Tuning the anion binding properties of calixpyrroles by means of p-nitrophenyl substituents at their meso-positions

Extended cavity calix[4]pyrroles and a calix[6]pyrrole were synthesized by cyclization of 5-methyl-5-(4-nitrophenyl)dipyrromethane with acetone in the presence of acid. The solid-state structures of the novel macrocycles were determined by X-ray crystallography. The host-guest chemistry of these receptors towards halide ions was investigated in solution by ¹H NMR titration techniques and compared with those of the meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole and meso-dodecamethylcalix[6]pyrrole. The binding of chloride anions was observed to occur with different affinities on the two faces of the novel calix[6]pyrrole derivative described here.     

Anion binding studies of fluorinated expanded calixpyrroles

The anion binding properties of fluorinated calix[n]pyrroles (n = 4-6) in aprotic solvents (acetonitrile and DMSO) and modified reaction conditions allowing for the synthesis and isolation of the hitherto missing dodecafluorocalix[6]pyrrole from the condensation of 3,4-difluoro-1H-pyrrole and acetone are described. In acetonitrile solution containing 2% water, the association constants for the 1:1 binding interaction between octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole and chloride anion obtained with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and (1)H NMR titration methods were found to match reasonably well. As compared to its nonfluorinated congener, octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole was found to display enhanced binding affinities for several representative anions in pure acetonitrile as judged from ITC analyses. Similar analyses of the fluorinated calix[n]pyrroles revealed an increase in the relative affinity for bromide over chloride with increasing macrocycle size, as manifest in a decrease in the binding ratio K(a(Cl))/K(a(Br)). Anion binding studies in the solid state, involving single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of the chloride and acetate anion complexes of octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole and decafluorocalix[5]pyrrole, respectively, confirmed the expected hydrogen bond interactions between the pyrrolic NH protons and the bound anions.     

Calix[4]pyrrole[2]carbazole: a new kind of expanded calixpyrrole

The synthesis and anion binding properties of a new class of calixpyrrole analogue, containing two carbazole subunits in lieu of two of the four acetone bridging elements normally found in calix[4]pyrrole, is described. The compound exists in a winglike structure in the solid state, as judged from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of both the free system and the corresponding benzoate anion complex. Evidence for anion binding in dichloromethane solution was obtained from static fluorescent quenching experiments; these latter revealed a slight preference for acetate relative to other carboxylate anions (e.g., benzoate, oxalate, succinate), as well as various other anionic substrates (i.e., chloride and dihydrogen phosphate). No evidence of binding was observed in the case of bromide, nitrate, and hydrogen sulfate.     

Anion Complexation by Meso-Octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole in Aqueous Solution

The ligand calix[4]pyrrole is quite insoluble in aqueous solution. In the presence of NaCl, KCl, CsCl, NH₄Cl, CaCl₂, and CdCl₂, the solubility of calix[4]pyrrole linearly increases with the salt concentration. The ligand calix[4]pyrrole forms stable complexes with the chloride anion. All other halogen anions do not form complexes. The measurement of the amount of dissolved ligand allows the determination of the complex stabilities in aqueous solution. This experimental method is discussed in detail due to its general suitability to study the complexation reactions with nearly insoluble ligands.     

N-Tosylpyrrolidine calix[4]pyrrole: synthesis and ion binding studies

The synthesis and preliminary solution phase ion binding properties of the N-tosylpyrrolidine calix[4]pyrrole 2 are reported. This β-octaalkyl-substituted calix[4]pyrrole, the first to be prepared via a direct condensation reaction, was obtained by reacting the 3,4-alkyl-functionalized pyrrole 8 with acetone in the presence of an acid catalyst. On the basis of (1)H NMR spectroscopic analyses and isothermal titration calorimetry, it was concluded that, compared with the parent, β-unsubstituted calix[4]pyrrole (1), compound 2 possesses significantly enhanced binding ability for halide anions in chloroform. Furthermore, 2 proved capable of solubilizing in chloroform solution the otherwise insoluble salts, CsF and CsCl. These effects are ascribed to the interactions between the four tosyl groups present in 2 and the counter cations of the halide anion salts.     

