Role of the ancillary ligand N,N-dimethylaminoethanol in the sensitization of Eu(III) and Tb(III) luminescence in dimeric beta-diketonates

Two types of dimeric complexes [Ln2(hfa)6(mu2-O(CH2)2NHMe2)2] and [Ln(thd)2(mu2,eta2-O(CH2)2NMe2)]2 (Ln = YIII, EuIII, GdIII, TbIII, TmIII, LuIII; hfa- = hexafluoroacetylacetonato, thd- = dipivaloylmethanato) are obtained by reacting [Ln(hfa)3(H2O)2] and [Ln(thd)3], respectively, with N,N-dimethylaminoethanol in toluene and are fully characterized. X-ray single crystal analysis performed for the TbIII compounds confirms their dimeric structure. The coordination mode of N,N-dimethylaminoethanol depends on the nature of the beta-diketonate. In [Tb2(hfa)6(mu2-O(CH2)2NHMe2)2], eight-coordinate TbIII ions adopt distorted square antiprismatic coordination environments and are O-bridged by two zwitterionic N,N-dimethylaminoethanol ligands with a Tb1...Tb2 separation of 3.684(1) A. In [Tb(thd)2(mu2,eta2-O(CH2)2NMe2)]2, the N,N-dimethylaminoethanol acts as chelating-bridging O,N-donor anion and the TbIII ions are seven-coordinate; the Tb1...Tb1A separation amounts to 3.735(2) A within centrosymmetric dimers. The dimeric complexes are thermally stable up to 180 degrees C, as shown by thermogravimetric analysis, and their volatility is sufficient for quantitative sublimation under reduced pressure. The EuIII and TbIII dimers display metal-centered luminescence, particularly [Eu2(hfa)6(O(CH2)2NHMe2)2] (quantum yield Q(L)Ln = 58%) and [Tb(thd)2(O(CH2)2NMe2)]2 (32%). Consideration of energy migration paths within the dimers, based on the study of both pure and EuIII- or TbIII-doped (0.01-0.1 mol %) LuIII analogues, leads to the conclusion that both the beta-diketone and N,N-dimethylaminoethanol ligands contribute significantly to the sensitization process of the EuIII luminescence. The ancillary ligand increases considerably the luminescence of [Eu2(hfa)6(O(CH2)2NHMe2)2], compared to [Ln(hfa)3(H2O)2], through the formation of intra-ligand states while it is detrimental to TbIII luminescence in both beta-diketonates. Thin films of the most luminescent compound [Eu2(hfa)6(O(CH2)2NHMe2)2] obtained by vacuum sublimation display photophysical properties analogous to those of the solid-state sample, thus opening perspectives for applications in electroluminescent devices.     

Bilayers, corrugated bilayers, and coordination polymers of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene

Exploration into the host-guest supramolecular chemistry of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene with pyridine N-oxide and 4,4'-dipyridine N,N'-dioxide has resulted in the characterization of three new structural motifs with the calixarene in the "up-down" double partial cone conformation. Two are hydrogen-bonded network structures formed with pyridine N-oxide and either nickel or lanthanide metal counterions (1 and 2, respectively). Complex 1 displays host-guest interactions between pyridine N-oxide and the calixarene in the presence of hexaaquanickel(II) counterions. Complex 2 demonstrates selective coordination modes for different lanthanides involving the calixarene and pyridine N-oxide. The third structure, 3, is a coordination polymer which is formed with 4,4'-dipyridine N,N'-dioxide molecules which span a hydrophilic layer and join lanthanide/p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene fragments. Although complexes 1-3 all have the calixarene in the "up-down" double partial cone conformation, 1 and 3 form bilayer arrangements within the extended structures while 2 forms a previously unseen corrugated bilayer arrangement.     

