Mass Spectrometric Determination of Association Constants of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with para-Sulphonato-Calix[n]arene Derivatives

Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS) has been used to determine the association constants (K_As) and binding stoichiometries for parent para-Sulphonato-calix[n]arenes and their derivatives with bovine serum albumin (BSA). K_A values were determined by titration experiments using a constant concentration of protein. K_A measurements were carried out in a methanol–formic acid solution. 5,11,17,23–tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1a) and 25-mono-(2-aminoethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1d) interact strongly with BSA showing 3 non-equivalent binding sites with K_A1 = 7.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 3.85 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.33 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and K_A1 = 1.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 2.94 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.60 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The strength of the interactions between the calixarene and BSA is inversely proportional to the size of macrocyclic ring: n = 4 > n=6>>n=8.     

An oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine-bis(Zn-porphyrin) tweezer as a selective receptor towards fullerene C70

An oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrimidine-bis(Zn^II-porphyrin) conjugate was readily prepared via nucleophilic aromatic substitution of a phenolic AB₃-Zn-porphyrin on the upper rim of a (1,3-alternate) 5,17-bis(methylsulfonyl)oxacalix[4]arene precursor. Efficient 1:1 complex formation between the ‘jaws’ bisporphyrin tweezer and fullerene C₇₀ was evidenced by ¹H NMR titrations (K = 3.0 × 10⁴ M⁻¹), while no detectable complexation could be observed with C₆₀. On the other hand, an analogous oxacalix[4]arene-bis(Cu-corrole) conjugate did not show any measurable (C₆₀ or C₇₀) fullerene binding.     

The recognition of n-alkyl phosphonic or carboxylic acid by mono-squaramide-functionalised pillar[5]arenes

Abstract: The synthesis of a novel mono-squaramide-functionalised pillar[5]arene 1a is reported, by which n-hexylphosphonic acid (HPA) or n-heptanoic acid (HA) could be recognised. The results of ¹H NMR titration, Job Plot, ESI-MS and 2D NMR experiments reveal that 1a forms a 1:1 stoichiometric complex with HPA and HA, respectively, and its association constants (log K/M^? 1) with HPA and HA are determined to be 3.83 ± 0.05 and 1.98 ± 0.04, respectively, suggesting much stronger binding ability of 1a with HPA over HA. To compare with 1a, 1b with the electron-withdrawing group (CF₃) on the phenyl ring of squaramide moiety is synthesised as well, which shows the similar selective binding ability for HPA and HA but with a little stronger binding ability than 1a.     

Solid State Confinement of Ferrocene by Calixarenes

Combinations of ferrocene with unsubstituted calix [n]arenes, n =4 and 5, in toluene afford crystalline inclusion complexes (calix[4]arene) ₃ (ferrocene) [hexagonal, a =14.7797(4), c =18.4400(4) Å, P6M₃/m , ρ = 1.389 g.cm ^?1 , Z =2, R ₁ =0.0963 (on 1401 observed data [ I >2 σ ( I )])] as a lattice-type inclusion complex, and (calix[5]arene)(toluene) _0.55 (ferrocene) _0.45 [monoclinic, a =9.6908(8), b =15.069(1), c =22.957(1) Å, β = 90.155(5)°, P2₁/m , ρ =1.318 g.cm ^?1 , Z =4, R ₁ =0.1005 (on 3130 observed data [ I >2 σ ( I )])], that shows endo -cavity complexation of ferrocene by the calixarene.     

Solution and X-Ray Crystal Structures of the Di- and Tetra-allyl Ether of tert- utylcalix[4]arene

The di- and tetra-allyl ethers of tert-butylcalix[4]arene 1 and 2 have been prepared by alkylation of tert-butylcalix[4]arene with allyl bromide and K₂CO₃ using different reaction times. Solution ¹H NMR measurement of the di-allyl ether 1 and X-ray crystal structures of the complexes of 1 with chloroform (1a) or methanol (1b) indicate the cone conformation of 1 in which intramolecular hydrogen bonding can be maximized. The crystalline state conformers 1a and 1b are distorted in different grades depending on the solvent. While methanol is incorporated in the macrocycle, chloroform molecules do not occupy the cage. The solution ¹H NMR spectra of tetra-allyl ether 2 show the co-existence of the cone and partial cone conformation. The partial cone conformer of 2 was investigated by X-ray crystallography. In this compound hydrogen bonding is not existent. The conformer distribution is likely affected by steric and template effects.     

