Synthesis of [m.n]Cyclophanes: Regiochemistry Transfer from Vinyl Halides to Cyclophanes via Fischer Carbene Complexes

The double benzannulation of bis‐carbene complexes of chromium with α,ω‐diynes generates [m.n]cyclophanes in which all three rings are generated in a single reaction. This triple annulation process is very flexible allowing for the construction of symmetrical [n.n]cyclophanes and unsymmetrical [m.n]cyclophanes as well as isomers in which the two benzene rings are both meta bridged or both para bridged, and isomers that contain both meta and para bridges. The connectivity patterns of the bridges in the cyclophanes can be controlled by regioselectivity transfer from the bis‐vinyl carbene complexes in which the substitution pattern of the vinyl groups in the carbene complexes dictate the connectivity pattern in the [m.n]cyclophanes. This synthesis of [n.n]cyclophanes is quite flexible with regard to ring size and can be used with tether lengths ranging from n=2 to n=16 and thus to ring sizes with up to 40 member rings. The only limitation to regioselectivity transfer from the carbene complexes to the [m.n]cyclophanes was found in the synthesis of para,para‐cyclophanes with four carbon tethers for which the loss of fidelity occurred with the unexpected formation of meta,para‐cyclophanes.     

Appending aromatic moieties at the para- and meta-position of calixarene phenol rings via p-bromodienone route

The silver-mediated nucleophilic substitution on calixarene p-bromodienone derivatives (the ‘p-bromodienone route’) with activated aromatic substrates allows the introduction of aromatic moieties at the para- or meta-position of calixarene aromatic rings. Less reactive substrates mainly afford C-O para-coupled derivatives, while more activated ones mainly give inherently chiral, C-C meta-coupled products through a dienone-phenol rearrangement of the intermediate dienone derivative. Examples of C-C para-coupling and O-C coupling at the endo calixarene oxygen atom were also observed.     

Persistance of the Cyclopnane Radical Anions and its Relation to Structure

Reactions of [2_N]cyclophanes (N = 2, ?6) with solvated electrons in 1,2-di-methoxyethane at 193 K have been studied by ESR. and ENDOR. spectroscopy. All but the two most highly bridged cyclophanes (N = 5 and 6) are reduced to paramagnetic species under these conditions. Whereas the radical anions of [2.2]-paracyclophane and [2₃](1,2,4)- and [2₄](l,2,4,5)cyclophanes are sufficiently persistent to be characterized by their hyperfine data, those of the remaining five cyclophanes undergo a rapid cyclization to the radical anions of 4,5,9,10-tetrahydropyrenes. These have been identified as the unsubstituted tetrahydropyrene (from [2.2]-metacyclophane and [2₃](l,2,3)cyclophane), the 2,7-dimethyl-derivative (from [2₃](1,3,5)- and [2₄](l,2,3,5)cyclophanes) and the 1,8-dimethyl-derivative (from (2₄l,2,3,4)cyclophane). The persistence of the cyclophane radical anions seems to depend on the numbers, n_meta and n_para, of the meta-and para-positions of the bridging ethano groups in the two benzene rings. The prerequisite for the radical anion to be persistent is n_meta?n_para.     

Synthesis and structure characterization of unsymmetrical oxacalix[2]benzene[2]pyrazines

The synthesis of two unsymmetrically linked oxacalix[2]benzene[2]pyrazines (1 and 2) is described. X-ray single crystal structure analysis revealed a highly distorted 1,3-alternate conformation of compound 1 (containing ortho- and meta-diphenol components) and a distorted boat conformation of compound 2 (containing meta- and para-diphenol components). Oxacalix[2]benzene[2]pyrazine containing both ortho- and para-diphenol components was not obtained via similar synthetic strategy.     