Chiroptical properties of an optically pure dicopper(I) trefoil knot and its enantioselectivity in luminescence quenching reactions

Chiroptical spectroscopy is used to investigate the properties of an optically pure dinuclear copper(I) trefoil knot. For the metal-to-ligand charge tranfer (MLCT) transition in the visible region (520 nm), the electric and magnetic transition dipole moments are determined from absorption and circular dichroism spectra: 2.8 Debye and 0.5 Bohr magneton (muB). Circular polarization in the luminescence (CPL) of the knot is determined and this allows the electric and magnetic transition dipole moments in emission to be calculated: 0.02 Debye and 0.003 muB. The large difference between the moments in absorption and emission shows that the emission observed does not originate directly from the 1MLCT state. Given the low probability for radiative decay we assign the long-lived emitting excited state to a 3MLCT state. The copper(I) trefoil knot is found to quench the emission from TbIII and EuIII(dpa)3(3)-(dpa = pyridine-2,6-dicarboxylate) with a bimolecular rate constant of 3.2 and 3.3 x 10(7)M(-1)S(-1), respectively, at room temperature in water-acetonitrile (1:1 by volume). Experimental results indicate that the (lambda)-knot preferentially quenches the lambda enantiomer of the lanthanide complex with an enantioselectivity (ratio of quenching rate constants for lambda and lambda: kqlambda/kqdelta) of 1.012+/-0.002 for EuIII and 1.0180+/-0.003 for TbIII.     

An Integrated approach (thermodynamic, structural, and computational) to the study of complexation of alkali-metal cations by a lower-rim calix[4]arene amide derivative in acetonitrile

The calix[4]arene secondary-amide derivative L was synthesized, and its complexation with alkali-metal cations in acetonitrile (MeCN) was studied by means of spectrophotometric, NMR, conductometric, and microcalorimetric titrations at 25 °C. The stability constants of the 1:1 (metal/ligand) complexes determined by different methods were in excellent agreement. For the complexation of M(+) (M = Li, Na, K) with L, both enthalpic and entropic contributions were favorable, with their values and mutual relations being quite strongly dependent on the cation. The enthalpic and overall stability was the largest in the case of the sodium complex. Molecular and crystal structures of free L, its methanol and MeCN solvates, the sodium complex, and its MeCN solvate were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The inclusion of a MeCN molecule in the calixarene hydrophobic cavity was observed both in solution and in the solid state. This specific interaction was found to be stronger in the case of metal complexes compared to the free ligand because of the better preorganization of the hydrophobic cone to accept the solvent molecule. Density functional theory calculations showed that the flattened cone conformation (C(2) point group) of L was generally more favorable than the square cone conformation (C(4) point group). In the complex with Na(+), L was in square cone conformation, whereas in its adduct with MeCN, the conformation was slightly distorted from the full symmetry. These conformations were in agreement with those observed in the solid state. The classical molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the MeCN molecule enters the L hydrophobic cavity of both the free ligand and its alkali-metal complexes. The inclusion of MeCN in the cone of free L was accompanied by the conformational change from C(2) to C(4) symmetry. As in solution studies, in the case of ML(+) complexes, an allosteric effect was observed: the ligand was already in the appropriate square cone conformation to bind the solvent molecule, allowing it to more easily and faster enter the calixarene cavity.     

Allosteric tuning of the intra-cavity binding properties of a calix[6]arene through external binding to a ZnII center coordinated to amino side chains

Molecular recognition by calix[6]arene-based receptors bearing three primary alkylamino side chain arms (1) is described. Complexation of Zn(II) ion provides the dinuclear mu-hydroxo complex 2G(OH), XRD characterization of which, together with solution studies, provided evidence of its hosting of neutral polar organic guests G. Treatment of this complex with a carboxylic acid or a sulfonamide (XH) results in the formation of mononuclear species 3G(X), one of which (X = Cl) has been characterized by XRD. A dicationic complex 3G(RNH2) is obtained upon treatment of 2G(OH) with a mixture of an alkylamine and a strong acid. Each of these Zn(II) complexes features a tetrahedral metal ion bound to the three amino arms of ligand 1 and to an exogenous ligand (either HO-, X-, or RNH2) sitting outside of the cavity. As a result, the metal ion structures the calixarene core, constraining it in a cone conformation suitable for guest hosting. The receptor properties of these compounds have been explored in detail and are compared with those of the trisammonium receptor 1G(3H+), based on the same calixarene core, as well as those of the trisimidazole-based dicationic Zn funnel complexes. This study reveals very different host properties, in spite of the common hydrophobic, pi-basic, and hydrogen-bonding acceptor properties of the calixarene cores. A harder external ligand produces a less polarized receptor that is consequently particularly sensitive to the hydrogen-bonding ability of its guest. The less electron-rich the apical ligand, and a fortiori the trisammonium host, the more sensitive the receptor to the dipole moment of the guest. All this stands in contrast with the funnel Zn complexes, in which the coordination link plays a dominant role. It is also shown that the asymmetry of an exo-coordinated enantiopure amino ligand is sensed by the guest. This supramolecular system nicely illustrates how the receptor properties of a hydrophobic cavity can be allosterically tuned by the environment.     

