Selective interaction of lower rim calix[4]arene derivatives and bivalent cations in solution. Crystallographic evidence of the versatile behavior of acetonitrile in lead(II) and cadmium(II) complexes

The interaction of lower rim calix(4)arene derivatives containing ester (1) and ketone (2) functional groups and bivalent (alkaline-earth, transition- and heavy-metal) cations has been investigated in various solvents (methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, and benzonitrile). Thus, 1H NMR studies in CD3OD, C3D7NO, and CD3CN show that the interaction of these ligands with bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+) is only observed in CD3CN. These findings are corroborated by conductance measurements in these solvents including benzonitrile, where changes upon the addition of the appropriate ligand (1 or 2) to the metal-ion salt only occur in acetonitrile. Thus, in this solvent, plots of molar conductance against the ligand/metal cation ratio reveal the formation of 1:1 complexes between these ligands and bivalent cations. Four metal-ion complex salts resulting from the interaction of 1 and 2 with cadmium and lead, respectively, were isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. All four structures show an acetonitrile molecule sitting in the hydrophobic cavity of the ligand. The mode of interaction of the neutral guest in the cadmium(II) complexes differs from each other and from that found in the lead(II) complexes and provides evidence of the versatile behavior of acetonitrile in binding processes involving calix(4)arene derivatives. The thermodynamics of complexation of these ligands and bivalent cations in acetonitrile is reported. Thus, the selective behavior of 1 and 2 for bivalent cations is for the first time demonstrated. The role of acetonitrile in the complexation process in solution is discussed on the basis of 1H NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. It is suggested that the complexation of 1 and 2 with bivalent cations is likely to involve the ligand-solvent adducts rather than the free ligand. Plots of complexation Gibbs energies against the corresponding data for cation hydration show a selectivity peak which is explained in terms of the predominant role played by cation desolvation and ligand binding energy in complex formation involving metal cations and macrocycles in solution. A similar peak is found in terms of enthalpy suggesting that for most cations (except Mg2+) the selectivity is enthalpically controlled. The ligand effect on the complexation process is quantitatively assessed. Final conclusions are given highlighting the role of the solvent in complexation processes involving calix(4)arene derivatives and metal cations.     

Solvation effect of guest, supramolecular host, and host-guest compounds on the thermodynamic selectivity of calix(4)arene derivatives and soft metal cations

This paper reports thermodynamic data for the transfer of calixarene derivatives and their metal-ion complexes in dipolar aprotic solvents. These data are used to assess the effect of solvation of these compounds on the selective complexation shown by these macrocycles for soft metal cations in different media. Thus, solubilities and derived Gibbs energies of solution of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl[25,27-bis(hydroxyl)-26,28-bis(ethylthioethoxy)]calix(4)arene, 1, and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-[25,27-bis(ethylenethanoate)-26,28-bis(ethylthioethoxy)]-calix(4)arene, 2, in various solvents at 298.15 K are reported. Solvation of these ligands in one medium relative to another is analyzed from their standard transfer Gibbs energies using acetonitrile as the reference solvent. These data are combined with transfer enthalpies (derived from standard solution enthalpies obtained calorimetrically) to calculate the corresponding entropies of transfer of these calix(4)arene derivatives from acetonitrile to methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide. As far as the metal-ion salts (silver and mercury) in their free and complex forms are concerned, standard solution enthalpies were determined in acetonitrile, methanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide. These data are used to derive their transfer enthalpies from one medium to another. It is concluded that the extent of complexation of these macrocycles with soft metal cations is controlled by not only the solvation changes that the free cation undergoes in moving from one medium to another but also those for the ligand and its complex cation in these solvents.     