Extended peptoids: a new class of oligomers based on aromatic building blocks

Peptoids (N-substituted polyglycines) represent a class of bioinspired oligomers that have unique physical and structural properties. Here, we report the construction of ‘extended peptoids’ based on aromatic building blocks, in which the N-alkylaminoacetyl group of the peptoid backbone has been replaced by an N-alkylaminomethylbenzoyl spacer. Both meta- and para-bromomethylbenzoic acids were synthesized, providing access to a new class of peptoids. Further, inclusion of hydrophilic side chains confers water solubility to these compounds, showing that, like simple peptoids, extended peptoids add an extra dimension to synthetic poly-amide oligomers with potential application in a variety of biological contexts.     

Design of 2′-phenylethynylpyrene excimer forming DNA/RNA probes for homogeneous SNP detection: The attachment manner matters

1-Phenylethynylpyrene fluorophore (1-PEPy) has long-wavelength shifted emission and higher photostability compared to pyrene, retaining, however, pyrene's ability to form excimers. Here we report the synthesis of 2′-O-[3(and 4)-(pyren-1-ylethynyl)benzyl]-uridines and their tandem incorporation into deoxyribo- and 2′-O-Me-ribo-oligonucleotide probes. Excimer forming probes of type NN … NNXXNN … NN (X = 2′-O-[meta(or para)-(pyren-1-ylethynyl)-benzyl]uridine) containing two adjacent fluorescent nucleosides within an oligonucleotide are available in four types (meta-meta; para-meta; meta-para; para-para). Both DNA (N = deoxyribonucleotides) and 2′-O-Me-RNA (N = 2′-O-Me-ribo-nucleotides) probes were synthesized and their hybridization with complementary and singly mismatched DNA and RNA was studied. Several probes show a dramatic response of their excimer-to-monomer intensity ratio upon hybridization. Remarkably, most spectacular fluorescence changes were demonstrated for probes with para-meta and meta-para combination within 2′-O-Me-ribo-oligonucleotides. Using excimer forming probes, three natural SNP in Helicobacter pylori 23S RNA gene (A2144G, A2143G, A2143C) and the wild type gene can be distinguished.     

Acetylenic cyclophanes: emerging carbon-rich compounds for molecular construction and practical applications

The preparation of simple acetylenic [2.2]parcyclophane ‘building blocks’ is described. These compounds are readily available from the commercially available [2.2]paracyclophane employing functionalization of the parent system and conversion of the resulting functional groups into triple bonds. For the incorporation of these structures into cyclophanes with ‘extended’ π-systems, coupling reactions such as the Sonogashira or the Glaser coupling are particularly valuable. Besides addition reactions the ethynyl cyclophanes can be employed to prepare novel iron, platinum, and cobalt metal complexes. By polycondensation reactions the monomeric cyclophanes can be converted into novel polymers displaying lateral π-conjugation. The application of alkynylcyclophanes in material science and nanochemistry is discussed.     

Unusual reactivity of ortho-carbonylphenylboronic acids with diethanolamine

The reaction of carbonyl-substituted phenylboronic acids with diethanolamine has been investigated. For compounds containing carbonyl groups at the meta or para positions the reaction occurs exclusively at the boronic acid. Different reactivities were observed for ortho-substituted acetyl- and formylphenylboronic acids where the reaction occurred at both the boronic acid and at the carbonyl group. X-ray studies revealed the presence of a polycyclic structure with tetravalent boron and nitrogen atoms.     

Isolation and structural analysis of novel conformational isomers of the m-xylylene-bridged calix[6]arenes: the ‘partial cone’ and ‘inverted cone’ isomers

In the benzylation of a m-xylylene-bridged calix[6]arene tetrol, the first example of the ‘partial cone’ isomer of a calix[6]arene was obtained in addition to the corresponding cone and 1,2,3-alternate isomers, and its structure was established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The synthesis and crystal structure of the ‘inverted cone’ isomer as well as its thermal conversion to the ‘normal cone’ isomer are also described.     

