Synthesis and Ion Selectivity of Tetrakis[(N,N-dialkylaminocarbonyl) methoxy]homocalix[4]arenes

An attempted O-alkylation of the flexible macrocycle 1 withN,N-dialkylchloroacetamides in the presence of NaH, K₂CO₃ or Cs₂CO₃ gave only one pure stereoisomer 1,4-alternate-2a–c, while other possible isomers were not observed. In contrast, only an intractable mixture was obtained when Na₂CO₃ was used as base. The structural characterization of these products is discussed. The two-phase solvent extraction data indicated that tetrakis(N,N-dialkylaminocarbonyl) derivatives 2b–c show strong alkali metal cation affinity and the extractabilities are much higher than that for the corresponding calix[4]arene tetraethyl ester 4 and homocalix[4]arene tetraethyl ester 3. High Li⁺ and Na⁺ extractabilities were observed for tetrakis[(N,N-diethylaminocarbonyl) derivative 2b. However, no significant high ion selectivity for alkali metal cations was observed in tetraamide 2b. ¹H-NMR titration of tetraamide 2b with KSCN clearly demonstrates that a 1:1 complex is formed with retention of theoriginal symmetry to be conformationally frozen on the NMR time scale.     

Solvent extraction of univalent cations into nitrobenzene using sodium dicarbollylcobaltate and tetraphenyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the equilibrium M ⁺(aq) + 1 · Na⁺ (nb) ⇄ 1 · M ⁺ (nb) + Na⁺ (aq) taking place in the two-phase water-nitrobenzene system (M ⁺ = Li⁺, H₃O⁺, NH₄ ⁺, Ag⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Tl⁺, Cs⁺; 1 = tetraphenyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Moreover, the stability constants of the 1 · M ⁺ complexes in water saturated nitrobenzene were calculated; they were found to increase in the order Cs⁺ < Rb⁺ < Tl⁺ < K⁺ < NH₄ ⁺ < Ag⁺ < H₃O⁺ < Li⁺. Correspondence: Emanuel Makrlík, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic.     

Protonated Tetramethyl p - tert -Butylcalix[4]arene Tetraketone: NMR Evidence and Probable Structures

Both NMR spectra in nitrobenzene-d ₅ and high-precision quantum mechanical DFT calculations proved that tetramethyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone binds hydroxonium cation H₃O⁺ quite strongly to form an equimolar complex. Three different structures of the resulting complex species were indicated by the NMR spectra and the DFT calculations.     

Theoretical study on conformational features and cation-binding properties of a diquinone calix[4]arene

Theoretical studies of a diquinone calix[4]arene and its interactions with the cations Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺ have been performed. Conformational features and cation-binding properties were evaluated with the restricted hybrid Becke three-parameter exchange functional method using the 6-31G(d) basis set and its relativistic effective core potentials. To model the effect of medium, the polarisable continuum model was also used. Four typical conformations of the parent diquinone calix[4]arene were studied. The calculated results show that the most stable conformers are 1,3-alternate and partial cone in the gas phase and in CH₂Cl₂ solution, respectively. The optimised geometric structures were used to perform natural bond orbital analysis. The two main types of driving force metal–ligand and cation–π interactions are investigated. The calculated binding energy for cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺ and Ag⁺) is discussed. The calculated results indicate that cone complexes are the most stable.     

Synthesis and cation binding properties of fluorescent calix[4]arene derivatives bearing tryptophan units at the lower rim

The fluorescent peptidocalixarenes, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(O-methyl-l-tryptophanylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (1) and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-di(O-methyl)-26,28-bis(O-methyl-l-tryptophanylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (2), were prepared by introducing tryptophan subunits at a lower calixarene rim. Coordination abilities of 1 and 2 towards Eu(III) and alkali metal cations were studied by spectrophotometric, spectrofluorimetric, conductometric and potentiometric titrations in acetonitrile at 25°C. Rather strong complexation was observed for smaller alkali metal cations Li⁺ and Na⁺ (log K _Li1 >6, log K _Li2 >6, log K _Na1  = 8.25, log K _Na2  = 6.94), and moderate for K⁺ (log K _K1  = 5.09, log K _K2  = 4.09). Larger Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ cations did not fit in the ion binding site of 1 so no complexation was detected, whereas the more flexible ligand 2 accommodated Rb⁺ cation (log K _Rb2  = 3.44). The fluorescence of 1 (λ_ex = 280 nm, λ_em = 340 nm) was remarkably quenched by Eu(III). Stability constant of 1:1 (Eu³⁺:1) complex determined spectrofluorimetrically amounted to log K _Eu1  = 6.16.     