Sulfur-containing hetero-calix[4]pyrroles as mercury(II) cation-selective receptors: thermodynamic aspects

Two sulfur-containing hybrid calix[4]pyrrole derivatives (III and IV) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Several analytical techniques (1H NMR, conductance measurements, UV-vis spectrophotometry, titration potentiometry, and titration calorimetry) have been used to assess the interaction between these hybrid calixpyrrole receptors and metal cations in acetonitrile and dimethylsulfoxide. The partition constants of calix[4]pyrrole, I, II, and IV in the acetonitrile-hexane solvent system and the solubilities of the ligands in various solvents at 298.15 K were determined. 1H NMR measurements reveal the sites of interaction of calixpyrrole ligands with metal cations in CD3CN. Conductance and UV-vis spectrophotometric measurements were performed to establish the composition of mercury(II) calixpyrrole complexes in acetonitrile at 298.15 K. Titration calorimetry was used to quantitatively assess Hg(II)-calixpyrrole interactions. Thus the thermodynamics of complexation of calixpyrrole ligands with the mercury(II) cation in acetonitrile at 298.15 K are reported. Potentiometric titrations were also used to establish the stepwise stability constants for the complexation of calix[3]thieno[1]pyrrole with the Hg(II) cation in acetonitrile at 298.15 K. The results show that replacement of one or more pyrrole units by thiophene rings in calix[4]pyrrole has tuned significantly the discrimination ability of these ligands between anions and enables the produced hybrid calixpyrroles to bind selectively with Hg(II) in acetonitrile. No interaction was observed between these ligands and other metal cations in acetonitrile.     

Cation/anion recognition by a partially substituted lower rim calix[4]arene hydroxyamide, a ditopic receptor

The complexation ability of a partially substituted lower rim calix[4]arene hydroxyamide derivative, 25,27-bis[N-(2-hydroxy-1,1-bishydroxymethylethyl)amino- carbonylmethoxy]calix[4]arene-26,28-diol, 1, for cations and anions was investigated through (1)H NMR, conductometry, spectrophotometry, and calorimetry in dipolar aprotic media. (1)H NMR studies of 1 in the deuterated solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, and dimethylsulfoxide) reflect ligand-solvent interactions in methanol and dimethylsulfoxide. As far as the cations are concerned, a selectivity peak is found when standard Gibbs energies of complexation of 1 with cations (alkaline-earth, zinc, and lead) are plotted against corresponding data for cation hydration. This finding reflects the key role played by the desolvation and binding processes in the overall complexation of this receptor and these cations in acetonitrile. This is also interpreted in terms of enthalpy and entropy data. Factors such as, the nature and the arrangement of donor atoms in the hydrophilic cavity of the ligand on cation complexation process, are discussed. This paper also addresses anion complexation processes. It is found that 1 interacts through hydrogen bond formation with fluoride, dihydrogen phosphate, and pyrophosphate in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide. The thermodynamics associated with these processes is fully discussed taking into account literature data involving calix[4]pyrroles and these anions in these solvents. Previous work regarding the water solubility of these ligands is discussed. It is concluded that 1 behaves as a ditopic ligand in dipolar aprotic media.     

A calix(4)arene pyridine derivative and its monomeric component: structural and thermodynamic aspects of their complexation with metal cations

The interaction of a calix(4)arene derivative, namely 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetra[2-(4-pyridyl)methoxy]calix(4)arene, 1a, and its monomeric component, p-tert-butylphenoxy-4-pyridine, 1b, with metal cations has been investigated in acetonitrile and methanol. (1)H NMR measurements carried out in CD(3)CN show the primary role played by the pyridyl nitrogens in their complexation with metal cations. Conductance measurements demonstrated that for all cations (except mercury) the composition of the metal ion complexes of 1a is 1:1 (ligand:metal cation). However, 1a hosts two mercury cations per unit of ligand. For the monomer 1b, complexes of 2:1 (ligand:metal cation) stoichiometries are formed with the exception of Pb(2+) (1:1 composition). The thermodynamics of complexation of these systems are reported in acetonitrile. Data in methanol are limited to stability constant values for mercury(II) and these ligands. This paper demonstrates for the first time that thermodynamic data for the complexation of the monomeric component of the ligand and metal cations contribute significantly to the interpretation of systems involving cation-calixarene interactions in solution.     

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.     