The influence of isomerism on the self-assembly behavior and complexation property of 1,3-alternate tetraaminopyridyl-thiacalix[4]arene derivatives

A series of 1,3-alternate conformation thiacalix[4]arenes containing different isomeric aminopyridyl pendent arms have been synthesized. It was found that their self-assembly behaviors and complexation properties strongly depended on the structures of aminopyridyl pendent arms. The crystal structures demonstrate that tetra(meta-aminopyridyl)-thiacalix[4]arene motif is capable of forming intramolecular hydrogen bondings between the sp² nitrogen donors in the meta position of the aminopyridyl groups and the facing amide N-H of the adjacent aminopyridyl groups, and self-assembles via C-H?O weak hydrogen bondings and C-H?π interaction to generate a double stranded rectilineal networks. By contrast, in the case of tetra(para-aminopyridyl)-thiacalix[4]arene, the presence of para-aminopyridyl units enables the formation of N-H?N strong hydrogen bondings between the individual molecules leading to the solid-state structure with water-bridged double strands. Their complexation properties had been also studied by measurement of the stability constants for their complexation in a range of metal cations and investigation of their binding models via ¹H NMR titration and ESI-MS experiments. It was found that the three ligands exhibited high and selective extractability toward Ag⁺, and their stoichiometry of ligand to Ag⁺ was 1:1, while the meta-aminopyridyl derivative showed the best extraction capacity and possessed the most efficient binding sites.     

Enantioselective scavenging using homogenate of Rhodotorula graminis: a facile preparation of d-amino acid derivatives in enantiopure form

An enantioselective scavenger (ES) comprised homogenate of Rhodotorula graminis containing multiple enzymes can enantioselectively remove l-enantiomer in a racemic mixture of amino acid derivatives (AADs), yielding d-enantiomer in high ee. Thirteen non-proteinogenic AADs were produced in enantiopure d form. The method appears to be an efficient cleaning and preparative strategy which can be applied to the production of d-AADs in high ee by enantioselectively scavenging the ‘l-contaminants’.     

Increasing the antioxidant capability via the synergistic effect of coupling diphenylamine with sterically hindered phenol

A series of novel diphenylamine-phenol antioxidants were synthesised that combined the two antioxidant types into a single molecule. These antioxidants were then functionalised with alkyl chains to aid their solubility in hydrocarbon media. As part of a structure-activity study, diphenylamine derivatives were also generated bearing carboxylic acid functionalities in either the ortho, meta or para position with respect to the secondary amine. Methyl or ethyl spacers were also incorporated between the carboxylic acid and the aromatic ring. The antioxidant ability of the diphenylamine-phenols was evaluated using Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) and compared to commercially available antioxidants Irganox L135 and Irganox L57 both as individual components and when blended together. The diphenylamine-phenol antioxidant with an ethyl spacer between the diphenylamine and carboxylic acid in the meta position with respect to the secondary amine functionality showed an impressive oxidation induction time of ca. 24 min in direct comparison with the blend of Irganox L135 and Irganox L57 (ca. 16 min).     

Design, synthesis, characterization, and preliminary complexation studies of chromogenic vanadophiles: 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene tetrahydroxamic acids

New chromogenic supramolecular vanadophiles were designed and synthesized by incorporating hydroxamic acid chains on a 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene scaffold and were found to show high affinity toward vanadate ions. The article describes a comprehensive design process to devise a tailor-made co-ordination cavity for vanadate ions by pre-organization of hydroxamic acid chelating moieties on a 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene scaffold. These receptors simultaneously co-ordinate two vanadate ions giving a highly ‘staggered’ geometry with almost D_2d symmetry. Proposed structures and complexation behavior of the receptors were explained by critical examination of FTIR, UV-visible, mass, and ¹H NMR data.     