Solvent extraction of europium trifluoromethanesulfonate into nitrobenzene in the presence of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene and p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene

From extraction experiments and ??-activity measurements, the extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium Eu³⁺(aq) + 3A^?(aq) + L(nb) ? EuL³⁺(nb) + 3A^?(nb) taking part in the two-phase water?Cnitrobenzene system (A^? = CF₃SO₃ ^?; L = p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Further, the stability constants of the EuL³⁺ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were calculated for a temperature of 25 °C as log ?? _nb(EuL³⁺) = 6.4 ± 0.1 (L = p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene) and log ?? _nb(EuL³⁺) = 11.3 ± 0.1 (L = p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene).     

Hydrogen Bonding and Solvent Effects on Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by Lower Rim Calix[4]arene Tetra(O-[N -acetyl-D -phenylglycine methyl ester]) Derivative

Complexation of alkali metal cations with 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-26,28,25,27-tetrakis(O-methyl-D-α-phenylglycylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L) was studied by means of spectrophotometric, conductometric and potentiometric titrations at 25 °C. The solvent effect on the binding ability of L was examined by using two solvents with different affinities for hydrogen bonding, viz. methanol and acetonitrile. Despite the presence of intramolecular NH···O=C hydrogen bonds in L, which need to be disrupted to allow metal ion binding, this calix[4]arene amino acid derivative was shown to be an efficient binder for smaller Li⁺ and Na⁺ cations in acetonitrile (lg K_LiL > 5, lg K_NaL = 7.66), moderately efficient for K⁺ (lg K_KL = 4.62), whereas larger Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ did not fit in its hydrophilic cavity. The complex stabilities in methanol were significantly lower (lg K_NaL = 4.45, lg K_KL = 2.48). That could be explained by different solvation of the cations and by competition between the cations and methanol molecules (via hydrogen bonds) for amide carbonyl oxygens. The influence of cation solvation on complex stability was most pronounced in the case of Li⁺ for which, contrary to the quite stable LiL⁺ complex in acetonitrile, no complexation was observed in methanol under the conditions used.     

Synthesis of Oligomer and Styrene Polymer-supported Calix[4]arene Derivatives and Selective Extraction of Fe3+

Five new polymeric compounds containing more than one calix[4]arene have been synthesized by reacting an oligomer with 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(diethylamino)methyl]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (L1), 25,27-dimethyl-26,28-dihydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diketone (L2), and p-nitrocalix[4]arene (L3), and chloromethylated polystyrene with 25,27-dimethyl-26,28-dihydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diketone (L4) and p-nitrocalix[4]arene (L5). These compounds were studied by the selective extraction of Fe³⁺ cation from the aqueous phase into the organic phase and was carried out by using compounds L1–L5. It was observed that the polymer support attached to the lower rim of p-nitrocalix[4]arene was the most efficient carrier of Fe³⁺ in the extraction process.     

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.     