Cu(I) and Zn(II) chelations on polymer beads modified by attachment of a bipyridyl-calixarene-based chelate

A new chelating calix[4]arene derivative incorporating two bipyridyl groups and one primary amino attachment function at the lower rim has been synthesised and coupled to Wang benzaldehyde resin. The new material effectively displayed complexation abilities towards Cu(I) and Zn(II) transition metal cations. The grafting efficiency was evaluated and quantified by complexation experiments, using UV/visible spectrophotometry, and ionic chromatography.     

Thermodynamics,a suitable reporter in the design of mercury (II) ion selective electrodes

A fully functionalised calix[4]pyrrole derivative, namely, meso-tetramethyl-tetrakis[(diethylthiocarbamoyl)phenoxy] calix[4]-pyrrole, 1 has been synthesised and structurally characterised. Its complexing properties with metal cations in acetonitrile were investigated with particular emphasis on the thermodynamics of these systems. These data and those previously reported for a partially functionalised calix[4]arene based receptor, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl[25,27 bis(diethylthiocarbamoyl)oxy]calix[4]arene, 2 were used to, i) further corroborate their use to predict the selectivity coefficients of carrier mediated mercury (II) ion selective electrodes (ISEs) and ii) to obtain approximate stability constant data from selectivity coefficients. The optimum working conditions of both electrodes were determined. It is shown that while the ISE based on 1 is characterised by a wider linear range and a lower mercury (II) detection than the one based on 2, the latter has the advantage of lower interference of other metal cations due to the much lower stability constants of bivalent cations relative to Hg(II). The response characteristics of these electrodes are compared with those found in the literature. SEM micrographs along with EDX spectra of the PVC membranes containing ionophore 1 or 2 unloaded and loaded with Hg(II) are reported.     

Thermodynamics of Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by a Lower-Rim Calix[4]arene Amino Acid 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) in methanol and acetonitrile was studied by means of direct and competitive microcalorimetric titrations at 25 °C. The thermodynamic parameters of complexation reactions showed that all the reactions investigated were enthalpically controlled. In both solvents the reaction enthalpy was most favorable for Na⁺ binding with L leading to the highest affinity of the examined calix[4]arene derivative towards this cation. The solubilities (and consequently the solution Gibbs energies) of the ligand were determined, as were the corresponding solution enthalpies and entropies. No significant difference was observed between the solution thermodynamic quantities of L in the two solvents, whereas the transfer of complex species from methanol to acetonitrile was found to be quite favorable. The interactions of solvent molecules with the free and the complexed ligand were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. It was concluded that in both cases inclusion of an acetonitrile molecule into the hydrophobic cavity of L occurred, which significantly affected the cation complexation in this solvent. The thermodynamic data were discussed regarding the structural properties of the ligand, the free and the complexed cations as well as the solvation abilities of the solvents examined. In this respect, the specific solvent-solute interactions and the intramolecular NH⋅⋅⋅O=C hydrogen bonds at the lower rim of L were particularly addressed.     

Synthesis and Characterization of Partially Substituted at Lower Rim Phosphorus Containing Calix(4)arenes

The synthesis and characterization of several new phosphorus-containing partially lower rim substituted derivatives of 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl) calix(4)arene (I) and 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-octyl)calix(4)arene (II), namely 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(diphenylphosphinoyl-oxy) calix(4)arene (IV); 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25-hydroxy-26,27,28-tris(tetramethyldiamido-phosphinoyl-oxy) calix(4)arene (Vb); 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(dimethyl-phosphinoyl-methoxy) calix(4)arene (VI); 5,11,17,23-tetra (t-octyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(dimethyl-phosphinoyl-methoxy) calix(4)arene (VII) are reported. The structure of the synthesized calix(4)arene derivatives are identified and confirmed by elemental analysis, IR, ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P{¹H} NMR spectroscopy and mass spectrometry as and X-ray crystallographic analysis of 5,11,17,23-tetra(t-butyl)-25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(dimethyl-phosphinoyl-methoxy) calix(4)arene VI. According to the NMR spectra, all calix(4)arenes are in cone conformation.     