Coordination of bidentate aniline derivatives to the fac-[Re(CO)3] core

A series of rhenium(I) tricarbonyl complexes, containing bidentate derivatives of aniline, was synthesized and structurally characterized. With 1,2-diaminobenzene (Hpda) the ‘2+1’ complex salt fac-[Re(CO)₃(Hpda)₂]Br was isolated. The neutral complex [Re(CO)₃(Hapa)Br] was formed with 2-aminodiphenylamine (Hapa) as ligand. 2-Aminophenol (Hopa) also produced the neutral ‘2+1’ complex [Re(CO)₃(opa)₂(Hopa)], but with 2-mercaptophenol (Hspo) the bridged dimer [Re₂(CO)₇(spo)₂] was found. In the complex [Re(CO)₃(Htpn)Br] (Htpn = N′-{(2-methylthio)benzylidene}benzene-1,2-diamine) the potentially tridentate ligand Htpn is coordinated via the methylthio sulfur and imino nitrogen atoms only, with a free amino group.     

Thermal stability and degradation behavior of novel wholly aromatic azopolyamide-hydrazides

Thermal stability and degradation behavior of a series of novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides containing azo groups in their main chains have been investigated in nitrogen and in air atmospheres using differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), thermogravimetry (TG), infrared spectroscopy (IR) and elemental analysis. The influences of controlled structural variations and molecular weight on the thermal stability and degradation behavior of this series of polymers have also been studied. The structural differences were achieved by varying the content of para- and meta-substituted phenylene rings incorporated within this series. Azopolyamide-hydrazides having different molecular weights of all para-substituted phenylene type units were also examined. The polymers were prepared by a low temperature solution polycondensation reaction of p-aminosalicylic acid hydrazide [PASH] and an equimolar amount of 4,4′-azodibenzoyl chloride [4,4′ADBC] or 3,3′-azodibenzoyl chloride [3,3′ADBC] or mixtures of various molar ratios of 4,4′ADBC and 3,3′ADBC in anhydrous N,N-dimethyl acetamide [DMAc] containing lithium chloride as a solvent at −10 °C. All the polymers have the same structural formula except the mode of linking phenylene units in the polymer chain. The results clearly reveal that these polymers are characterized by high thermal stability. Their weight loss occurred in three distinctive steps. The first was small and assigned to the evaporation of absorbed moisture. The second was appreciable and was attributed to the cyclodehydration reaction of the hydrazide groups into 1,3,4-oxadiazole rings by losing water, combined with elimination of azo groups by losing molecular nitrogen. This is not a true degradation but rather a thermo-chemical transformation reaction of the azopolyamide-hydrazides into the corresponding polyamide-1,3,4-oxadiazoles. The third was relatively severe and sharp, particularly in air, and corresponded to the decomposition of the resulting polyamide-1,3,4-oxadizoles. In both degradation atmospheres, the improved resistance to high temperatures was always associated with increased content of para-phenylene moieties of the investigated polymer. The better thermal stability of the wholly para-oriented type of polymer relative to the other polymers is attributed to its greater chain symmetry which is responsible for its greater close packing, rod-like structure and consequently stronger intermolecular bonds which would be more difficult to break and therefore more resistance to high temperatures. Further, with exception of 160-200 °C temperature range, where the lower molecular weight samples showed considerable weight losses which were most probably due to hydrogen bonded DMAc, all the wholly para-oriented phenylene type of polymer samples behaved similarly regardless of their respective molecular weight. This seems to indicate that the structural building units responsible for high thermal stability of the polymers are their characteristic groups, such as aromatic moieties, amide and hydrazide linkages in case of azopolyamide-hydrazides, and 1,3,4-oxadiazole rings, aromatic nuclei and amide linking bonds in case of polyamide-1,3,4-oxadiazoles, rather than the longer chain segments.     

The first regioselective double electrophilic substitution of the C2-symmetric pseudo-meta-disubstituted [2.2]paracyclophanes

We report here the first examples of the regioselective double electrophilic substitution of chiral C₂-symmetric pseudo-meta-disubstituted [2.2]paracyclophanes. Thus, the double acylation of 4,15-dihydroxy[2.2]paracyclophane occurs ortho-regioselectively, whereas the double acylation of its respective dimethyl ether is completely para-regioselective. Double bromination of 4,15-dicarbomethoxy[2.2]paracyclophane regioselectively generates the pseudo-gem-substitution pattern. The approaches elaborated allow the synthesis of all three possible types of chiral bis-bifunctional compounds, which have two independent, although chemically and stereochemically equal, functional fragments with pseudo-meta mutual orientation of both pairs of identical substituents.     

