Synthesis, characterization, and conformational analysis of new perfunctionalized calix[9]arenes

The synthesis of a series of six new per-substituted p-tert-butylcalix[9]arenes derivatives has been achieved. Functions such as ester, nitrile, or carbonate have been grafted on the phenolic oxygens of calix[9]arene: p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-ethyl acetate, p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-carboxylic acid, p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-cyanopropyloxy, p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-tert-butoxycarbonyle, p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-acetyl, and p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-trifluoroacetyl have been obtained in good yields (from 48% to 78%) and fully characterized. The X-ray structures of p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-tert-butoxycarbonyl and p-tert-butylcalix[9]arene nona-ethyl acetate have been determined. A dynamic NMR study has revealed the high conformational mobility of such structures, even at low temperature.     

Inherently chiral biscalixarene cone–cone conformers consisting of calix[4]arene and calix[5]arene subunits

Inherently chiral biscalixarenes with hetero-cavities were synthesized by a covalent assembly of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene with a 1,3-substituted calix[4]arene via 1,3-alkylation reaction and subsequent desymmetrization. The racemates were resolved by chiral HPLC method. ¹H NMR spectra, VT-NMR spectra, and theoretical calculations support that the calix[5]arene subunit of the inherently chiral calix[4][5]arene ester adopts a cone-in conformation, with the aromatic ring bearing the CH₂CO₂Et group tilting inward the calix[5]arene cavity. By contrast, such a cone-in structural feature of the calix[5]arene subunit disappears for the corresponding inherently chiral calix[4][5]arene carboxylic acid, due to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the carboxyl group and an ethereal oxygen of the glycolic chain.     

Synthesis and Complexation properties of N,N’-bis(calix[4]Arenoxyacetyl)Hydrazine Derivative

Heating of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene bearing acethydrazide moiety at the lower rim in MeCN or PrⁱOH (EtOH) affords the corresponding N,N’-bis(calix[4]arenoxyacetyl)hydrazine derivative. The hydrazinolysis of mono(methoxycarbonylmethoxy)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]-arene in benzene or refluxing biscalixarene hydrazide in benzene in the presence of hydrazine hydrate produces the mixture of 1,2- and 1,3-(N,N’-diacetylhydrazine)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes.     

Thermo gravimetric analysis of supramolecular complexes of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene and ammonium cations: crystal structure of diethylammonium complex

Thermo gravimetric analysis of ammonium-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene salts were carried out to determine the stoichiometry of the inclusion compounds and the temperature of leaving of the ammonium cation, as amine, from the solid phase by a reverse proton transfer reaction to calixarene. The chain length of the amine molecules and their relative basicity order are the main factors which determine the decomplexation temperatures for the ammonium salts of piperidinium, diethylammonium, ethylenediammonium, morpholinium, s-butylammonium, butylammonium, hexylammonium and triethylammonium salts of p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene anion. The solid state structure of bis-diethylammonium-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene dianion is reported. The calix moiety adopts a 1,2,3 alternate conformation, with one ammonium as exo-calix and other as endo-calix, with an intricate array of hydrogen bonds between phenol, phenolate and ammonium cations.     

DFT-calculated structure of protonated tetraphenyl p - tert -butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone

Using DFT calculations, two of the most probable structures (A, B) of the tetraphenyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone·H₃O⁺ cationic complex species were derived. The hydroxonium ion H₃O⁺, placed in the coordination cavity formed by the calix[4]arene lower-rim groups, is bound by strong hydrogen bonds to the phenoxy oxygen atoms of the calix[4]arene ligand (structures A, B) and also to one carbonyl oxygen (structure B).     

Synthesis of chiral calix[4]arenes bearing tartaric ester moieties

The synthesis of chiral calix[4]arenes with tartaric acid ester moieties has been achieved by the reactions of tartaric ester chloroacetates with calix[4]arenes in moderate yields. All the chiral calix[4]arene derivatives are in a cone conformation according to the ¹H NMR doublet–doublet pattern of the protons of the methylene groups between the phenol rings. The results of NMR and specific rotations indicate that the molecules have C₂ symmetry with asymmetric features.     

DFT-calculated structure of protonated tetraphenyl <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone

Using DFT calculations, two of the most probable structures (A, B) of the tetraphenyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene tetraketone·H₃O⁺ cationic complex species were derived. The hydroxonium ion H₃O⁺, placed in the coordination cavity formed by the calix[4]arene lower-rim groups, is bound by strong hydrogen bonds to the phenoxy oxygen atoms of the calix[4]arene ligand (structures A, B) and also to one carbonyl oxygen (structure B). Correspondence: Emanuel Makrlík, Faculty of Applied Sciences, University of West Bohemia, Pilsen, Czech Republic.     