Controlling the conformation and interplay of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene as lanthanide crown ether complexes

Control over the conformational flexibility of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene in the solid state is possible in the presence of varied stoichiometric amounts of [18]crown-6 and selected lanthanide(III) chlorides. Complexes 1 and 2 have the calixarene in the elusive up-up double cone conformation, whilst complex 3 has the calixarene in the centrosymmetric up-down double partial cone conformation, whereby it acts as a divergent receptor. Complex 1 has a double molecular capsule arrangement which is composed of two p-sulfonatocalix[6]arenes shrouding two [18]crown-6 molecules, also with both coordinated and homoleptic aquated lanthanide ions around the hydrophilic sulfonate rims of the calixarenes. Complex 2 has a ferris wheel arrangement with one lanthanide metal centre coordinated to a sulfonate group and another coordinated to the crown ether whilst tethered to a sulfonate group of the calixarene. Complex 3 forms from a solution with large excess of [18]crown-6, and possesses a crown ether molecule in each of the partial cones and has homoleptic aquated lanthanide ions involved in a complicated hydrogen-bonding regime within the extended structure.     

Assembly of hydrophobic shells and shields around lanthanides

Luminescent lanthanide complexes have been developed, based on the assembly of bulky ligands around the lanthanide ion, to provide shell-type protection of the ion from coordinated solvent molecules. Aryl-functionalised imidodiphosphinate ligands (tpip and Metpip) provide a bidentate anionic site that leads to hexa-coordinate lanthanide complexes in which the aryl groups surround the ion. There are twelve phenyl groups around the lanthanide that act as "remote" (from the binding site) sensitisers for the metal ion. It is shown that these ligands are suitable for sensitising luminescence for all the lanthanides that emit in the visible range, namely, SmIII, EuIII, TbIII, DyIII. A "builtin" shield on the ligand is designed to provide a complete block of the approach of water to the lanthanide ion. The synthesis of the ligands and their lanthanides complexes as well as detailed photophysical studies of the complexes in solution and in the solid-state are presented.     

The extraction of thallium(I) and silver(I) ions with 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene derivatives

Tetraallyloxy and tetrabenzyloxy derivatives of calix[4]arenes in cone and 1,3-alternate conformations were synthesised and their capacity to extract thallium(I) and silver(I) ions was investigated. ??Low??-temperature single crystal X-ray structure determinations were recorded for two derivatives in which the calixarene conformation was that of an alternating cone, the aromatic rings lying closely quasi-parallel to the $ \overline{4} $ -axis of the cone. The structure of a tetraallyloxy derivative in the cone conformation was also determined in which a molecule of acetonitrile was included within the calixarene cavity.     

Bis(calixcrown)tetrathiafulvalene receptors

A new class of electroactive receptors has been synthesized, built by covalent association of five subunits: two calixarene platforms for spatial organization, two polyether 3D cavities for cation binding, and one electroactive TTF unit to probe the complexation event. Sodium complexation induces rigidification of the molecular assembly, as shown by 1H NMR titration and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies on free receptor 14 and a corresponding complex with two bound sodium atoms per receptor (15-(NaPF6)2). The calixarene units in these receptors change from a pinched cone conformation in the free ligand to a symmetrical cone in the complex. Cyclovoltammetric studies validated the electrochemical recognition concept of these five-member assemblies.     

杯[4]芳烃锥形骨架在光学受体识别中的作用

比较研究了铜、镍的杯[4]芳烃光学受体及其单体的分析性能，并进一步探讨了杯[4]芳烃的锥形骨架在分子识别中的作用。结果表明，通过分子设计，将杯[4]芳烃锥形骨架合理地引至光学受体中，可以起到立体屏障作用，能有效阻止其它客体在一些方向上靠近配位反应点所带来的干扰，从而对客体的选择性识别提供重要贡献。     

Structural characterisation and photophysical properties of lanthanoid complexes of a tetra-amide functionalised calix[4]arene

Abstract

Lanthanoid complexes of a tetra-amide substituted calix[4]arene in the cone conformation are characterised by single crystal X-ray structure determination. The structural analysis shows that the metal ions are coordinated to the calixarene through the eight O donor atoms, along with one aqua ligand which is located within the cavity of the calixarene. The calixarene ligand was covalently incorporated into a polymethylmethacrylate monolith through p-allyl functional groups, followed by loading with a range of lanthanoid cations giving rise to light-emitting materials. The emission from the hydrid materials was found to be comparable to the solution phase emission.     

