A study of hydrogen bonds in <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-substituted calix[4]-and calix[6]arenes by <Emphasis Type="Italic">ab initio</Emphasis> and electron density functional methods

RHF/3-21G and B3LYP/3-21G methods are used to calculate the hydrogen bond energies in calix[4]-, calix[6]-, p-fluorocalix[4]-, p-fluorocalix[6]-, p-chlorocalix[4]-, p-chlorocalix[6]-, p-bromocalix[4]-, pbromocalix[6]-, p-iodocalix[4]-, p-iodocalix[6]-arenes and a number of other p-substituted calix[4]- and calix[6]arenes (R = Me, OMe, NO₂, Ac, NH₂, CN, N₂⁺). The calculations along with the structural data give evidence of the cooperative effect of hydrogen bonding. Multiple correlation (p ≥ 0.9) between the pairs of Hammett substituent constants and the calculated values of hydrogen bond energies in the corresponding p-substituted calixarenes is found. It is predicted that in the presence of weak bases and in aprotic solvents as well as in the gas phase, the nucleophilic substitution reaction involving p-halogen calix[6]arenes should proceed through diastereomeric transition states.     

Structure and conformational equilibrium of thiacalix[4]arene by density functional theory

Density functional theory calculations for the structure and conformational equilibrium of thiacalix[4]arene are reported. The conformational equilibrium of thiacalix[4]arene, a heterocalixarene in which the phenol groups are bridged by sulphur atoms is compared to the conformational equilibrium of calix[4]arene. Thiacalix[4]arene conformational energies relative to the cone conformer (ΔE's) are reduced in comparison with calix[4]arene. This conformational change is in qualitative agreement with recent NMR spectroscopy measurements of the conformational equilibrium for a tetraethylether of thiacalix[4]arene in a CDCl₃ solution which indicates an enhanced chemical exchange of thiacalixarene conformers in comparison with similar methylene bridged structures. Density functional theory results for the structure of thiacalix[4]arene are in good agreement with recent X-ray diffraction measurements. The electrostatic potentials in the cone conformers of thiacalix[4]arene and calix[4]arene suggest that their complexation or recognition abilities can be significantly different. Dipole moments of the four thiacalix[4]arene conformers are in the order: cone>1,2-alternate>partial-cone>1,3-alternate.     

Quantum chemical study of the self-assembly of tetrathiacalix[4]arenes and their oxygen analogs functionalized by hydrazide groups

The self-assembly of tetrathiacalix[4]arene and tetraoxacalix[4]arene molecules functionalized by hydrazide groups was studied by DFT calculations at B3LYP/6-31G(d,p) level. The calculations were performed for the cone and 1,3-alternate conformations. The associates of calix[4]arenes in the cone conformation are stabilized by multiple hydrogen bonds with inclusion of all hydrazide groups in the formation of the globule, which suppresses the formation of extended structures.     

Conformational equilibrium study of calix[4]tetrolarenes using Density Functional Theory (DFT) and Molecular Dynamics simulations

The present work deals with the theoretical study of conformational equilibrium of calix[4]tetrolarenes (1,2,3 trimethoxy substituted calix[4]arene) in gaseous and solvation phases. A total of 64 calculations (four conformations at eight level of theories) were performed using Density Functional Theory (DFT) functionals viz. wB97XD, B97D, B3LYP, CAM-B3LYP with diffused (6–31 + G(d)) and non-diffused basis sets (6-31G(d)). It has been found that the conformational profile of calix[4]tetrolarene changes from cone to 1,3-Alternate upon incorporating – OMe group. The B97D and wB97XD functionals gave the most accurate result having rmsd value ~0.73Å followed by B3LYP and CAM-B3LYP > 0.78Å. Furthermore, NBO calculations demonstrated that reduction in charges at lower rim oxygens reduces the chances of hydrogen bonding. Moreover, global reactivity parameters and molecular dynamics also complement the observed trend. Owing to the methoxy substitutions, anion binding study of these new molecules indicates towards the promising capability to bind Cl^? and F^? ions.     