Syntheses and properties of functionalized oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins

Six new functionalized oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins have been synthesized via a high-yielding ‘3+1’ condensation between meso-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)triphenylporphyrin and readily available new fluorodinitrobenzene-containing trimers. The X-ray structure of one linear trimer is presented. The synthesis of a porphyrin containing two oxacalix[4]arene moieties is also reported using a similar strategy. ¹H NMR data and computer calculations using the AM1 semiempirical method incorporated into the Spartan program indicate that the oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins adopt 1,3-alternating conformations. The photophysical properties of the oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins were investigated.     

Structure-property relationships for novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides containing various proportions of para-phenylene and meta-phenylene units: I. Synthesis and characterization

A series of novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides was synthesized by a low temperature solution polycondensation reaction of either 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzhydrazide or 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzhydrazide with an equimolar amount of either terephthaloyl chloride (TCl), isophthaloyl chloride (ICl), or mixtures of various molar ratios of TCl and ICl in anhydrous N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) as a solvent. Polymer structures were identified by elemental analysis and infrared spectroscopy. All the polymers have the same structural formula except the way of linking phenylene units inside the polymer chain. The content of para- and meta-phenylene moieties was varied within this series so that the changes in the latter were 10 mol % from polymer to polymer, starting from an overall content of 0-100 mol %. The prepared polymers were characterized for their properties in order to acquire clear understanding of the influence exerted by controlled structural variations in these polymers upon some of important properties, such as solubility, intrinsic viscosity, moisture regain, mechanical properties and thermal as well as thermo-oxidative stability. The polymers were readily soluble in several organic polar solvents such as DMAc, N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulphoxide, N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone and hexamethyl phosphoramide and could be cast into flexible films. Their solubilities were found to increase remarkably with introduction of meta-phenylene moieties into the polymer chains. Their intrinsic viscosities ranged from 0.73 to 4.83 dl g⁻¹ in DMAc at 30 °C and increased with the increase of para-phenylene units content. Mechanical properties of the films produced from these polymers are improved markedly by substitution of para-phenylene units for meta-phenylene units. Thermogravimetric studies revealed that the completely para-oriented type of polymer has better thermal and thermo-oxidative stability relative to that of the other polymers. Moreover, the results reveal that the prepared polymers have a great affinity to water sorption. The hydrophilic character increases as a function of meta-oriented phenylene rings incorporated into the polymer chains.     

Structure-property relationships for novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides containing various proportions of para-phenylene and meta-phenylene units III. Preparation and properties of semi-permeable membranes for water desalination by reverse osmosis separation performance