Quantum simulation on donor and acceptor II calix[4]arene substrate and alkali metal ions: the driven inclusion

The energetic and structural optimized of a calix[4]arene with and without alkali-metal cations are presented with performance of various quantum chemical methods such as Hartree--Fock, second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory, and density functional theory. The geometry optimizations have been carried out with the 3-21G (Li⁺--Cs⁺) and 3-21G(d,p) (Li⁺--K⁺) and the 3-21G basis sets for Cs⁺ and Rb⁺. Additional single-point energy ab initio calculations for Li⁺–K⁺ were carried out at HF/6--31G, HF/6-31G (d,p), HF/6--311G(d,p) for complexes of Li⁺ and Na⁺. The calculations were carried out to analyze the complexation of calix[4]arene with alkali metal cationic species (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺). Assumption to isolate the effects of the aromatic core and cation-π interactions. Particular emphasis has been on conformational binding selectivity and the structural characterization of the complexes, the smaller cation as Li⁺ and Na⁺ has been placed in the lower rim's of the calix[4]arene's cavity. The large cations like K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ take placed in upper rim and the endo (inclusive) complexation is driven by cation-π interactions, that reflect a superior interaction with two phenol rings. The endo complexation of Cs⁺ with calix[4]arene is in agreement with X-ray diffraction data. The binding modes of calixarene-cation systems are studied to involve cooperative effects between cation-π and electrostatic forces.     

Solution and X-Ray Crystal Structures of the Di- and Tetra-allyl Ether of tert- utylcalix[4]arene

The di- and tetra-allyl ethers of tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1 and 2 have been prepared by alkylation of tert-butylcalix[4]arene with allyl bromide and K₂CO₃ using different reaction times. Solution ¹H NMR measurement of the di-allyl ether 1 and X-ray crystal structures of the complexes of 1 with chloroform (1a) or methanol (1b) indicate the cone conformation of 1 in which intramolecular hydrogen bonding can be maximized. The crystalline state conformers 1a and 1b are distorted in different grades depending on the solvent. While methanol is incorporated in the macrocycle, chloroform molecules do not occupy the cage. The solution ¹H NMR spectra of tetra-allyl ether 2 show the co-existence of the cone and partial cone conformation. The partial cone conformer of 2 was investigated by X-ray crystallography. In this compound hydrogen bonding is not existent. The conformer distribution is likely affected by steric and template effects.     

Complex formation of O-carboxymethylcalix[4]resorcinolarene with alkaline metal and ammonium ions

Complex formation of 3,5,10,12,17,19,24,26-octa(carboxymethoxy)-1,8,15,22-tetraundecylcalix[4]arene (H₈X) with Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and NH₄ ⁺ ions was studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and pH-metry in water—DMSO solutions. Binding of one cation occurs during the stepped deprotonation of four carboxymethyl groups in H₈X. The K⁺ ion was found to be bound more efficiently than Li⁺ and Na⁺. The further deprotonation to the penta- and hexaanion leads to the coordination with two cations. The most stable binuclear complex is formed with the Li⁺ ion.     

Protonated Tetramethyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-Butylcalix[4]arene Tetraketone: NMR Evidence and Probable Structures

Summary. Both NMR spectra in nitrobenzene-d ₅ and high-precision quantum mechanical DFT calculations proved that tetramethyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone binds hydroxonium cation H₃O⁺ quite strongly to form an equimolar complex. Three different structures of the resulting complex species were indicated by the NMR spectra and the DFT calculations.     

Extraction of H+, NH4 +, Ag+ and Tl+ into nitrobenzene by using sodium dicarbollylcobaltate in the presence of tetramethyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium M⁺(aq)+NaL⁺(nb)⇔ML⁺(nb)+Na⁺(aq) taking place in the two-phase water-nitrobenzene system (M⁺ = H⁺, NH₄⁺, Ag⁺, Tl⁺; L = tetramethyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Moreover, the stability constants of the ML⁺ complexes in water saturated nitrobenzene were calculated; they were found to increase in the order Tl⁺<NH₄⁺<Ag⁺ <H⁺ <Na⁺.     

A Synthetic Cation-Transporting Calix[4]arene Derivative Active in Phospholipid Bilayers

One order of magnitude: The transport of Na⁺ and K⁺ ions through a phospholipid bilayer occurs with much higher conductance levels with 1 and 2 than with typical Na⁺-transporting proteins or gramicidin. However, the cations do not appear to pass through the calix[4]arene ring, which has a rigid 1,3-alternate conformation. diazacrown=10-benyzl-1,10-diaza[18]crown-6 group.     

