡黄色变为黄色; 对Cl^-的作用较弱; 而对Br^-和I^-则无明显作用. 通过机理研究发现, 受体与F^-, H₂PO₄^-和AcO^-形成1: 1的氢键超分子, 当阴离子的量超过受体的1倍以后, 咪唑氮上的氢转移到阴离子; 受体与Cl^-以氢键形成超分子复合物, 而与Br^-和I^-作用很弱.