Recognition in water of bioactive substrates by a sulphonato p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene

The molecular recognition in water of neurotransmitter monoamine and trace amine hydrochlorides by p-tert-butylcalix[5]-arene 1 – bearing 4-sulphonatobutoxy groups at the lower rim – has been investigated. According to ¹H NMR measurements, the hydrophobic cavity of receptor 1 best binds tyramine hydrochloride, K_a = 5370 ± 870 M^? 1.     

Experimental and computational investigations on the high binding-selectivity of pyrimidine derivatives by a pillar[5]arene

The binding selectivity of an adenine-monofunctionalized pillar[5]arene (H) with a series of pyrimidine derivatives were investigated through ¹H NMR experiments and density functional theory (DFT) study. High binding-selectivity was demonstrated. Typically, H displayed very strong binding strength with 6-(2,4-dioxo-3, 4-dihydropyrimidin-1 (2H)-yl)hexanenitrile (G1) [K_a >10⁵ M^?1], up to about 3000-fold as compared with 1-hexylpyrimidine-2,4(1H, 3H)-dione (G5) [K_a = 31 M^?1]. The strong binding ability of H with G1 was due to the cooperative multiple hydrogen bond, dipole-dipole, C-H···π and π···π interactions. The high binding-selectivity was also verified by calculation results. The calculated interaction energy (ΔE_i) of G1?H was ?12.92 Kcal·mol^?1 while that of G5?H was ?2.85 Kcal·mol^?1.     

Microwave assisted synthesis of 72-membered chiral hexanuclear [6+6] macrocyclic Schiff base

A novel double thicalix[4]arene possessing two amide sites was prepared. The binding behavior with Ag⁺ has been examined by ¹H NMR titration experiment. The association constants K _ass of the amide sites are quite similar (K _ass = 2.10 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and K _ass = 2.00 × 10⁴ M⁻¹), suggesting that the two amide sites work independently.     

Synthesis of nucleobase-calix[4]arenes via click chemistry and evaluation of their complexation with alkali metal ions and molecular assembly

In this study, calix[4]arene derivatives (11–14) bearing a single nucleobase (adenine, thymine, cytosine or guanine) were synthesised via click chemistry. The complexation ability of the synthesised derivatives with alkali metal ions was measured using MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and their molecular assembly in CDCl₃ was determined using ¹H NMR. Calix[4]arene derivatives (11–14) formed 1:1 complexes with all alkali metal ions and the rank order for the complexation selectivity was Rb⁺ > Cs⁺ > K⁺ ? Na⁺ > Li⁺. The attachment of nucleobase at the upper rim of calix[4]arene had little effect on its complexation selectivity for alkali metal ions. Thymine-, adenine- and guanine-calix[4]arenes formed self-assembled structures in CDCl₃ via base–base interactions. In addition, adenine-calix[4]arene (11) bound to thymine-calix[4]arene (12) to form a discrete species via Hoogsteen hydrogen bonding.     

Alkyl Ammonium Ion Selectivity of Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene Triamide Derivative having the Intramolecular Hydrogen-Bonding Group

The lower rim functionalized hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene triamide 4 with cone-conformation was synthesized from triol 1 by a stepwise reaction. The different extractability for alkali metal ions, transition metal ions, and alkyl ammonium ions from water into dichloromethane is discussed. Due to the strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the neighboring NH and CO groups in triamide 4, its affinity to metal cations was weakened. Triamide 4 shows a single selectivity to n-BuNH₃⁺. The anion complexation of triamide 4 was also studied by ¹H NMR titration experiments. Triamide 4 binds halides through the intermolecular hydrogen bonding among the NH hydrogens of amide in a 1:1 fashion in CDCl₃. The association constants calculated from these changes in chemical shifts of the amide protons are K_a = 223 M⁻¹ for Cl⁻ and K_a = 71.7 M⁻¹ for Br⁻. Triamide 4 shows a preference for Cl⁻ complexation than Br⁻ complexation.     

Synthesis, Conformations and Inclusion Properties of Hexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene Triamide Derivatives having Hydrogen-bonding Groups

The lower rim functionalizedhexahomotrioxacalix[3]arene triamide derivatives4a and 4b were synthesized from triol 1by a stepwise reaction. Extraction data for alkalimetal ions, transition metal ions, and alkyl ammoniumions from water into dichloromethane are discussed.Due to the strong intramolecular hydrogen bondingbetween the neighboring NH and CO groups, theiraffinities to metal cations were weakened.cone-4a shows a single selectivity ton-BuNH₃ ^plus while partial-cone-4aalmost has no affinity to cations. The anioncomplexation of cone-4a was studied by¹H NMR titration experiments. cone-4abinds halides through the intermolecular hydrogenbonding among the NH hydrogens of amide in a 1 : 1fashion in CDCl₃. The association constantscalculated from these changes in chemical shifts ofthe amide protons are K_a = 8520 M^-1for Cl^-1 and K_a = 1720 M^-1 forBr^-1. cone-4a shows a preference forCl^-1 complexation over Br^- complexation. Incontrast, cone-4b has good selectivity andaffinity to Ag^plus cation. A good Job plot proves1:1 coordination of cone-4b withAg^plus cation. The complexation mode of cone-4a with n-BuNH₃Cl and cone-4b with AgSO₃CF₃ were also demonstrated by ¹H NMR titration in CDCl₃.     