Conformational features and anion-binding properties of calix[4]pyrrole: a theoretical study

The conformational preference of calix[4]pyrrole and its fluoride and chloride anion-binding properties have been investigated by density functional theory calculations. Geometries were optimized by the BLYP/3-21G and BLYP/6-31G methods, and energies were evaluated with the BLYP/6-31+G method. To model the effect of medium, the SCIPCM solvent model was also employed. Four typical conformations of the parent substituent-free calix[4]pyrrole were studied. Both in the gas phase and in CH(2)Cl(2) solution, the stability sequence is predicted to be 1,3-alternate > partial cone > 1,2-alternate > cone. The cone conformation is predicted to be about 16.0 and 11.4 kcal/mol less stable in the gas phase and CH(2)Cl(2) solution, respectively. This is mainly due to electrostatic repulsions arising from the all-syn pyrrole/pyrrole/pyrrole/pyrrole arrangement present in this conformer. The existence of possible 1:1 and 1:2 anion-binding modes were explored in the case of fluoride anion, and the factors favoring the 1:1 binding mode are discussed. The calculated binding energy for fluoride anion is about 15 kcal/mol larger than that for chloride anion. The calculated binding energy for chloride anion agrees with the experimental value very well. The presence of meso-alkyl substituents destabilizes the cone conformer with respect to the 1,3-alternate conformer and, therefore, reduces the anion-binding affinity by 3-4 kcal/mol. The strength of N-H- - -anion hydrogen bonds in the various structures subject to study were estimated on the basis of the calculated anion-binding energies and the predicted structural deformation energies of substituent-free calix[4]pyrrole.     

α,α′,α″,α′″-meso-tetrahexyltetramethyl-calix[4]pyrrole: an easy-to-prepare,isomerically pure anion extractant with enhanced solubility in organic solvents

α,α′,α″,α′″-meso-Tetrahexyltetramethyl-calix[4]pyrrole is easily obtained as a single diastereomer in a one-pot reaction. It exhibits enhanced solubility in organic solvents, including aliphatic solvents, relative to its parent meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (1). Somewhat surprisingly, the tetrahexyl derivative 2 complexes with tributylmethylammonium chloride in chloroform more strongly than does 1 as shown by NMR titrations. However, 1 and 2 exhibit comparable complexation strength in extraction experiments, the difference between the NMR and extraction results being attributed to the effect of organic-phase water in the extraction systems. Mass-action analysis indicates the formation of the predominant complex TBMA⁺(1 or 2)Cl^? in both NMR and extraction systems, and equilibrium constants are reported. x-Ray crystal structures were obtained for the free ligand 2 and its complex with tetramethylammonium chloride. The free ligand crystallises in the 1,3-alt conformation with equatorial hexyl arms. In the chloride complex with 2 in its cone conformation, the hexyl arms adopt an axial orientation, enveloping the anion. DFT calculations show this binding conformation to be the most stable, mostly owing to destabilising steric interactions involving the pyrrole C–H and alkyl C–H groups positioned equatorially.     

Strapped and other topographically nonplanar calixpyrrole analogues. Improved anion receptors

Calixpyrroles and related macrocycles are non-aromatic synthetic anion receptors that have attracted considerable attention in recent years. The unfunctionalized, parent calix[4]pyrrole system, also known as octamethylporphyrinogen, may be prepared in one step and in high yield from pyrrole and acetone, and is an effective anion receptor, showing a preference for fluoride, phosphate, carboxylate and chloride anions in organic media. Efforts to improve the anion binding affinity of calix[4]pyrrole and to modify its inherent selectivity have led to the synthesis of a variety of new, modified calixpyrroles. Among the most effective of these are derivatives that contain bridging "straps". In this Feature Article, the preparation and properties of these and other topographically nonplanar calixpyrrole analogues are reviewed from the perspective of the anion recognition chemist.     

Synthesis of a new calix[n]pyrrole: meso-pentaspirocyclohexyl calix[5]pyrrole

We describe the first synthesis of the novel meso-pentaspirocyclohexyl calix[5]pyrrole 2b. Anion-guest properties of the new compound were evaluated with respect to fluoride, chloride, and bromide tetrabutylammonium salts by ¹H NMR titration techniques in deuterated dichloromethane at 22 °C by following the induced shifts in the NH resonances upon complexation.     

Tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrroles: synthesis, anion binding, and electrochemical properties

The syntheses of monotetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole 5 and bistetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole 6, prepared from the acid-catalyzed condensation of monopyrrolo[3,4-d]tetrathiafulvalene (MPTTF, 7) with acetone in the presence of tripyrrane 8 and dipyrromethane 9, respectively, are described. Compound 5 and the previously reported tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole 4 both adopt a 1,3-alternative conformation in the solid state, as determined from X-ray crystallographic analysis. The anion binding properties of the tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrroles 5 and 6, as well as those of the parent meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (1), were investigated in acetone using (1)H NMR spectroscopic and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) techniques and, within the error limits of the methods, were generally found to give concordant results. On the basis of the results of the ITC studies carried out in 1,2-dichloroethane, increasing the number of tetrathiafulvalene units annulated to the calix[4]pyrrole system serves to enhance the anion binding affinities substantially but at the price of lowered selectivity. Cyclic voltammetry (CV) studies, carried out in 1,2-dichloroethane, provided evidence of an anion-dependent electrochemical response with Cl(-) and Br(-) ions. This response was particularly dramatic in the case of the monotetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]pyrrole 5, with a DeltaE(max) of -145 mV being seen after the addition of approximately 1 equiv of Cl(-) ion.     

Tri- and pentacalix[4]pyrroles: synthesis, characterization and their use in the extraction of halide salts

Calixpyrrole-based oligomeric compounds were synthesized by "click chemistry" from the corresponding alkyne- and azide-functionalized calix[4]pyrroles. Calix[4]pyrrole 3, possessing an alkyne functional group, was prepared through a mixed condensation of pyrrole with acetone and but-3-ynyl 4-oxopentanoate. Another alkyne-group-containing calix[4]pyrrole 5 was obtained by treatment of 4'-hydroxyphenyl-functionalized calixpyrrole 4 with propargyl bromide. Tetrakis(azidopentyl)-functionalized calix[4]pyrrole 7 was synthesized by reacting NaN(3) with tetrabromopentyltetraethylcalix[4]pyrrole 6, which was prepared through a condensation reaction of pyrrole and 7-bromohept-2-one. Oligomeric calixpyrrole compounds were found to be capable of extracting tetrabutylammonium chloride and fluoride salts from aqueous media. Extraction abilities of the oligomeric compounds were monitored by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.     

1,3-indane-based chromogenic calixpyrroles with push-pull chromophores: synthesis and anion sensing

[structure: see text]. Knoevenagel condensation of 2-formyl-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole with selected 1,3-indanedione derivatives yields calix[4]pyrrole anion sensors with push-pull chromophores displaying strong intramolecular charge transfer. The push-pull feature results in augmented signal output as well as in dramatic changes in anion selectivity exemplified by a 50-fold increase in acetate vs chloride selectivity compared to the parent calix[4]pyrrole.     

Calix[4]pyrrole: a new ion-pair receptor as demonstrated by liquid-liquid extraction

Solvent-extraction studies provide confirming evidence that meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole acts as an ion-pair receptor for cesium chloride and cesium bromide in nitrobenzene solution. The stoichiometry of the interaction under extraction conditions from water to nitrobenzene was determined from plots of the cesium distribution ratios vs cesium salt and receptor concentration, indicating the formation of an ion-paired 1:1:1 cesium:calix[4]pyrrole:halide complex. The extraction results were modeled to evaluate the equilibria inherent to the solvent-extraction system, with either chloride or bromide. The binding energy between the halide anion and the calix[4]pyrrole was found to be about 7 kJ/mol larger for cesium chloride than for the cesium bromide. The ion-pairing free energies between the calix[4]pyrrole-halide complex and the cesium cation are nearly the same within experimental uncertainty for either halide, consistent with a structural model in which the Cs+ cation resides in the calix bowl. These results are unexpected since nitrobenzene is a polar solvent that generally leads to dissociated complexes in the organic phase when used as a diluent in extraction studies of univalent ions. Control studies involving nitrate revealed no evidence of ion pairing for CsNO3 under conditions identical to those where it is observed for CsCl and CsBr.     

Squaramide-substituted calix[4]pyrrole: Synthesis and ion binding studies

Squaramide-substituted calix[4]pyrrole 2 was synthesized and its anion-binding properties were investigated. On the basis of UV spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectroscopic and computational DFT model analyses, compared with the parent calix[4]pyrrole 1, compound 2 shows significantly enhanced binding affinities for anions in CH₂Cl₂, and it was concluded that this increase in affinity is ascribed to participation of the squaramide unit in anion binding.     

Calix[4]pyrroles bearing quinolinium moiety for halide sensing in aqueous solution

Sensing of chloride in aqueous solution with high selectivity is a challenging task and has a great potential for cellular imaging and analytical applications in food chemistry. Supramolecular binding motif calix[4]pyrrole has been conjugated with a known fluorescent probe for chloride – a quinolinium dye - through conformationally flexible and rigid linkers. Effects of the supramolecular host on the properties of the fluorescent dye and vice versa have been investigated by NMR, X-ray crystallographic and spectroscopic methods. New fluorescent probes have demonstrated better binding and quenching properties towards chloride, bromide and iodide in a 1:1 water-methanol mixture as compared to free calix[4]pyrrole and the quinolinium dye.     