Comparative study of calix[4]arene derivatives: implications for ligand design

The first comparative theoretical study of three parent calix[4]arene analogues (calix[4]arene, thiacalix[4]arene, and homooxacalix[4]arene) has been performed using molecular dynamic simulations and density functional theory (MPWB1K/6-311G^∗∗//B3LYP/6-311G^∗∗) methods. The theoretical observations herein including optimized geometry, polarity, and atomic charge data provide that homooxacalix[4]arene would offer more efficient platform for metal ion recognition compared to thiacalix[4]arene or calix[4]arene.     

Ab initio calculations of electronic interactions in inclusion complexes of calix- and thiacalix[n]arenes and block s cations

Ab initio calculations at the HF/6-31G(d) level of theory were performed on a series of thiacalix[4]arenes and calix[6]arenes in presence and in absence of monovalent (Li⁺, Na⁺ and Cs⁺) and divalent cations (Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺) respectively, in order to evaluate their particular bonding properties as host systems towards electrically charged species. NBO, as well as NBO deletion calculations were undertaken to evaluate the energy difference in the circular hydrogen bonding at the lower rim once an ion was placed inside the cavity. Disruption of this H-bonded system is dependent on the position of the ion within the guest and not on its ionic ratio. The basis set superposition error and the NBO deletion energy between the host and guest species were calculated in order to assess the interaction energy between them.     

Metal ion shuttling mechanism through thiacalix[4]crown: a computational study

The first computational study on the alkali metal ion shuttling mechanism through thiacalix[4]biscrown-5 has been performed using density functional theory (MPWB1K/6-31G(d)//B3LYP/6-31G(d)). The activation free energy for K⁺ ion shuttling through the calix tube of thiacalix[4]biscrown-5 is computed to be 12.7 kcal/mol which is in good agreement with the experimental value. Throughout the shuttling process, K⁺ ion maintains the maximum electrostatic interactions with ether oxygens of crown rings, which contributes to lower the activation barrier of the shuttling process.     

Ab initio and density functional studies of cooperative hydrogen bonding in calix[4]-and calix[6]arenes

The cone conformation of C ₄ symmetry is shown by the Hartree-Fock method (3-21G basis) to be the predominant conformer of calix[4]arene; the compressed cone of C ₂ symmetry is the major conformer of calix[6]arene. Using quantum chemical methods we calculated hydrogen bond cleavage energies for calix[4]-(ab initio and density functional methods) and calix[6]arene (ab initio), and also for the complex of calix[4]arene with carbon disulfide. These energies along with structural data point to the cooperative effect of hydrogen bonds. The results of these studies provided an explanation to the greater conformational lability of calix[6]arene compared with calix[4]arene molecules. It is also predicted that the nucleophilic substitution reaction involving calix[6]arene in the presence of weak bases and in aprotic solvents, as well as in the gas phase, will occur via diastereomeric transition states.     

Hydrogen bond energies and cooperativity in substituted calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 5)

Hydrogen-bonded interactions in para-substituted calix[n]arenes (CX[n]) (n = 4, 5) and their thia analogues are analyzed using the recently proposed molecular tailoring approach. The cooperative contribution toward the hydrogen-bonding network within the CX[5] host is shown to be nearly 5 times larger than that in its thia analogue. Hydrogen bond strengths in the O-H···O network are enhanced on substitution of an electron-donating group. The cooperativity contributions are reflected in the electron density at the bond critical point in the quantum theory of atoms in molecules.     