含酰胺和席夫碱单元的杯[4]芳烃衍生物的合成与配合性能

杯[4]-1,3-二乙酸乙酯衍生物1与水合肼反应生成杯[4]芳烃酰肼衍生物2, 然后进一步与相应的芳醛反应, 高产率地合成了三个新型的含酰胺和席夫碱单元的杯[4]芳烃衍生物3a～3c和一例新型杯[4]冠醚4. 阳离子萃取实验表明新型杯芳烃衍生物比只含有酰胺基或席夫碱基的杯芳烃衍生物有更强的软金属离子配合性能, 杯[4]冠醚4还对Ag^＋有较好的选择性萃取能力.     

Cation Complexation by a Lower Rim Calix(4)arene Derivative: Structural,Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Studies

The synthesis and characterization (¹H and ¹³C NMR) of a partially substituted lower rim p-tert-butylcalix(4)arene, namely, 5,11,17,23-tetra-4-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(diethylphosphate amino)ethoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (1), are reported. The solution thermodynamics of the ligand in a variety of solvents at 298.15?K was investigated through solubility (hence standard Gibbs energy of solution) measurements while the calorimetric technique was used to derive the standard solution enthalpy. These data were used to calculate the standard entropy of solution. An enthalpy–entropy compensation effect is shown and, as a result, slight variations are observed in the transfer Gibbs energies of this ligand from the reference to other solvents. ¹H NMR, conductance and calorimetric measurements were carried out to establish the degree of interaction of the ligand with univalent (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺ and Ag⁺) and bivalent (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) cations in acetonitrile, methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide and propylene carbonate. No complexation was found between this ligand and univalent cations in these solvents. As far as the bivalent cations are concerned, interaction between 1 and these cations was found only in acetonitrile. The versatile behaviour of this ligand with bivalent cations in this solvent is reflected by the formation of complexes of different stoichiometry. Thus the interaction of 1 with alkaline-earth (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺) and Pb²⁺ metal cations leads to the formation of 1:2 (cation:ligand) complexes. However, for other bivalent metal cations (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺) the complex stoichiometry was found to be 1:1. The results are discussed in terms of the key role played by acetonitrile in processes involving calix[4]arene derivatives.     

Resorcarene-based receptor: versatile behavior in its interaction with heavy and soft metal cations

Standard solution Gibbs energies, DeltasG degrees, of the resorcarene-based receptor 5,11,17,23-ethylthiomethylated calix[4]resorcarene, (characterized by 1H NMR and X-ray diffraction studies) in its monomeric state (established through partition experiments) in various solvents are for the first time reported in the area of resorcarene chemistry. Transfer Gibbs energies of from hexane (reference solvent) to other medium are calculated. Agreement between DeltatG degrees (referred to the pure solvents) and standard partition Gibbs energies, DeltapG degrees (solvent mutually saturated) is found. Cation-ligand interactions were investigated through 1H NMR (CD3CN and CD3OD) and conductometric titrations in acetonitrile and methanol. 1H NMR data revealed the sites of interaction of with the metal cation. The composition of the metal-ion complexes (Ag+ and Pb2+ in acetonitrile and Ag+ and Cu2+ in methanol) was established through conductometric titrations. Thus, complexes of 1:1 stoichiometry were formed between and Ag+ and Pb2+ in acetonitrile and Cu2+ in methanol. However, in moving from acetonitrile to methanol, the composition of the silver complex was altered. Thus, two metal cations are hosted by a unit of the ligand. As far as Cu2+ and in acetonitrile is concerned, conductance data suggest that metalates are formed in which up to four units of Cu2+ are taken up per unit of resorcarene. The contrasting behavior of with Cu2+ in acetonitrile relative to methanol is discussed. As far as mercury (II) is concerned, the unusual jump in conductance observed in the titration of Hg2+ with in acetonitrile and methanol after the formation of a multicharged complex (undefined composition) is attributed to the presence of highly charged smaller units (higher mobility) resulting from the departure of pendant arms from the resorcarene backbone. Isolation of these species followed by X-ray diffraction studies corroborated this statement. The thermodynamic characterization of metal-ion complexes of Ag+ and Pb2+ in acetonitrile and Cu2+ and Ag+ in methanol is reported. Final conclusions are given.     