Effect of cucurbit[n]urils on tropicamide and potential application in ocular drug delivery

The supramolecular interactions of the ocular drug tropicamide (TR) with cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) and cucurbit[8]uril (CB8) were investigated in aqueous solutions by using ¹H NMR, ESI-MS and UV–vis spectroscopic techniques. The results indicate a 1:1 binding stoichiometry of TR with CB7 and CB8. The binding constants of TR in its protonated form were higher (e.g. K = 4 × 10⁶ M^? 1 with CB8) than in its neutral form (e.g. K = 1.4 × 10⁴ M^? 1 with CB8), which led to a complexation-induced increase in its pK _a value of ca. 0.5 and 2 units with CB7 and CB8, respectively. In the presence of about 1% (w/v) CB8, the ionisation degree of 0.1% (w/v) TR was increased from 2% to 62% at neutral pH. The increase in the pK _a value and thus stabilisation of the protonated TR species at neutral pH is discussed in the context of supramolecular drug delivery of ophthalmologic drugs.     

Hydrogen Bonding and Solvent Effects on Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by Lower Rim Calix[4]arene Tetra(O-[N -acetyl-D -phenylglycine methyl ester]) Derivative

Complexation of alkali metal cations with 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-26,28,25,27-tetrakis(O-methyl-D-α-phenylglycylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L) was studied by means of spectrophotometric, conductometric and potentiometric titrations at 25 °C. The solvent effect on the binding ability of L was examined by using two solvents with different affinities for hydrogen bonding, viz. methanol and acetonitrile. Despite the presence of intramolecular NH···O=C hydrogen bonds in L, which need to be disrupted to allow metal ion binding, this calix[4]arene amino acid derivative was shown to be an efficient binder for smaller Li⁺ and Na⁺ cations in acetonitrile (lg K_LiL > 5, lg K_NaL = 7.66), moderately efficient for K⁺ (lg K_KL = 4.62), whereas larger Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ did not fit in its hydrophilic cavity. The complex stabilities in methanol were significantly lower (lg K_NaL = 4.45, lg K_KL = 2.48). That could be explained by different solvation of the cations and by competition between the cations and methanol molecules (via hydrogen bonds) for amide carbonyl oxygens. The influence of cation solvation on complex stability was most pronounced in the case of Li⁺ for which, contrary to the quite stable LiL⁺ complex in acetonitrile, no complexation was observed in methanol under the conditions used.     

Unexplored metallic cation effect in the acidity constants of p-t-butylthiacalix[4]arene,p-t-butylcalix[4]arene and p-t-butylcalix[6]arene in aqueous-organic media

The influence of the metallic cation of the base (Li⁺, Na⁺ or K⁺) was determined on the acid–base constants of p-t-butylthiacalix[4]arene (TC4), p-t-butylcalix[4]arene (CA4) and p-t-butylcalix[6]arene (CA6) in ethanol/water in an large interval of pH values by potentiometry and spectrophotometry. The pK_a values determined by both methods correlate very well and these are characteristic for each macrocycle with influence of the cation of the base without a straight evidence of an effect by the size of the metallic cation. In the case of TC4, pK_a1 and pK_a2 were lower to Li⁺ and Na⁺ than with K⁺. For CA4, an effect of K⁺ on the pK_a2 with respect to Li⁺ was observed. A very different behaviour was observed for CA6 with Li⁺ and K⁺ showing a lower pK_a2 and a higher pK_a3 than with Na⁺. These effects were interpreted on the basis of the interaction/complexation of each cation with each macrocycle.     