Synthesis and conformational behaviour of lower-rim tetraacetylated thiacalix[4]arenes

The acylation of thiacalix[4]arenes with AcCl or Ac₂O gave the corresponding lower-rim tetraacetoxy derivatives. In contrast to classical calix[4]arenes, tetraacetylated thiacalix[4]arenes are conformationally mobile in solution and represent a thermodynamic equilibrium of three different conformers at room temperature. As proven by a dynamic ¹H NMR study, conformational preferences of acetylated thiacalix[4]arenes considerably depend on the upper-rim substitution. Hence, t-Bu thiacalixarene prefers 1,3-alternate and 1,2-alternate conformations (43% and 38%, respectively), while the upper-rim unsubstituted compound adopts preferably the partial cone conformation (70%).     

Density Functional Theory Studies on the Intermolecular Interactions of Five Aza-calix [6] arene Host with HMX

Five fully optimized structures of complexes between aza-calix[6]arene host monomers(Ma～Me) and complexes(a～e) have been obtained at the B3LYP/6-31G(d) level.Natural bond orbital(NBO) analysis was performed to reveal the origin of the interaction.The intermolecular interaction energy was evaluated with basis set superposition error correction(BSSE) and zero point energy correction(ZPEC).The B3LYP/6-31G(d) calculations on the five complexes have shown that the greatest interaction(-13.98 kJ/mol) is found in the complex between HMX and hexa-aza-calix[3]-p-tri-arene[3]-2-amido-1,3,5-tri-azine.The results have indicated that intermolecular interaction energies of aza-calix[6]arenes with substituted group are stronger than those without substituted group,and those with amido are greater than with nitryl.Thus,hexa-azacalix[3]-p-tri-arene[3]-2-amido-1,3,5-tri-azine is rather equal to eliminate HMX from explosive waste water.     

Molecular Structure of Tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene [-(C<Subscript>6</Subscript>H<Subscript>3</Subscript>OH)-CH<Subscript>2</Subscript>-]<Subscript>4</Subscript> in the Gas Phase

Gas-phase electron diffraction and HF/6-31G*, HF/6-31G**, and B3LYP/6-31G* ab initio calculations were used to find that in the gas phase at 242°C the calix[4]arene [-(C₆H₃OH)-CH₂-]₄ molecule possesses a C₄ conformation. Geometric parameters of the molecule were determined, and the energies of C-H?O hydrogen bonds (7.3 kcal mol^?1) were estimated by the AM1 method.     

Sorbents based on calix[4]arenes for extraction of technetium(vii) from acidic and alkaline media

Sorption of Tc^VII from solutions of various compositions with new sorbents prepared by the noncovalent immobilization of (thia)calix[4]arenes on the Amberlite XAD-7™ support was studied. The sorbents studied efficiently extract technetium(vii) from both acidic and alkaline media. The sorption capacity of the sorbent with thiacalix[4]arene groups is superior to that of the sorbents with calix[4]arene groups and several times higher than that of the sorbents previously proposed for the sorption of Tc^VII. Technetium(vii) is sorbed by this sorbent as 1: 1 and 1: 2 thiacalix[4]arene—NH₄TcO₄ and 1: 1 and 1: 2 thiacalix[4]arene—NaTcO₄ complexes.     

Cooperative intramolecular hydrogen bond and conformations of thiocalix[4]arene molecules

The joint FTIR spectroscopic study and ab initio quantum-chemical calculations (HF/3-21G and PBE/TZ2P methods) showed that thiocalix[4] arene molecules adopt the cone conformation in CCl₄ solutions. The weakening of the cooperative intramolecular H bond in thiocalix[4]arenes compared to the corresponding calix[4]arenes can be due to the larger thiocalixarene macrocycle, bifurcated hydrogen bond in it, and electron density transfer from the bridging S atom to the benzene ring.     

On the stability of large [4n]annulenes

[reaction: see text] The stabilization energies (B3LYP/6-31G) of planar [4n]annulenes, evaluated by a new indene-isoindene isomerization method (see Abstract graphic), reveal that all 4n pi-electron rings larger than the energetically unfavorable cyclobutadiene are only slightly destabilized by the pi-electron interactions. Cyclooctatetraene prefers the "tub" conformation because of strain effects. Generally, the antiaromatic character of the larger systems with 4n pi-electrons is revealed best by their magnetic properties rather than by their energies.     