Combined crystallographic and solution molecular dynamics study of allosteric effects in ester and ketone p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives and their complexes with acetonitrile, Cd(II), and Pb(II)

We describe here a procedure to bridge the gap in the field of calixarene physicochemistry between solid-state atomic-resolution structural information and the liquid-state low-resolution thermodynamics and spectroscopic data. We use MD simulations to study the kinetics and energetics involved in the complexation of lower rim calix[4]arene derivatives (L), containing bidentate ester (1) and ketone (2) pendant groups, with acetonitrile molecule (MeCN) and Cd(2+) and Pb(2+) ions (M(2+)) in acetonitrile solution. On one hand, we found that the prior inclusion of MeCN into the calix to form a L(MeCN) adduct has only a weak effect in preorganizing the hydrophilic cavity toward metal ion binding. On the other hand, the strong ion-hydrophilic cavity interaction produces a wide open calix which enhances the binding of one MeCN molecule (allosteric effect) to stabilize the whole (M(2+)) L(MeCN) bifunctional complex. We reach two major conclusions: (i) the MD results for the (M(2+)) 1(MeCN) binding are in close agreement with the "endo", fully encapsulated, metal complex found by X-ray diffraction and in vacuo MD calculations, and (ii) the MD structure for the more flexible 2 ligand, however, differs from the also endo solid-state molecule. In fact, it shows strong solvation effects at the calixarene lower bore by competing MeCN molecules that share the metal coordination sphere with the four CO oxygens of an "exo" (M(2+)) 2(MeCN) complex.     

Calix[4]tubes: a new class of potassium-selective ionophore

A new class of cryptand-like ionophore based on a bis calix[4]arene structure has been developed. These molecules proved highly selective for complexation of potassium over all group I metal cations and barium. A range of symmetric and asymmetric calix[4]tubes featuring either alkyl or phenyl substituents at the upper rim have been synthesized in exceptional yield. Alteration of the calix[4]arene upper rim environment enables fine-tuning of the rate of potassium uptake, which can be evaluated through the conformational change on binding by NMR studies. Selectivity of potassium complexation has been demonstrated using NMR and electrospray mass spectral techniques. Molecular modeling studies, derived from crystallographic data, confirm that the potassium metal cation is complexed via the axial route, passing through the calix[4]arene annulus, and provide evidence for complexation rate and selectivity.     

Complexation of Calix[4]arene With Alkali Metal Cations: Conformational Binding Selectivity and Cation-π Driven Inclusion

Hartree-Fock, second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory, and density functional theory calculations were carried out to analyse the complexation of calix[4]arene with cationic species including H + and the alkali metal cations (Li + , Na + , K + , Rb + , and Cs + ). Special emphasis has been placed on conformational binding selectivity, and on the structural characterization of the complexes. Li + and Na + cations are located in the calix[4]arene lower rim. The larger cations (K + , Rb + , and Cs + ) complex preferentially with the calix[4]arene cone conformer, and their endo (inclusive) complexation is driven by cation- ~ interactions, leading in the case of K + to a structure that reflects a preferential interaction with two phenol rings. The endo complexation of Cs + with calix[4]arene is in agreement with X-ray diffraction data.     

Calix[4]pyrrole virtuous sensor: a selective and sensitive recognition for Pb(II) ions by spectroscopic and computational study

A novel supramolecular sensor derived from calix[4]pyrrole system i.e. calix[4]pyrrole bearing aminoanthraquinone derivative (CAAQ) have been designed and synthesized. The complexation behavior of metal cations [Ag(I), Ba(II), Ca(II), Ni(II), Co(II), Fe(III), Hg(II), Cu(II), Cr(II), Pb(II), Zn(II), (1 × 10^?4 M)] with CAAQ (1 × 10^?6 M) was studied by spectrophotometry and spectrofluorometry. Metal ion like Pb(II) produces red shift in absorption spectra and quenching in emission spectra likelihood of strong complexation of Pb(II) ions with CAAQ. Fluorescence cell imaging also supports the complexation of Pb(II) ions with CAAQ. The binding constants, quantum yield, stoichiometry of complex, mechanism of quenching by Stern–Volmer equation and Density functional theory calculation have been determined.     

