Supramolecular incorporation of fullerenes on gold surfaces: comparison of C60 incorporation by self-assembled monolayers of different calix[n]arene (n = 4, 6, 8) derivatives

[reaction: see text] Two new calix[6]arene derivatives 3 and 4 in a 1,4-anti conformation and one calix[8]arene derivative 5 were synthesized. SAMs of calix[n]arene (n = 4, 6, 8) derivatives 1-5 were formed on gold bead electrodes. Cyclic voltammetry with Ru(NH3)6(3+/2+) as a redox probe, together with impedance spectroscopy and reductive desorption, indicates that SAMs of 5 have a higher coverage than those of 3 and 4 due to the presence of hydrogen bonding and possibly its conformation. Noncovalent immobilization of C60 on gold surfaces was achieved with SAMs of calix[8]arene derivative 5 but not with those of 1-4.     

Adlayer structures of aza- and/or oxo-bridged calix[2]arene[2]triazines on Au(111) investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM)

The adlayers formed by a series of aza- and/or oxo-bridged calix[2]arene[2]triazines on Au(111) surfaces were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. 1,3-Alternate configurations of these molecules are preserved on gold surfaces as in their three-dimensional crystals. STM images show that the cavity sizes of these molecules are finely tuned by substituting the bridging nitrogen atom with oxygen atoms, which change the strengths and densities of the intermolecular hydrogen bonds. Hydrogen bond interaction influences the molecular orientation and conformation in the adlayers, and it plays a key role in the formation of these two-dimensional supramolecular architectures. Coadsorption of calix[2]arene[2]triazine with 1,3,5-tris(5-carboxyamyloxy)benzene (TCAB) intervenes with the intermolecular hydrogen bond formations among the calix[2]arene[2]triazine molecules and consequently causes a conformational transition of the calixarene molecules from rhombic to square. These results demonstrate the role of hydrogen bonds in molecular assembly formations.     

Bis-calix[4]arenes bridged by an electroactive tetrathiafulvalene unit

Syntheses of the first bis-calixarenes systems bridged by a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) framework 5a,b have been carried out in good yields through triethyl phosphite-mediated dechalcogenation-dimerizations of the corresponding 1,3-dithiole-2-(thi)ones 3 or 4. X-ray structures of the calix[4]arene-TTF-calix[4]arene assembly 5b and of the calix[4]arene-thione intermediate 3b are analyzed and confirm the cone conformations adopted by the calix[4]arene parts, as it is also observed by (1)H NMR analysis of these systems. The solid-state organization in 5b leads to alternate layers of calixarene and TTF units. The cyclic voltammograms of 5a,b show as expected a two-step redox behavior but display a CV deformation for the second redox process.     

Determination of Tryptophan using a p-Sulfonated Calix [4,6,8]arene Modified Gold Electrode

The ability of p-sulfonated calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) to form complexes with tryptophan was studied. The electrochemical properties of these complexes immobilized on gold surfaces were examined by cyclic voltammetry. Parameters affecting the performance of the modified electrodes including the arene concentration, scan rate, applied potential, and pH were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the method had a linear response to tryptophan between 1 × 10^?7 M and 1 × 10^?5 M with a detection limit of 3 × 10^?8 M. The interaction of the tryptophan–p-sulfonated calix[4]arene complex was more stable than the tryptophan–p-sulfonated calix[6]arene and p-sulfonated calix[8]arene complexes. Molecular modeling calculations indicated that electrostatic interactions and structural matching effects were predominant stabilizing factors. The modified electrodes demonstrated good reproducibility and high selectivity, illustrating their effectiveness for analytical measurements.     

An Electrochemical Sensing Platform for the Detection of Lead Ions Based on Dicarboxyl‐Calix[4]arene

A simple and highly sensitive electrochemical sensor COOH−C4 derived from dicarboxyl‐calix[4]arene modified on a screen printed gold electrode (Au) was developed for the determination of lead ions in water samples. A 3‐mercaptopropionic acid (MPA) monolayer was used as a template on the gold electrode for the surface modification with dicarboxyl‐calixarene. The modified electrodes were surface‐characterized using Fourier Transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). The data obtained proved the confirmation of each stage of the electrode modification. The electrochemical analyses of the COOH−C4 electrode showed an enhanced electrocatalytic activity and higher current towards Pb²⁺ ions as compared to the bare Au and MPA/Au electrodes. Under optimum conditions, the differential pulse voltammetry response of COOH−C4 displayed a wide linear response ranging from 280–2500 μg/L for Pb²⁺ with a detection limit of 6.2 μg/L. In addition, the fabricated electrode showed a high selectivity and stability towards the Pb²⁺ ions in presence of possible interfering species. The present method was successfully applied to determine Pb²⁺ ions in real samples with satisfactory precision, with a relative standard deviation of 3.12 % and an acceptable recovery of 92 %, which demonstrated the potential application of dicarboxyl‐calix[4]arene modified on electrodes for heavy‐metal sensing.     

QCM 表面自组装胱氨酸1，3－桥连杯[4]芳烃膜用于识别气相丁胺

Two cystine-bearing 1,3-bridged calix[4]arenes were used as the coatings of the quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) with gold electrodes. The two calix[4]arene derivatives were self-assembled onto the gold electrode surface by the covalent attachment between the di-sulfur and gold. The compound of cystine-bearing bi-phenylalanine 1,3-bridged calix[4]arene (CPC) with longer alkyl chain had better self-assembled capacity onto the fresh surfaces of gold electrode than that of cystine-bearing 1,3-bridged calix[4]arene (CC) with comparably shorter alkyl chain.The modified QCM sensors were used to recognize the butylamine isomers in gas. The results showed that the QCM coated with both compounds had preferential affinity to n-butylamine, then i-butylamine, t-butylamine in the range of low concentrations, indicating that in the recognition process, the steric hindrance effect played an important role when forming complex with guest molecules. When the concentrations of the analytes were increased, the polarity and the magnetism of the butylamine became determinative factors. The reversibility was improved greatly and the equilibrium time was much shorter on the self-assembled film than on the film obtained by dropping coating.     

Poly(vinyl chloride) membrane cesium ion-selective electrodes based on lipophilic calix[6]arene tetraester derivatives

New lipophilic tetraesters of calix[6]arene and calix[6]diquinone are investigated as cesium ion-selective ionophores in poly(vinyl chloride) membrane electrodes. For an ion-selective electrode based on calix[6]arene tetraester I, the linear response is 1x10(-6)-1x10(-1) M of Cs(+) concentrations. The selectivity coefficients for cesium ion over alkali, alkaline earth and ammonium ions are determined. The detection limit (log a (Cs (+))=-6.31) and the selectivity coefficient (log k (Cs (+),Rb (+))(pot )=-1.88) are obtained for polymeric membrane electrode containing calix[6]arene tetraester I.     

Assembly of a supramolecular capsule on a molecular printboard

A molecular capsule based on ionic interactions between two oppositely charged calix[4]arenes, 1 and 2, was assembled both in solution and on a surface. In solution, the formation of the equimolar assembly 1.2 was studied by (1)H NMR, ESI-MS, and isothermal titration calorimetry, giving an association constant (K(a)) of 7.5 x 10(5) M(-1). A beta-cyclodextrin self-assembled monolayer (beta-CD SAM) on gold was used as a molecular printboard to anchor the tetraguanidinium calix[4]arene (2). The binding of tetrasulfonate calix[4]arene 1 was monitored by surface plasmon resonance spectroscopy. Rinsing of the surface with a high ionic strength aqueous solution allows the removal of the tetrasulfonate calix[4]arene (1), while by rinsing with 2-propanol it is possible to achieve the complete desorption of the tetraguanidinium calix[4]arene (2) from the beta-CD SAM. The K(a) for the capsule formation on a surface is 3.5 x 10(6) M(-1), thus comparing well with the K(a) determined in solution.     

Cesium-ion selective electrodes based on calix[4]arene dibenzocrown ethers

Four calix[4]arene dibenzocrown ether compounds have been prepared and evaluated as Cs(+)-selective ligands in solvent polymeric membrane electrodes. The ionophores include 25,27-bis(1-propyloxy)calix[4]arene dibenzocrown-6 1, 25,27-bis(1-alkyloxy)calix[4]arene dibenzocrown-7s 2 and 3, and 25,27-bis(1-propyloxy)calix[4]arene dibenzocrown-8 4. For an ion-selective electrode (ISE) based on 1, the linear response concentration range is 1x10(-1) to 1x10(-6) M of Cs(+). Potentiometric selectivities of ISEs based on 1-4 for Cs(+) over other alkali metal cations, alkaline earth metal cations, and NH(4)(+) have been assessed. For 1-ISE, a remarkably high Cs(+)/Na(+) selectivity was observed, the selectivity coefficient (K(Cs,Na)(Pot)) being ca. 10(-5). As the size of crown ether ring is enlarged from crown-6 (1) to crown-7 (2 and 3) to crown-8 (4), the Cs(+) selectivity over other alkali metal cations, such as Na(+) and K(+), is reduced successively. Effects of membrane composition and pH in the aqueous solution upon the electrode properties are also discussed.     

Calix[4]arene‐Functionalised Silver Nanoparticles as Hosts for Pyridinium‐Loaded Gold Nanoparticles as Guests

A series of lipophilic gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) circa 5 nm in diameter and having a mixed organic layer consisting of 1‐dodecanethiol and 1‐(11‐mercaptoundecyl) pyridinium bromide was synthesised by reacting tetraoctylammonium bromide stabilised AuNPs in toluene with different mixtures of the two thiolate ligands. A bidentate ω‐alkylthiolate calix[4]arene derivative was instead used as a functional protecting layer on AgNPs of approximately 3 nm. The functionalised nanoparticles were characterised by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and by UV/Vis and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Recognition of the pyridinium moieties loaded on the AuNPs by the calix[4]arene units immobilised on the AgNPs was demonstrated in solution of weakly polar solvents by UV/Vis titrations and DLS measurements. The extent of Au‐AgNPs aggregation, shown through the low‐energy shift of their surface plasmon bands (SPB), was strongly dependent on the loading of the pyridinium moieties present in the organic layer of the AuNPs. Extensive aggregation between dodecanethiol‐capped AuNPs and the Ag calix[4]arene‐functionalised NPs was also promoted by the action of a simple N‐octyl pyridinium difunctional supramolecular linker. This linker can interdigitate through its long fatty tail in the organic layer of the dodecanethiol‐capped AuNPs, and simultaneously interact through its pyridinium moiety with the calix[4]arene units at the surface of the modified AgNPs.     

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.     

Ion channel formation from a calix[4]arene amide that binds HCl

The ion transport activity of calix[4]arene tetrabutylamide 1,3-alt 2 was studied in liposomes, planar lipid bilayers, and HEK-293 cells. These experiments, when considered together with (1)H NMR and X-ray crystallography data, indicate that calix[4]arene tetrabutylamide 2 (1) forms ion channels in bilayer membranes, (2) mediates ion transport across cell membranes at positive holding potential, (3) alters the pH inside liposomes experiencing a Cl(-) gradient, and (4) shows a significant Cl(-)/SO(4)(2)(-) transport selectivity. An analogue, calix[4]arene tetramethylamide 1, self-assembles in the presence of HCl to generate solid-state structures with chloride-filled and water-filled channels. Structureminus signactivity studies indicate that the hydrophobicity, amide substitution, and macrocyclic framework of the calixarene are essential for HCl binding and transport. Calix[4]arene tetrabutylamide 2 is a rare example of an anion-dependent, synthetic ion channel.     

Improvement of catalytic properties of Candida rugosa lipase by sol-gel encapsulation in the presence of magnetic calix[4]arene nanoparticles

Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) was encapsulated within a chemically inert sol-gel support prepared by polycondensation with tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and octyltriethoxysilane (OTES) in the presence of N-methylglucamine based calix[4]arene magnetic nanoparticles. The results indicate that the magnetic calix[4]arene based encapsulated lipase particularly has shown high conversion and enantioselectivity. It has also been noticed that the magnetic calix[4]arene based encapsulated lipase has excellent enantioselectivity (E = 460) as compared to the free enzyme (E = 166) with an ee value of >98% for S-Naproxen.     

Synthesis and metal ion complexation studies of proton-ionizable calix

A series of novel N-chromogenic calix[4]arene azacrown ethers were synthesized as selective extractants of potassium ion. 1,3-Alternate calix[4]arene azacrown ethers were prepared by reacting 25,27-dipropyloxy-26,28-bis(5-chloro-3-oxapentyloxy) calix[4]arenes with p-toluenesulfonamide in the presence of potassium carbonate. The coupling reaction of calix[4]arene azacrown ether with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide in the presence of triethylamine in THF gave the chromogenic calix[4]arene azacrown ether in moderate yield. These compounds show high potassium selectivity over other metal ions as shown by two-phase extraction, bulk liquid membrane, and 1H NMR studies on a ligand-metal complex. It is assumed that the OH of the chromogenic group attached on nitrogen can assist the complexation by encapsulation of the metal.     