Synthesis, Conformational Studies and Inclusion Properties of Tetrakis[(2-pyridylmethyl)oxy]thiacalix[4]arenes

An attempted O-alkylation of the flexible macrocycle 1with 2-(chloromethyl)pyridine in the presence of Cs₂CO₃ under THF reflux afforded a mixture of twoconformers of tetra-O-alkylated product 4a in a ratio of 91:9 (cone-4a:1,2-alternate-4a)in 70% yield, while other possible isomers were not observed. In the case of Na₂CO₃, there was no reaction product,only the starting compound 1, whereasonly monoalkylated compound 3 was obtained when usingK₂CO₃ as the base. The distribution of cone conformer decreased in the case of O-alkylation of tetraol 1with 4-(chloromethyl)pyridine or benzyl bromide in the presence of Cs₂CO₃ in comparison with that ofO-alkylation with 2-(chloromethyl)pyridine, while the 1,2-alternate conformer increased in the same sequence. The larger Cs⁺might increase the contribution of the metal template effect, which can hold the 2-pyridylmethyl group(s) and theoxide group(s) on the same side of the tetrathiacalix[4]arene 1 through the cation-O^- and -N-interaction in the caseof O-alkylation of tetraol 1 with 2-(chloromethyl)pyridine.Only when the template metal can hold the 2-pyridyl group(s) andthe oxide group(s) on the same side of the tetrathiacalix[4]arene is the conformation immobilized to thecone. The template effect of the cesium cation plays an important role in this alkylation reaction. The structuralcharacterization of these products is also discussed.The two-phase solvent extraction data indicated thattetrakis[(2-pyridylmethyl)oxy]thiacalix[4]arenes 4a show strong Ag⁺ affinity and a high Ag⁺ selectivity wasobserved for cone-4a. A good Job plot proves 1:1 coordination of cone-4a with Ag⁺ cation.¹H-NMR titration of cone-4a with AgSO₃CF₃ also clearly demonstrates that a 1:1complex is formed with retention of the original symmetry. In contrast, the 1,2-alternate-4a can form a 2:1 metal/thiacalix[4]arene complex and the two metal-binding sites display positive allostericity. The conformational changes ofpyridine moiety from the original outward orientation of the ring nitrogen to the inside orientation toward thethiacalixarene cavity were observed in the processof Ag⁺ complexation.     

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.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of Ag and Hg complexes of bis(N-heterocyclic carbenes) on p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene platform

A series of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-diimidazolium salts were successfully prepared by the alkylation of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with dibromoalkanes, and sequential substitution reaction with 1-alkylimidazole. Furthermore, coordination reactions of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-diimidazolium salts with silver oxide and mercury acetate gave novel Ag and Hg complexes of bis(N-heterocyclic carbenes) on p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene platform. The single-crystal structures of four p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1,3-diimidazolium salts and three metal complexes were successfully determined by X-ray diffraction. An Ag–Ag argentophilic interaction (Ag–Ag bond length is 3.1599(6) Å) is formed between the two Ag–NHC complexes and a dimetallic coordination mode exists in Hg–NHC complexes.     

Asymmetric calix[4]-thiacalix[4]arene tubes: Synthesis and ionophore properties

Asymmetric p-tert-butylcalix[4]-p-R-thiacalix[4]arene tubes (R = tert-Bu, H, 1-adamantyl) were prepared for the first time by reaction of tosyloxyethoxy derivative of p-tert-butylcalix-[4]arene and the corresponding p-R-thiacalix[4]arenas in acetonitrile in the presence of K₂CO₃. Complex formation of compounds obtained with sodium, potassium, and rubidium iodides in CDCl₃-CD₃OD, 4:1, was studied by means of ¹H NMR. The ionophore properties of the molecule were governed by the character of substituents on the upper rim of the thiacalixarene fragment, and only the molecular tube containing a fragment of the p-(1-adamantyl)-thiacalix[4]arene quantitatively bound potassium ions (quickly) and rubidium ions (slowly).