Flat sheet asymmetric reverse osmosis membranes were successfully prepared from N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMAc) solutions of a series of novel wholly aromatic polyamide-hydrazides that contained different amounts of para- and meta-phenylene rings. These polyamide-hydrazides were synthesized by a low temperature solution polycondensation reactions of either 4-amino-3-hydroxybenzhydrazide or 3-amino-4-hydroxybenzhydrazide with an equimolar amount of either terephthaloyl dichloride [TCl], isophthaloyl dichloride [ICl] or mixtures of various molar ratios of TCl and ICl in anhydrous DMAc as a solvent. All the polymers have the same structural formula except of the way of linking phenylene units inside the polymer chains. The content of para- to meta-phenylene moieties was varied within these polymers so that the changes in the latter were 10 mol% from polymer to polymer, starting from an overall content of 0-100 mol%. All the membranes were characterized for their salt rejection (%) and water permeability (cm³ cm⁻² day⁻¹) of 0.5 N aqueous sodium chloride feed solution at 3924 kPa operating pressure. The effects of polymers structural variations together with several processing parameters to achieve the best combination of high selectivity and permeability were studied. Effects of various processing parameters of the membranes on their transport properties were investigated by varying the temperature and period of the solvent evaporation of the cast membranes, coagulation temperature of the thermally treated membranes, annealing of the coagulated membranes, casting solution composition, membrane thickness and the operating pressure. During the thermal treatment step, the asymmetric structure of the membranes with a thin dense skin surface layer supported on a more porous layer was established. The former layer seems to be responsible for the separation performance. The results obtained showed that membrane performance was very much influenced by all of the examined processing variables and that membranes with considerably different properties could be obtained from the same polymer sample by using different processing parameters. Thus, the use of higher temperatures and longer exposure times in the protomembrane forming thermal treatment step would result in a membrane of lower solvent content and with a thicker skin layer and consequently led to higher salt rejection at lower water permeability. Most significantly, the membrane properties clearly depended on the polymer structure. Under identical processing condition, substitution para-phenylene rings for meta-phenylene ones within the polymer series resulted in an increase in salt rejection capability of the membranes. This may be attributed to an increase in their chain symmetry associated with increased molecular packing and rigidity through enhanced intermolecular hydrogen bonding. This produces a barrier with much smaller pores that would efficiently prevent the solute particles from penetration. Coagulation temperature controls the structure (porosity) of the membrane particularly its supported layer and consequently its water permeability. Moreover, annealing of the prepared membranes in deionized water at 100 °C was found essential for useful properties in the single-stage separation applications, which required optimum membrane selectivity. Upon annealing, the membrane shrinks resulting in reducing its pore size particularly in the skin layer and consequently improving the salt rejection. Addition of lithium chloride to the casting solution produced a membrane with increased porosity and improved water permeability. Salt rejection capability of the membranes is clearly affected by the applied pressure, reaching its maximum at nearly 4000 kPa. Furthermore, the water permeability is inversely proportional to the membrane thickness, while the salt rejection is not substantially influenced.     

Pulsed fourier transform NMR of substituted aryltrimethyltin derivatives : III. Proton data at 100 MHz and the derived Hammett σ-constant of the trimethyltin group

Proton NMR data at 100 MHz are reported for thirteen para- and meta-substituted phenyltrimethyltin compounds, XC₆H₄Sn(CH₃)₃, where X = para-N(CH₃)₂, para-OCH₃, para-OC₂H₅, para-CH₃, meta-CH₃, -H, para-F, meta-OCH₃, para-Cl, para-Br, meta-F, meta-Cl and para-Sn(CH₃)₃. Correlation coefficients with Hammett σ-constants of greater than 0.95 are obtained with the methyltin proton chemical shifts and coupling constants to carbon [¹J(¹³C¹H)] and tin [²J(SnC¹H)]. Solvent effects and other extraneous factors invalidate comparisons of ? values in terms of the relative attenuation of the transmission of substituent effects through homologous carbon, silicon, germanium and tin systems, but coupling constant data reflect a diminution of ca. one tenthfold per bond in the order ?[C(1)Sn] > ? [SnC] > ? [CH]. Satisfactory correlations (r > 0.95) are obtained in this series of closely-related compounds among the conventionally recorded two-bond, ²J(SnC¹H) and the constituent, one-bond ¹J (Sn¹³C) and J(¹³C¹H) coupling constants, but the correlation coefficient for the comparison between the two one-bond couplings, ¹J(Sn¹³C) and ¹J(¹³C¹H) is lower (r = 0.872). Changes in the couplings at the methyltin carbon bond tin-119 atoms are interpreted in terms of isovalent hybridization; a model based upon effective nuclear charges is tested with respect to both NMR coupling constants and ¹¹⁹Sn Mössbauer Isomer shifts at tin and is invalidated. Proton and carbon-13 NMR, chemical shift and coupling constant data are used to derive a Hammett σ-constant for the para-trimethyltin group of ?0.14, and the significance of this value is discussed.