Interactions of a water-soluble calix[4]arene with spermine: solution and solid-state characterisation

Abstract

The octaanionic 5,11,17,23-tetrasulfonato-25,26,27,28-tetrakis(hydroxycarbonylmethoxy)-calix[4]arene (cone conformation) (C₄TsTc) was investigated as a sensor for the biogenic tetracationic polyamine, spermine _.(H₄Spe⁴⁺). Fluorescence titration experiments of the water-soluble calixarene with spermine showed the formation of the 2:1 and 1:1 calixarene:spermine complexes in solution. The single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis of [(NaC₄TsTc)₄·(H₄Spe)₇] confirmed the formation of 2:1 and 1:1 calixarene:spermine species and showed that the water-soluble calixarene binds the spermine either by partially hosting it in the inner cavity or through the carboxylate groups on the lower rim. In order to investigate the effect of multivalent systems, supramolecular assemblies of octaanionic calixarene molecules templated by meso-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridyl)porphyrin (H₂T₄) in different stoichiometric porphyrin:calixarene ratios (1:4 and 3:4) were also tested for spermine binding in solution. Fluorescence titration experiments with the 1:4 and 3:4 H₂T₄:C₄TsTc supramolecular complexes showed that the multivalent assemblies are more sensitive to the presence of spermine than the calixarene alone.     

Non-cytotoxic, bifunctional EuIII and TbIII luminescent macrocyclic complexes for luminescence resonant energy-transfer experiments

A new macrocyclic ligand, L3, has been synthesised, based on the cyclen framework grafted with three phenacyl light-harvesting groups and a C5-alkyl chain bearing a carboxylic acid function as a potential linker for biological material. Acidity constants are determined by spectrophotometric titrations, as well as conditional stability constants for the resulting 1:1 complexes with trivalent lanthanide ions. The complexes have stabilities comparable to 1,4,7,10-tetrakis(carbamoylmethyl)-1,4,7,10-tetraazacyclododecane (dtma) complexes, with pLn approximately 12-13. Photophysical properties of the ligand and of the EuL3 and TbL3 complexes have been determined for both microcrystalline samples and solutions in water and acetonitrile. They point to the metal ion being present in an environment with axial symmetry derived from the C4 point group. The hydration number determined for TbL3 decreases with increasing pH value and becomes fractional at pH 7.5, which points to an equilibrium between two differently solvated species and probably to the participation of the deprotonated carboxylic acid chain in the complexation. The quantum yields in water (1.9% for EuIII, 3.4% for TbIII) are smaller than those for complexes with the symmetrically substituted parent macrocycle, but efficient luminescence resonant energy transfer (LRET) was observed when Cy5 dye was added to the solutions. Finally, the influence of the TbL3 complex on cell viability is tested on both malignant (5D10 mouse hybridoma, Jurkat human T leukaemia, MCF-7 human breast carcinoma) and non-malignant (Hacat human keratinocyte) cell lines. Cell viability after 24 h incubation at 37 degrees C with 500 microM TbL3 was >90% for all cell lines, except Jurkat (>70%). All of these properties make LnL3 complexes interesting potential probes for bioanalyses.     

First C3v-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown

The first C(3v)-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown 8 has been obtained in five steps from X(6)H(3)Me(3) 3. The key-step introduction of the triple bridge at the small rim has been achieved through reaction of a tris-arylsulfonamide derivative of tren 1 and tris-tosylcalix[6]arene 6. A (1)H NMR study has shown that the tripodal cap rigidifies the whole edifice, preventing ring inversion and constraining the calixarene core in a straight cone conformation.     

Thiourea-linked upper rim calix[4]arene neoglycoconjugates: synthesis,conformations and binding properties

The thiourea group has been exploited to link two or four carbohydrate units at the upper rim of tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene derivatives in the cone conformation. Two synthetic methodologies were used, the first one consisting of the condensation of di- and tetraminocalix[4]arenes with the isothiocyanate of monosaccharides in dry CH2Cl2 at room temperature and the second one exploiting the condensation of an aminolactoside with a calixarene isothiocyanate. The first method allows the glycoconjugates to be obtained in 75-80% overall yields. The disfunctionalized derivatives exist in a closed flattened cone conformation in CDCl3 and CD3OD due to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds involving the thiourea groups which are broken in DMSO-d6 to give an open flattened cone conformation. The thiourea groups act not only as linkers but also as binding units for anionic substrates as evidenced by solution 1H NMR and ESI-MS experiments. Turbidimetric analysis indicates that the tetraglucoside and tetragalactoside clusters give specific interactions with Concanavalin A (Con A) and peanut lectin (PNA), respectively. Both features show that the neoglycoconjugates could also be used as site specific molecular delivery systems.     