Cation-dependent binding of zinc diethoxycarbonylcalix[4]arenebis(porphyrinate) triethylenediamine

Zinc calix[4]arene-bis(porphyrinate) with two ethoxycarbonyl substituents at the lower rim of the calix[4]arene moiety was synthesized. Its complexation properties toward the sodium cation and triethylenediamine were studied. The influence of the binding of the sodium cation by the calix[4]arene moiety on the complexation properties of the interporphyrin cavity toward triethylenediamine was revealed.     

Synthesis of a tweezer-like bis(arylthiaalkoxy)calix[4]arene as a cation sensor for ion-selective electrodes: an investigation of the influence of neighboring halogen atoms on cation selectivity

Two novel tweezer-like 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(phenylthiaethoxy)calix[4]arenes 6 and 7 were synthesized by the reaction of 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(bromoethoxy)calix[4]arenes 3 and 4 for the evaluation of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes (ISEs). X-ray structural analysis indicated that calix[4]arene 7 is in an interesting infinite linear aggregate via self-inclusion. For investigation of the influences of substitutes on the behavior of the ISEs, the halogen substituted aryl analogues of 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(arylthiaethoxy)calix[4]arenes 8-12 were also synthesized and their ISE performances were evaluated under the same conditions. ISEs based on 6-12 as neutral ionophores were prepared, and their selectivity coefficients for Ag+ (log KAg,M(pot)) were investigated against other alkali metal, alkaline-earth metal, lead, ammonium ions and some transition metal ions using the fixed interference method (FIM). These ISEs showed excellent Ag+ selectivity over most of the interfering cations examined, except for Hg2+ having relative smaller interference (log KAg,Hg(pot) < or = 2.1). The 19F NMR spectra of 9 and 9.AgClO4 were recorded for investigation the fluorine environments in the complex. The 19F NMR spectra strongly suggested that the fluorine atoms on ionophore 9 participated in ligation with silver cation.     

A partially substituted calix[4]resorcarene receptor and its selective recognition for soft metal cations (silver and mercury)

A partially substituted calix[4]resorcarene receptor, namely, 5,17-ethylthiomethylated calix[4]resorcarene, 1, has been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR in CD3OD, CDCl3, and CD3CN and 13C NMR in CD3OD, as well as by 2D NMR. Partition data in the methanol-hexane and acetonitrile-hexane solvent systems show that the monomeric species are predominant in these solvents. The solubility of 1 in various solvents was determined at 298.15 K. These data were used to calculate the standard solution Gibbs energy of 1 in these solvents. Taking hexane as the reference solvent, the standard transfer Gibbs energy of 1 to various solvents was calculated. Good agreement is found between the DeltatG(o) values in the hexane-methanol and hexane-acetonitrile and the DeltapG(o) values of this ligand in these solvent systems. The higher partition constant of 1 in the hexane-methanol relative to the hexane-acetonitrile solvent system contrasts with corresponding data for the fully functionalized receptor, 2. This is explained in terms of the solvation differences of these receptors in these solvents as reflected in the DeltatG(o) values. The cation complexing properties of this receptor were investigated through 1H NMR, conductance, calorimetric, and potentiometric methods. Among the metal cations (alkali, alkaline earth, heavy, and transition), 1 interacts only with Ag+ in methanol and Hg2+ in propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, methanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide. While 1 forms a 1:1 complex with Ag+ in methanol, the hosting ability of the receptor for the mercury cation is enhanced in methanol, acetonitrile, and N,N-diethylformamide. Thus, Hg2+ complexes of 1:2 (ligand:metal cation) stoichiometry are found in these solvents. In moving to propylene carbonate, the composition of the mercury complex is altered from 1:2 to 1:1. The results are compared with corresponding data for 2 and these metal cations in the appropriate solvents. The lack of stability observed for 2 and Hg2+ in acetonitrile resulting from the departure of pendant arms from the resorcarene backbone greatly contrasts with the high stability observed for 1 and this metal cation in the various solvents. Preliminary results on the extraction of silver picrate by this ligand in the water-dichloromethane solvent system are reported. Final conclusions are given.