A Phosphorus-Based Pacman Dication Generated by Cooperative Self-Activation of a Pacman Phosphane

Formal coordination of phosphorus(III) by a calix[4]pyrrole Schiff base ligand was achieved through the reaction of this ligand with PCl₃ under basic conditions. The reaction product adopts a Pacman conformation with two P−Cl moieties, one in exo and one in endo position. It represents the first non-metal compound of calix[4]pyrrole Schiff base ligands and of Pacman ligands in general. The spatial neighborhood of the two phosphorus atoms enables cooperative reactions. As a first example, the chloride abstraction with AgOTf is presented, yielding a macrocyclic dication with two embedded phosphorus(III) monocations, which both undergo a cooperative, internal activation reaction with an adjacent C=N double bond. This intramolecular redox process affords two pentacoordinated phosphorus(V) centers within the Pacman dication. All reaction products were fully characterized and all results are supported by computations.     

Tetra-TTF calix[4]pyrrole: a rationally designed receptor for electron-deficient neutral guests

A calix[4]pyrrole incorporating four appended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units has been synthesized, and its receptor abilities toward neutral electron-deficient guests, such as 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, tetrafluoro-p-benzoquinone, and tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone, have been studied in solution by UV-vis and 1H NMR spectroscopies as well as in the solid-state by X-ray crystallography. In its 1,3-alternate conformation a 1:2 sandwich-like complex-stabilized by charge transfer and hydrogen bonding interactions-is formed between the tetra-TTF calix[4]pyrrole and the guest molecules. However, upon addition of chloride ions to the complex the 1,3-alternate conformation is changed in favor of a cone conformation which serves to effect a release of the guests from the tetra-TTF calix[4]pyrrole.     

Meso-diacylated calix[4]pyrrole: structural diversities and enhanced binding towards dihydrogenphosphate ion

Meso-diacylated calix[4]pyrrole was obtained via acid catalysed condensation of meso-acylated dipyrromethane with acetone. Selective presence of flexible substituents at the calix[4]pyrrole periphery led to interesting structural motifs in the solid state along with enhanced binding towards anions, especially dihydrogenphosphate ion via anchoring.     

Anion binding behavior of heterocycle-strapped calix[4]pyrroles

A comparative study of the halide and benzoate anion binding properties of a series of phenyl, pyrrole, and furan-strapped calix[4]pyrroles has been carried out. These receptors, which have previously been shown to bind the chloride anion (Yoon et al., Angew. Chem., Int. Ed. 47(27):5038–5042, 2008), were found to bind bromide and benzoate anion (studied as the corresponding tetrabutylammonium salts) with near equal affinity in acetonitrile, albeit less well than chloride, as determined from ITC measurements or NMR spectroscopic titrations. This stands in marked contrast to the parent octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole, where the carboxylate anion affinities are substantially higher than those for bromide anion under identical conditions. This finding is rationalized in terms of tighter binding cavity present in the strapped systems. For all three anions for which quantitative data could be obtained (i.e., Cl^?, Br^?, PhCO₂ ^?), the pyrrole-strapped system displayed the highest affinity, although the relative enhancement was found to depend on the anion in question. In the specific case of fluoride anion binding to the pyrrole-strapped receptor, two modes of interaction are inferred, with the first consisting of binding to the calix[4]pyrrole via NH-anion hydrogen bonds, followed by a process that involves deprotonation of the strapped pyrrolic NH proton. A single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis provides support for the first of these modes and further reveals the presence of a methanol molecule bound to the fluoride anion.     

Cation- and anion-assisted binding of triethylenediamine by zinc bisporphyrinates

The complexation of zinc calix[4]arene or calix[4]pyrrole bisporphyrinates with alkali metal cations, halide anions, and triethylenediamine was studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. It was established that the binding of molecules and/or charged particles by various fragments of calix[4]arene and calix[4]pyrrole porphyrins are interrelated processes. This makes it possible to use one process (for example, complexation of the calix[4]arene fragment of the macrocycle with alkali metal cations or complexation of the calix[4]pyrrole fragment with halide ions) as a tool for controlling another process (complexation of the porphyrin fragments of the macrocycle with neutral molecules).