Di- and trinuclear Zn2+ complexes of calix[4]arene based ligands as catalysts of acyl and phosphoryl transfer reactions

The calix[4]arene scaffold, blocked in the cone conformation by proper alkylation of the lower rim hydroxyls, was used as a convenient molecular platform for the design of bi- and trimetallic Zn2+ catalysts. The catalytic activity of the Zn2+ complexes of calix[4]arenes decorated at the 1,2-, 1,3-, and 1,2,3-positions of the upper rim with 2,6-bis[(dimethylamino)methyl]pyridine units were investigated in the cleavage of ester 6 and of the RNA model compound HPNP. High rate enhancements, up to 4 orders of magnitude, were observed in a number of catalyst-substrate combinations. Interestingly the order of catalytic efficiency among regioisomeric dinuclear complexes in the cleavage of ester 6 is 1,2-vicinal > 1,3-distal, but it is reversed in the reaction of HPNP. The higher efficiency of trinuclear compared to dinuclear complexes provides an indication of the cooperation of three Zn2+ ions in the catalytic mechanism.     

The Wurtz-Fittig reaction in the preparation of C-silylated calixarenes

The Wurtz-Fittig reaction of tetraiodo calixarene 3 with Na/Me3SiCl in DME gave a mixture of tetrakis- and tris-silylated calixarenes (6 and 7). Tris(silyl) calixarene 7 was assigned the flattened cone conformation. A model study using p-bromoanisole and p-iodoanisole with Na/Me3SiCl gave the best results with p-bromoanisole in toluene. Attempts to extend this reaction to the tetrabromo calixarene 4 resulted in slow reactions giving mixtures of products. However, the Wurtz-Fittig reaction of the bromo benzyloxycalixarene 5 was faster, giving the debenzylated silyl ether 12.     

Selective 1,3-complexation of p-(t)Bu-calix[4]arene by [TiCp(2)Me(2)

Reaction of p-(t)Bu-calix[4]arene with dimethyl titanocene results in high yield selective 1,3-dimetallation of the calixarene in the cone conformation by selective cleavage of one methyl group.     

1H and 7Li NMR Study on the Complex Formation of Lithium Cations with Pyridinium Derivatives of Calix[4]arenes

Complexation of lithium ions by three chromoionophoric calix[4]arenes has been studied by ¹H and ⁷Li NMR spectroscopy. The signalling unit of the chromoionophores is the N-methylpyridinium(methyleneimino) group in conjugation with a phenolic group of the calixarene ring while the coordination spheres contain esteric (ethoxycarbonylmethoxy) or etheric (ethoxy, propoxy) units. ¹H NMR and NOESY measurements suggest the dominance of cone conformations of the calixarene rings with slight, solvent-dependent distortions. Complexation occurs only in the presence of a weak base. The interaction with lithium ions causes a broadening of both the ¹H and ⁷Li NMR signals. Analysis of the chemical shifts in the three complexes indicates a different coordination environment for the lithium with the calixarene containing esteric groups from those having etheric groups. This explains the differences in the stabilities of the lithium complexes of the two types of calixarenes.     

New fluorogenic dansyl-containing calix[4]arene in the partial cone conformation for highly sensitive and selective recognition of lead(II)

A new efficient and highly selective fluorescent chemosensor for determination of Pb (2+) has been obtained by covalent attachment of two pendent proton-ionizable dansylcarboxamide groups to the calix[4]arene preorganized in the partial cone conformation. This geometry of the calixarene moiety was chosen on the basis of the prior (1)H NMR study of conformations adopted by the flexible dansyl-containing prototype upon complexation with lead ion. In acidic MeCN-H2O (1:1 v/v) solutions, the partial cone fluoroionophore allowed for detection of Pb (2+) at the levels as low as 2.5 ppb, which is totally compatible with the regulations of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the World Health Organization on the limiting content of this hazardous pollutant in drinking water.