Uranium(IV) complexes of calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8)

Reaction of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8) in THF or pyridine gave the mononuclear [UCl2(calix[4]arene--2H)(THF)2], bis-binuclear [U2Cl2(calix[6]arene--6H)(THF)3]2 and trinuclear [Hpy]6[U3Cl11(calix[8]arene--7H)] complexes, respectively, which are the first U(IV) complexes of O-unsubstituted calixarenes.     

Preferred Conformations of Calix[4]- and Calix[6]arenes,Calculated ab initio

Ab initio STO-2G calculations showed that the preferred conformation of a series of calix[6]arenes substituted at the upper rim is a compressed cone stabilized by a pseudo-ring of six hydrogen bonds with close characteristics. The endocyclic dihedral angles between the benzene ring planes, characterizing the molecular shape of the above macrocyclic compounds in this conformation, were calculated. The calculation results are consistent with the conformational data obtained by other theoretical methods and describe the characteristics of hydrogen bonds more adequately, in agreement with the experimental data and with the existing concepts of the hydrogen bonding efficiency.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of uranium(IV) complexes with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8): mononuclear, polynuclear and 1D polymeric species

Reactions of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6) in THF gave the mononuclear [UCl2(calix[4]arene - 2H)(THF)2].2THF (.2THF) and the bis-dinuclear [U2Cl2(calix[6]arene - 6H)(THF)3]2.6THF (.6THF) complexes, respectively, while the mono-, di- and trinuclear compounds [Hpy]2[UCl3(calix[4]arene - 3H)].py (.py), [Hpy](4)[U2Cl6(calix[6]arene - 6H)].3py (.3py), [Hpy]3[U2Cl5(calix[6]arene - 6H)(py)].py (.py) and [Hpy]6[U3Cl11(calix[8]arene - 7H)].3py (.3py) were obtained by treatment of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) in pyridine. The sodium salt of calix[8]arene reacted with UCl4 to give the pentanuclear complex [U{U2Cl3(calix[8]arene - 7H)(py)5}2].8py (.8py). Reaction of U(acac)4 (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with calix[4]arene in pyridine afforded the mononuclear complex [U(acac)2(calix[4]arene - 2H)].4py (.4py) and its treatment with the sodium salt of calix[8]arene led to the formation of the 1D polymer [U2(acac)6(calix[8]arene - 6H)(py)4Na4]n. The sandwich complex [Hpy]2[U(calix[4]arene - 3H)2][OTf].4py (.4py) was obtained by treatment of U(OTf)4 (OTf = OSO2CF3) with calix[4]arene in pyridine. All the complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

Conformational Analysis of p-Substituted Calix[6]arenes by Molecular Mechanics and Quantum-Chemical Methods

The molecular mechanics (AMBER 3.0) and quantum-chemical (AM1) calculations indicated that in the series of calix[6]arenes substituted on the upper rim, the preferable conformation is a pinched cone stabilized by the nonequivalent hydrogen bonds on the lower rim of the macrocycle molecule. For the basic conformers of the macrocycles under study, the endocyclic dihedral angles between the planes of the benzene rings characterizing the shape of the macrocycles were calculated. The results of AM1 and AMBER 3.0 calculations agree with the results of the conformational analysis of calix[6]arene molecules by experimental and theoretical methods.     

Odd-numbered oxacalix[n]arenes (n = 5, 7): synthesis and solid-state structures

The critical synthetic access to odd-numbered calix[n]arenes has evidently resulted in less attention for these macrocycles, although specific molecular recognition phenomena have been observed for some of them. A straightforward fragment coupling approach has been designed, applying kinetically controlled nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction conditions, affording odd-numbered oxacalix[n]arenes (n = 5, 7) selectively in high yields. The solid-state conformational behavior and the oxacalix[n]arene cavity size were explored by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies.