New artificial receptors from selectively functionalized calix[4]arenes

Abstract

The development of new synthetic methods for the monoalkylation of calix[4]arenes at the lower rim allows the synthesis of a new class of trihydroxamate siderophores. Three chelating hydroxamic acid units are introduced through a sequence of reactions which blocks the macrocycle in the cone conformation. The new ligands obtained form neutral 1:1 complexes (FeL) with iron (III), which are stable in EtOH/H₂O 9:1 at pH 2–7. Calix[4]arene bis-crown ethers are prepared by exploiting the selective 1,2-(proximal) functionalization of calix[4]arenes at the lower rim. These ligands are, however, less effective in complexing alkali metal cations compared with the 1,3-calix[4]arene crown-ethers which, in their partial cone structure, offer a better shielding for the complexed cations. Rigid upper rim-bridged calix[4]arenes potentially useful for the inclusion of neutral molecules are prepared by exploiting the selective 1,3-diformylation of calix[4]arene at the upper rim. Finally a new chloromethylation method for calix[4]arenes blocked in the cone conformation is described together with the synthesis of new cavitands.     

Dissociation constants for the zinc(II)-8-hydroxyquinoline complexes in aqueous and sodium dodecyl sulfate micellar solutions

The constants of dissociation of 8-hydroxyquinoline (pK ₁ and pK ₂) and of its complexation with zinc ions (logβ₁, logβ₂) in sodium nitrate aqueous solutions at 293 K were calculated by modeling potentiometric titration data. The values of logβ were obtained under conditions such that the complexes occurred simultaneously in the solution and at optimum values of the ionic strength and the ratio between the metal and ligand concentrations. The apparent constants of dissociation of 8-hydroxyquinoline and of its complexation with zinc ions in a 0.01 M sodium dodecyl sulfate solution were calculated. An increase in pK and logβ was explained by the stabilization of the different forms of the ligand and its complexes in the surfactant micellar phase.     

Potassium Sensing Calix[4]arene Crown Ethers

1,3-Alternate calix[4]arene crown-5 (1) and corresponding biscrown-5 (2) were synthesized and the complexation behavior with alkali metal ions examined. For both 1 and 2, potassium ion was selectively extracted from aqueous phase into organic phase over other alkali metal ions based on two phase extraction experiment. The complexation ratio between calix[4]arene biscrown-5 (2), in which two crown cavities connect to the calix[4]arene framework by 1,3-alternate fashion and potassium metal ion is found to 1:1 by proton NMR spectroscopy and extraction equilibria. Association constants (logK_a) for 1 and 2 were determined to give 2.51 and 3.49, respectively.     

Formation of pseudo[3]rotaxanes containing calix-bis-crowns and secondary ammonium ions and their thermodynamic stabilities in a solution: preorganization by second macrocycle and nonallosteric behavior exhibited by large crown cavities

This Letter describes the formation of pseudo[3]rotaxanes containing calix[4]-bis-crowns, exhibiting a 1,3-alternate conformation and large crown cavities, and secondary ammonium ions. The first and second association constants of pseudo[3]rotaxane formation are moderate (K₁ = 175, K₂ = 100 M⁻¹) and are higher than that of the corresponding pseudo[2]rotaxane (K = 24 M⁻¹), consisting of a calix[4]-mono-crown and the same secondary ammonium ion.     

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.     

Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-4 ligands in 1,3-alternate,cone, and partial-cone conformations: synthesis and metal ion extractions

Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-4 compounds locked in 1,3-alternate, cone, and partial-cone conformations are synthesized for evaluation in metal ion separations. The ionizable functions include carboxylic acid and N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide groups in which the acidity is tuned by variation of the electron-withdrawing ability of X. Similar synthetic routes were employed for preparation of the cone and 1,3-alternate ligand series. A different preparative route utilizing protection and deprotection was required to obtain the partial-cone analogues. Ligand conformations were confirmed by their proton and/or carbon NMR spectra. X-ray diffraction verified an unusual 1,2-alternate conformation in the solid-state for one synthetic intermediate. Effects of ligand conformation and ionizable group variations on competitive solvent extractions of alkali and alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform were assessed. Single species solvent extractions of Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ were also performed.     

Selectively formylated and bridged calix[6]arene derivatives at the upper rim

The strategy of bridging the anisole units at the upper rim of calix[6]arene has been applied to strain the conformations of calix[6]arene. Based on the selective formylation of the 1,3,5-tri-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, several new calix[6]arene derivatives with different 1,3-bridged chains or a 1,3,5-tripod bridge at the upper rim have been prepared with moderate yields. The ¹H NMR spectra indicate that these calix[6]arene derivatives adopt a cone conformation, which has also been confirmed by the theoretical calculation at AM1 level. X-ray crystal structure of 1,3,5-tripod bridged compound 5 discloses that the calix[6]arene host stands in a cone conformation with approximate C_3v symmetry, and that a methanol molecule is enclosed in its hydrophobic cavity and stabilized by multi hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis, NMR, X-ray structural analyses and complexation studies of new Ag selective calix[4]arene based dipodal hosts—a co-complexation of neutral and charged species

New podands based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene unit with substitution at the lower rim incorporating imine units, have been synthesized in high yield by simple condensation method. These podands have been shown to extract and transport Ag⁺ selectively over alkali, alkaline earth metal cations, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, from neutral aqueous phase to organic phase. In all the ligands the calix unit has been found to be present in a cone conformation except for the one having pyridine as end group, at the ortho position. It has been isolated in two conformations; cone and 1,2-alternate. To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first 1,3-lower rim substituted calix[4]arene to exist in a 1,2-alternate conformation and is among a few known compounds with this conformation in the general class of calix[4]arenes. A complex of this ligand, which happens to be the highest extractant of Ag⁺ has been isolated and characterized using mass, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy's and elemental analysis. The spectroscopic evidence and molecular modelling studies performed on the complex suggest a participation of the imine and pyridine nitrogens and two of the ether oxygens in coordination to the metal ion. The X-ray crystal structures of three of the ligands establish the formation of inclusion complexes with polar acetonitrile solvent molecules. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of all the compounds, taken in CDCl₃, show the presence of acetonitrile molecules in the cavity of the calix[4]arene, indicating inclusion of the neutral guest molecules in the solution phase as well. For one of the podands X-ray crystal structure has shown a formation of clatharate complex of chloroform with the ligand which has rarely been found in the case of calix[4]arenes.     

Enlarging the size of calix[4]arene-crowns-6 to improve Cs/K selectivity: a theoretical and experimental study

Ab initio calculations in the gas-phase indicate that the substitution of an ethylene with a propylene moiety in the polyether bridge of 1,3-di-iso-propoxycalix[4]arene-crowns-6 could result in an enhanced Cs⁺/K⁺ selectivity which is of particular interest in nuclear waste treatment. We therefore synthesised two novel calix[4]arene-crown-6 compounds (1 and 2) having a propylene moiety in their structure and for this named calix[4]arene-propylene-crown-6. The structures of compounds 1 and 2 were elucidated by NMR in solution and for 1 also by X-ray diffraction studies in the solid state. Association constants (K_a) in CHCl₃ of the two novel calix-crowns were measured and pointed out a plateau selectivity towards alkali metal ions which was not predicted by molecular modelling calculations. These results indicate the important role played by the solvent molecules and counter-anions in binding for this class of ionophores.     

Stereochemical control of calixarenes useful as rigid and conformationally diversiform platforms for molecular design

Stereochemical problems and related functions of calix[4]arenes, calix[6]arenes and their chiral derivatives have been reviewed. In p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1H₄) and its mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-O-alkyl derivatives (1H₃R, 1H₂R₂,1HR₃, and 1R₄, respectively), 23 different homologues can exist (including 1H₄). We found that the OH group in the unmodified phenol unit is permeable through the calix[4]arene ring. Thus, several conformational isomers become equivalent after the ‘oxygen-through-the-annulus’ rotation of the OH group and the number of possible homologues is reduced to 13 (including 1H₃). We report in this paper the syntheses of all of these possible conformational isomers using a protection-deprotection method with a benzyl group and metal template effects. On the other hand, all possible chiral isomers that can be derived from calix[4]arene by modification of the OH groups have been systematically classified. Molecular asymmetry can be generated not only by different substituents but also by conformational isomerism. The numbers of chiral isomers are 17 for tetra-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, 9 for tri-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, 3 for di-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, and 0 for mono-O-substituted calix[4]arenes. Chiral calix[4]arenes can also be designed by the introduction of a substituent into the m-position of a phenol unit or by the use of a dissymmetric ‘stapling reaction’ in proximal phenol units. In p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, the conformational behaviour is totally different from that in p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. A large degree of conformational freedom remains in the framework, and both ‘oxygen-through-the-annulus rotation’ and ‘para-substituent-through-the-annulus rotation’ can take place. However, when metal cations are bound to calix[6]aryl esters, the conformation is changed to a cone type. Bridging and capping are powerful methods to immobilize the conformation of calix[6]arenes. In addition, definitive evidence for ring immobilization was obtained from the absence of racemization in the chiral calix[6]arene. A successful example of chiral recognition for α-amino acid derivatives was achieved by using chiral homooxacalix[3]arene which has ‘pseudo C₂ symmetry’. These examples indicate that calixarenes serve as rigid and conformationally diversiform platforms for the design of novel functional supramolecules.     

The stability and solubility of cadmium(II)-8-oxyquinoline complexes in water and micellar solutions of sodium dodecyl sulfate

The formation of cadmium 8-oxyquinoline (HOx) complexes in water and a 0.01 M aqueous solution of sodium dodecyl sulfate (293 K, 0.01) was studied by pH-metric titration. Mathematical simulation of the most probable equilibria gave complex formation constants logβ₁ = 6.17 ± 0.32 (CdOx⁺) and logβ₂ = 14.60 ± 0.14 (CdOx₂) in aqueous solution and apparent stability constants logβ₁ = 8.64 (CdOx⁺) and logβ₂ = 17.59 (CdOx₂) in a solution of dodecyl sulfate. The solubility of cadmium dioxyquinolate in water at pH from 3 to 6 and a micellar sodium dodecyl sulfate medium was determined by the method of saturated solutions. The solubility product pL _p = 21.3 ± 0.9 (H₂O, 293 K) was calculated by modeling the solution of CdOx₂ with taking into account all acid-base interactions and complex formation reactions.     

Sulphur-enriched thiacalix[4]arenes in the cone conformation: synthesis, crystal structures and cation binding properties

The synthesis and crystal structure of p-tert-butylthia- and p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives 1–7 substituted at the narrow rim by diethylthiophosphate ester groups, -PS(OEt)₂ are reported. In these compounds the phosphorus atoms are directly attached to the phenolic O atoms of the calix units and the S atoms of the thiophosphate may serve as a two-electron donor to a metal ion. Their crystal structures were solved, which revealed their cone conformation. Their cation-binding properties have been established by liquid-liquid extraction of metal picrates from water into dichloromethane and stability constant determination in acetonitrile using UV-absorption spectrophotometry. Quantitative extraction was achieved for Ag⁺ (%E = 99) with the tetra-substituted thiacalix[4]arene derivative. The complexes were found to be of 1:1 stoichiometry and the location of the metal cations was shown to be nearby the sulphur atoms by ¹H NMR.     

The potentiometric study of maleic acid complexation with the alkaline-earth metal ions in aqueous solutions

The potentiometric titration was used to study the process of complex formation of maleic acid (H₂L) with the alkaline-earth metal ions at the ionic strength 0.1 and T = 298 K. The following logarithmic stability constants of maleic acid complexes were obtained: logβ_MgL = 1.79 ± 0.11, logβ_CaL = 1.91 ± 0.05, logβ_SrL = 1.89 ± 0.09, logβ_BaL = 1.94 ± 0.10.     

Pyridinyl hydrazone derivatives of thiacalix[4]arene as selective extractants of transition metal ions

The recognition ability of pyridinyl hydrazone derivatives of cone- and 1,3-alternate tetrathiacalix[4]arenes towards transition and alkali metals has been investigated by picrate extraction method. The stoichiometry of complexes and the extraction constants have been determined. It has been found that hydrazones do not extract alkali metal ions but show an excellent affinity towards transition and heavy metal cations. The removal of tert-butyl groups from calix[4]arene platform in the case of cone and 1,3-alternate isomers leads to an increase of d-ion extraction selectivity or efficiency.     

Novel redox receptors for ion-pair and α-amino acid: synthesis and complexation properties of calix[4]arene derivatives bearing large conjugated ferrocene groups

By reacting calix[4]arene 1,3-bi-hydrazide derivative (2) with formacylferrocene in “1?+?2” condensation mode, novel calix[4]arene derivative bearing two conjugated ferrocene groups (3) was obtained in yield of 88%. By reacting 1,3-bi-substituted [2-(p-formylphenyloxy)ethyloxy]-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (5) with 1,1′-diacetylferrocene hydrazone (4) in “1?+?1” condensation mode, novel calix[4]arene derivative with 1,3-substituted large conjugated ferrocene bridge (6) was synthesized in yield of 83%. The structures and conformations of new compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, IR spectra, ESI-MS, ¹H NMR, etc. The electrochemical cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed that compounds 3 and 6 possessed excellent reversible electrochemical properties. The ¹H NMR titration study showed that compound 6 possessed excellent complexation abilities for NaH₂PO₄ and glycine in 1:1 host–guest complex with the association constants of 3,850 and 2,460?M^?1, respectively.     

Effect of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene fitted with phosphinoyl pendant arms as synergistic agent in the solvent extraction of trivalent lanthanoids with 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione and structural study of solid complexes by IR,NMR and X-ray

The synergistic solvent extraction of five selected lanthanoid ions (La³⁺, Nd³⁺, Eu³⁺, Ho³⁺ and Lu³⁺) with 4,4,4-trifluoro-1-(2-thienyl)-1,3-butanedione (HL) and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetrakis-(dimethylphosphinoylmethoxy)calix[4]arene, (S) in CHCl₃ has been studied. It was found that in presence of this phosphorus-containing calix[4]arene the lanthanoid ions have been extracted as [LnL₃S₂]. The values of the equilibrium constants and the separation factor have been calculated. The influence of the synergistic agent on the extraction process has been discussed.     

New Calix[4]arene-monobenzo- and -dibenzo-crown-6 as Cesium Selective Ionophores in the Radioactive Waste Treatment: Synthesis, Complexation and Extraction Properties

Cesium possesses two long lived isotopes ¹³⁵Cs and ¹³⁷Cs and the first one has a very long (2.3 × 10⁶ y) half life and is one of the most mobile nuclides in a repository.Calix[4]arene-crowns-6 in the 1,3-alternate conformation areemerging as a new class of ionophores exhibiting a very high efficiency and selectivity in the complexation of cesium ion and itsremoval from highly acidic ([HNO₃] = 3–4 M) radioactive waste having also high sodium nitrate concentration ([NaNO₃] = 2–4 M). In order to improve both efficiency and cesium selectivity we have synthesised the novel calix[4]arene dibenzo-crowns-6 1 and 2 and thecalix[4]arene-monobenzocrown-6 3 in 1,3-alternate conformationand evaluated their complexation properties towards alkali metal cations in homogeneous solution and in two phase systems, togetherwith their performance in radioactive waste treatment. All data confirm the higher Cs/Na selectivity of the 1,3-alternate calix[4]crown-6 1–3 containing aromatic rings in the polyether loop, in comparison to previously synthesised compounds of the same series.     

Calix[4]Arenes in the partial cone conformation as ionophores in silver ion-selective electrodes

Two calix[4]arene derivatives, in the partial cone conformation, with sulfur-containing functionalities, were tested as neutral carrier ionophores in potentiometric silver-selective electrodes of conventional membrane and membrane-coated glassy carbon electrode types. Comparison with a calix[4]arene in the cone conformation was made. The membranes were prepared using either 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether or bis(ethylhexyl)sebacate as plasticizers and potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate as the lipophilic salt in a poly(vinyl chloride) matrix. Both calix[4]arenes yielded electrodes of good sensitivity (approx. 47 mV dec⁻¹) in the range 10⁻⁴–10⁻¹ M and excellent selectivity [log K_Ag,_MH+ < −1.5] of transition, alkali and heavy metal cations, including sodium, mercury(II) and lead(II) cations. Temperature effects and reproducibility of response were determined and the interfering effects of mercury(II) and lead (II) ions on the membranes were noted. The partial cone conformation allows improved selectivity over certain cations relative to calix[4]arenes in the cone conformation.     

Ethylphosphinediacetic acid: synthesis,characterization and coordinating behaviour towards Ca(II), Ni(II) and Hg(II) ions in solution

The new ligand, ethylphosphinediacetic acid, H₂Z, was synthesized and characterized by spectral methods. The Z^2? anion is protonated in three steps with the pK values of 6.10 (phosphorus atom), 2.75 and 0.9 (carboxyl groups). The ligand is highly selective for soft metal ions as demonstrated by the stability constants of the water-soluble complexes CaHZ-(logβ_CaHZ^HZ 0.73), NiZ₂^2? (log β₂ 9.06) and HgZ₄^6? (log β₄ 40.9). The di in behaviour compared to related phosphineacetic acids are mainly consequences of the high basicity of the phosphorus atom.     

Stability prediction of Cu2+, Ni2+ and Zn2+ N-salicylidene-aminoacidato complexes by models based on connectivity index 3 χ v

This paper presents models for the estimation of stability constants (K ₁ and β ₂) of nickel(II), copper(II) and zinc(II) mono- and bis-complexes with 5 Schiff bases (salicylideneglycine, salicylidenealanine, salicylideneserine, salicylidenephenylalanine, and salicylidenetyrosine). The models were based on the molecular-graph theory and valence molecular connectivity index of the 3^rd order, ³χ ^v , derived from it. Univariate linear models were developed for each metal separately, while in the common models for two and three metals, the indicator variable, In, was introduced. The standard error of models for the log K ₁ constant was less than 0.12, while for log β ₂ models, the S.E. did not exceed 0.14.