Regioselective ipso-nitration of calix[4]arenes

A novel protection/deprotection method leading to the regioselective ipso-substitution of calix[4]arenes is described. The introduction of nosyl (p-nitrobenzenesulfonyl) groups into the lower rim of partly alkylated tert-butylcalix[4]arenes leads subsequently to the exclusive ipso-nitration of the alkylated phenol rings, while the protecting groups can be easily removed in the next step. This method gives dialkoxy- or trialkoxy-substituted calix[4]arenes with nitro groups on the alkylated rings and tert-butyl groups on the remaining ones. The above substitution pattern is complementary to the isomers so far known in the chemistry of calix[4]arenes and could be used in the design of novel type of calixarene-based receptors.     

Mass spectroscopic investigation of bis-1,3-urea calix[4]arenes and their ability to complex N-protected α-amino acids

We report the ability of urea’s appended onto the upper-rim of conformationally locked ‘cone’ calix[4]arenes to show a preference for binding specific N-protected α-amino acids. Superior complexation (as judged by mass spectroscopy) between N-protected α-amino results and bis-1,3-N-benzylureas calix[4]arenes was observed when methylene bridges were present between the calix[4]arene ‘host’ and the urea motif. Interestingly we also demonstrate that subjecting mixtures of structurally diverse N-Fmoc-α-amino acids to a single bis-1,3-N-benzylurea derived calix[4]arene allows, in some cases, the calix[4]arene ‘host’ to selectively ‘pick out’ and complex a specific N-Fmoc amino acid from the mixture.     

Endo-cavity Complexes between Calix[6]arene Dianions and Aliphatic Ammonium Cations: Structure of a Hexylammonium Complex by X-ray Crystallography

The interactions of calix[6]arene and p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with aliphatic amines in acetonitrile solution were studied by spectrophotometric titrations in the UV region and ¹H NMR spectrometry. Calix[6]arenes can undergo two deprotonations by aliphatic amines and the extent of the second proton transfer is mainly governed by the size of the α-substituent of the amine. ¹H NMR spectra show that the macrocycle adopts a 1,2,3-alternate conformation and that the α-hydrogens of the ammonium ions are shielded by the π-clouds of the aromatic rings. The X-ray crystal structure of the dihexylammonium complex of the p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene dianion, reported here, confirms the 1,2,3-alternate conformation and shows one of the two ammonium moieties encapsulated in the inner cavity of the macrocycle.     

Direct access to upper rim substituted mono- and diaryloxy calix[4]arenes via bis(spirodienone) route

A seemingly ipso-like nucleophilic substitution of the upper rim of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene is accomplished by an indirect method involving calix[4]arene derived bis(spirodienone). This method not only provides both mono and 1,3-diaryloxy calixarenes but also enables the synthesis of upper rim monothio substituted calix[4]arenes. A modification of the methodology can be successfully extended for the selective synthesis of mono- and 1,3-diquinone calix[4]arenes having free hydroxyl groups at the lower rim, in fewer steps.     

Preparation and biological properties of inclusion compounds of calix[4]arene and 1,4-benzodiazepinone derivatives

The possibility of enhancing the oral bioavailability of certain 1,4-benzodiazepinones by using them as complexes with a series of calix[4]arene derivatives was examined. All the inclusion compounds prepared exhibit anticonvulsant activity by antagonism with Corazol spasmodic agent. Complexes with 25,27-bis[(hydrazinocarbonyl)methoxy]-26,28-dihydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene exhibit higher pharmacological activity compared to the starting 7-bromo-5-(o-chloro)phenyl-and 1-hydrazinocarbonylmethyl-7-bromo-5-phenyl-1,2-dihydro-3H-1,4-benzodiazepin-2-ones.     

Synthesis and Solid-State Conformation of a Calix[8]arene 1,5-Diquinone Derivative

The first example of a calix[8]quinone derivative, hexamethoxy-p-tert-butylcalix[8]-1,5-diquinone 5, has been synthesized from p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene 1by exploiting a protection-deprotection procedure. The structure of the 5·toluene inclusion compound has been determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The calix[8]arene molecule possesses a crystallographic inversion centre and assumes a ‘pseudo-chair-like’ conformation, with two opposite 3/4-cone moieties, which resembles the previously reported chair-like conformation of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene. The 4 toluene molecules per unit cell occupy interstitial voids and are released in the temperature range of 30–160 °C.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Synthetic and NMR Studies on Calix[n]Arene (n = 4,6,8) Triflates,Mesylates, and Tosylates

Abstract

The synthesis and full characterization of eight new calix[n]arene sulfonate esters including their conformational analysis were carried out. While p-tBucalix[6]arene and p-tBu-calix[8]arene esters are conformationally labile in the temperature interval of 25–100°C, p-tBu-calix[4]arene mono-and diesters were isolated as stable conformers at ambient temperature. Two 1,3-functionalised compounds of these derivatives, p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ditriflate (5) and dimesylate (6) were shown unexpectedly high conformational stability up to 100°C by dynamic NMR measurements. The NMR measurements confirm the pinched-cone conformation for both derivatives. For the dealkylated calix[4]arene derivatives the partial cone conformer of the triesters have been obtained as major products in all cases.     

Synthesis and characterization of novel chiral calix[4]arene bearing (R)-(+)-1-phenylethylamine bonded silica particles

Two novel chiral di- and tri-amide derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene were synthesized by (R)-(+)-1-Phenylethylamine via convenient reactions and then immobilized on aminopropyl functionalized silica particles. The prepared chiral calix[4]arenes and their silica polymers (Calix-SP1 and Calix-SP2) were characterized using ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FT-IR, and thermal and elemental analysis techniques.     

Azobenzene-bridged calix[8]arenes

An azobenzene bridge was introduced into the lower (or smaller) rim of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (1) and 1,5-calix[8]crown-3 (2) to form 1,4-singly bridged (3) and 1,5:3,7-doubly bridged (4) calix[8]arene derivatives, respectively. Trans and cis isomers of conformationally rigid 4 were isolated. The quantum yields of the trans-cis photoisomerisation reactions have been measured.     

Synthesis and Conformations of Adamantylated Calix[5]- and -[6]arenes

Procedures have been developed for the preparation of completely and partially adamantylated calix[n]arenes (n = 5, 6) by reaction of 3-R-substituted 1-hydroxyadamantanes (R = H, 4-MeC₆H₄, 4-MeSO₂C₆H₄, 4-HO-3-HOCOC₆H₃, HOCOCH₂) with p-H-calix[n]arenes (n = 5, 6) and 5,11,23,29-tetra-tert-butylcalix[6]arene in trifluoroacetic acid. Lower- and upper-rim modification of the prepared compounds has been studied. According to the ¹H NMR data, adamantylcalix[6]arenes possessing carboxymethyl groups in the adamantane moieties are characterized by reduced conformational mobility.     

Synthesis and fluorescence sensing properties of novel pyrene-armed calix[4]arene derivatives

Fluorogenic tert-butylcalix[4]arenes bearing two pyrene pendant groups at the lower rim were synthesized. Based on ratiometric changes of monomer and excimer emissions, the pyrene amine derivative of calix[4]arene has been found to act as a selective sensor for Pb²⁺ and Cu²⁺ ions, respectively, due to a conformational change upon chelation of these ions.     

Calix[4]Arene Cavitands: A Solid State Study on the Interactions of their Aromatic Cavity with Neutral Organic Guests Characterised by Acid CH3 or CH2 Groups

Abstract

To gain information on CH-π aromatic interactions involved in the formation of host-guest adducts, the geometrical parameters which define the solid state structures of the complexes of calix[4]arenes in the cone conformation with guests having acid CH₃ or CH₂ groups have been studied. Most of the data have been obtained from the CH₃CN and CH₂Cl₂ calix[4]arene complexes retrieved from the literature. To understand the effect of the acidity on these parameters, p-cyclohexylcalix[4]arene-biscrown-3 ? CH₃CN, p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene ? CH₃CN, p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene ? CH₃NO₂, 1,3-dipropoxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ? ClCH₂CN and 1,3-dipropoxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ? CH₂(CN)₂ complexes were prepared, crystallised and investigated in the solid state. CH₃X guests are bound preferentially by hosts having a C₄ symmetry. The interaction is directional, but it is independent from the basicity of the host and acidity of the guest, indicating that classic hydrogen bond do not play a major role. On the contrary CH₂XY guests find the best matching with hosts having a C_2v symmetry, interacting specifically with two diametrical aromatic rings. These interactions are directional and show a correlation between the acidity of the guest and the CH-π aromatic distance, thus supporting a stronger contribution of “classic” hydrogen bond in these latter complexes. These results are in agreement with the hypothesis that CH-π aromatic interactions derive from the superimposition of different types of intermolecular forces, whose contribution depends on several factors as the nature of the interacting partners.     

1,3-Disubstituted p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arenes as Cholinesterase Inhibitors

The inhibitory effect of 1,3-substituted p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes on butyrylcholinesterase from horse serum has been discovered and kinetically investigated with photometric microassay techniques. The interaction of calix[4]arene with the enzyme is described in accordance with the formal kinetics of competitive reversible inhibition. The inhibition constants calculated depend on the substituent in the lower rim of the calix[4]arene and vary in the range of (5–110) × 10^-6 M. The proposed mechanism of inhibition involves the cooperative interaction of indophenyl acetate used as a substrate, calix[4]arene and the enzyme without any covalent or electrostatic binding of the functional groups in the active site of cholinesterase. This results in the coordination of the calixarene on the enzyme surface in the proximity of the enzyme active site. Such interaction prevents the substrate from entering the enzyme active site.