对磺酸基苯偶氮杯[4]芳烃电化学行为研究

以杯[4]芳烃和对氨基苯磺酸为原料,经重氮化-偶联反应合成了对磺酸基苯偶氮杯[4]芳烃,并使用紫外吸收光谱、红外吸收光谱、核磁共振等技术对其进行表征分析. 首次以CH₃COOH-CH₃COONa为缓冲溶液,使用循环伏安法研究对磺酸基苯偶氮杯[4]芳烃的电化学行为. 结果表明,当扫描电位在-0.5 ~ 1 V时,有1对氧化还原峰,其中氧化峰电位为0.302 V,还原峰电位为-0.003 V,且峰电流与峰电位均与扫描速率呈线性关系,推测该峰的形成受扩散控制影响,反应为动力学准一级可逆反应. 进一步利用多种电化学手段研究该电极反应,并求得动力学参数,反应活化能为14.84 kJ•mol^-1.     

Energies of charge transfer and supramolecular interactions of some mono O-substituted calix[6]arenes with [60]fullerene by absorption spectrometric method

Equilibria for the formation of supramolecular complexes of [60]fullerene with a series of mono O-substituted calix[6]arenes, namely: (i) 37-methoxy-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (1), (ii) 37-allyl-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (2), (iii) 37-phenacyl-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (3), (iv) 37-ethylester-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (4) and (v) 37-benzyl-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (5) have been studied in CCl4 medium by absorption spectroscopic technique. The stoichiometry has been found to be 1:1 ([60]fullerene:calix[6]arene) in each case. An absorption band due to charge transfer (CT) transition is observed in each case in the visible region. The vertical ionisation potentials (I(D)(v)) of all the calix[6]arenes under study have been estimated utilising CT transition energy. The experimental I(D)(v) values also yield a good estimate of the electron affinity of [60]fullerene. The degrees of CT in the ground state of the complexes have been found to be very low (about 0.15%). Resonance energy of the complexes have been estimated. Thermodynamic parameters for the supramolecular complex formation of [60]fullerene with mono O-substituted calix[6]arene receptors are reported. It is observed that among the calix[6]arenes under the present study, only 1 and 4 form inclusion complexes with [60]fullerene. This has also been substantiated by theoretical calculation using PM3 method. Thus presence of one substituent group (of different types) on the lower rim of the calix[6]arene molecule has been shown to govern the host-guest complexation process.     

Anion‐binding properties of two calix[4]arene derivatives containing two ferrocene imine or ferrocene amine units at the upper rim

Calix[4]arene derivatives containing ferrocene units at the upper rim have been synthesized and their anion‐binding and sensing investigated towards anions such as chloride, bromide and hydrogen sulfate by cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical studies show that these redox‐active ligands electrochemically recognize chloride and bromide anions. These compounds have excellent selectivity for chloride and bromide ions, in the comparison with hydrogen sulfate anion. With ferrocenyl Schiff base calix[4]arene 1 an anodic shift as large as 302 mV is observed on addition of four equivalents of Cl⁻ anion. Also electrochemical and UV–vis spectroscopic titrations ferrocenyl calix[4]arene derivatives 1 with chloride and bromide ions and 2 (only with Cl⁻) indicate a 1:1 binding‐stiochiometry. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Specific extraction behavior of amide derivative of calix[4]arene for silver (I) and gold (III) ions from highly acidic chloride media

25,26,27,28-tetrakis(N,N-diethylaminocarbonylmethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetrakis(1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl)calix[4]arene, a macrocyclic extraction reagent, and p-(1,1,3,3-tetra-methylbutyl)phenoxymethyl-N,N-diethylamide, an acyclic extraction reagent corresponding to the former one, were synthesized to investigate their extraction behavior for silver(I), gold(III), palladium(II), and platinum(IV) from highly acidic solution into chloroform. In the extraction of silver and gold from hydrochloric acid solution, a completely different extraction behavior was observed between these two types of the reagents. The extraction behavior was examined in detail for silver and was found to be dependent on whether silver ion was extracted as a cationic species or a anionic species complexed with chloride ion. This was supported by proton nuclear magnetic resonance study of the calix[4]arene derivative. As a result, the extraction of silver ion with calix[4]arene derivative was very peculiar which was attributable to the fitting between cyclic size of calix[4]arene and ionic radius of silver.     

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.     

Stilbene-bridged 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene crown ether for selective alkali ion extraction

A series of stilbene-bridged calix[4]arenes was synthesized through an intramolecular reductive McMurry coupling of bisbenzaldehyde calix[4]arene in high yields. Tetra- and pentaethylene glycol chains were tethered to the phenolic groups of calix[4]arene to form stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene crown-5 and crown-6, respectively. The presence of stilbene bridge over the calix[4]arene rim effectively prevented the connection of the polyether chains in the cone conformation resulting in the exclusive formation of 1,3-alternate stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene crown product. Compared to the cone analogues, the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene crown ethers showed a greater extraction ability and selectivity toward Cs⁺.