New Synthetic Route to Water-Soluble Prism[5]arene Hosts and Their Molecular Recognition Properties**

We report that the direct macrocyclization of naphthalene monomers bearing ethyl ester functional groups delivers prism[5]arene derivatives, which can be deprotected to yield water-soluble prism[5]arenes ( H1 and H3 ). ¹H NMR spectroscopy showed that dicationic guests bind with the hydrophobic cores buried inside the anisotropic magnetically shielding cavity. Isothermal titration calorimetry measurements showed that H1 and H3 are high-affinity hosts in PBS-buffered water with K_a values exceeding 10⁹ M⁻¹ for a select guest. The complexation events are driven by the non-classical hydrophobic effect, CH⋅⋅⋅π interactions, and electrostatic interactions. Host H1 displays somewhat higher affinity toward a common guest than pillar[6]arene bearing carboxylic acid functional groups but is significantly less potent than pillar[6]arene bearing sulfate groups. H1 and H3 should be considered alongside other high affinity hosts for a variety of chemical and biological applications.     

A New Bis-amidinium Calix[4]arene-difluorophosphinate Network: An Unexpected but not Unwelcome Guest

Abstract

A complex hydrogen bonded network is formed between a mono-deprotonated bis-amidinium calix[4]arene 1 and difluorophosphinate in the presence of methanol. The compound crystallises in the triclinic space group P1 with a=12.0665(5), b=12.5737(6), c=20.0201(15) å, α=86.4098(18), β=79.747(2), γ=66.816(4)°, and D _c=1.159 Mgm^?3 for Z=4.7824 independent reflections were collected and the final R1 [F ² > 2α(F ²)] was 0.1243.     

Syntheses and properties of functionalized oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins

Six new functionalized oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins have been synthesized via a high-yielding ‘3+1’ condensation between meso-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)triphenylporphyrin and readily available new fluorodinitrobenzene-containing trimers. The X-ray structure of one linear trimer is presented. The synthesis of a porphyrin containing two oxacalix[4]arene moieties is also reported using a similar strategy. ¹H NMR data and computer calculations using the AM1 semiempirical method incorporated into the Spartan program indicate that the oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins adopt 1,3-alternating conformations. The photophysical properties of the oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins were investigated.     

Esterolytic activity of imidazole-containing polymers. Synthesis and characterization of copoly[1-alkyl-4- or 5-vinylimidazole/4(5)-vinylimidazole] and its catalytic activity in the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate

The water-soluble monomers, 1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole, 1-methyl-5-vinylimidazole, 1-ethyl-5-vinylimidazole, and 1-propyl-5-vinylimidazole have been synthesized, polymerized, and copolymerized with 4(5)-vinylimidazole. The copolymers were characterized by ¹⁴C-labeling, NMR, pK_a determination and viscosity measurements. The monomer reactivity ratios determined by ¹⁴C counting are r₁ = 1.04; r₂ = 0.94 [M₁ = 4(5)-vinylimidazole, M₂ = 1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole] and r₁ = 1.01; r₂ = 0.86 [M₁ = 4(5)-vinylimidazole, M₂ = 1-methyl-5-vinylimidazole]. The esterolytic activity of the copolymers for the hydrolysis of p-nitrophenyl acetate (PNPA) at pH 7–8 in 28.5% ethanol–water was higher than that of the mixtures of homopolymers. At pH 5–6 the esterolytic activities of the copolymers and the mixtures were similar. The most efficient esterolytic activity for PNPA hydrolysis at pH 7.11 in 28.5% ethanol–water occurred for copolymers containing 75 mole % 4(5)-vinylimidazole and for copolymers containing 1-methyl-4-vinylimidazole rather than 1-methyl-5-vinylimidazole.     

The modes of complexation of benzimidazole with aqueous β-cyclodextrin explored by phase solubility, potentiometric titration, 1H-NMR and molecular modeling studies

The results of rigorous modeling of phase solubility diagrams, pH solubility profiles and potentiometric titrations revealed the following for benzimidazole (BZ) and BZ/β-CD complexation in aqueous solution: (a) the pK _a value of BZ estimated at 5.66 ± 0.08 was reduced to 5.33 ± 0.06 in the presence of 15 mM β-CD at 25 °C, thus indicating inclusion complex formation; (b) BZ forms soluble 1:1 and 2:1 BZ/β-CD complexes with complex formation constants K ₁₁ = 104 ± 8 M⁻¹ and K ₂₁ = 16 ± 6 M⁻¹; (c) protonated BZ forms only 1:1 complex with K ₁₁ = 42 ± 12 M⁻¹; (d) ¹H-NMR studies in D₂O showed significant upfield chemical shift displacements for inner cavity β-CD protons indicating inclusion complex formation, while (e) Molecular modeling of BZ-β-CD interactions in water clearly indicated complete inclusion of one BZ molecule into the β-CD cavity.     

Synthesis and structural characterization of a binuclear zirconium complex of tetraanionic p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene bridged by methanol

A zirconium complex with the p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene anion was synthesized and its crystal structure was determined by single-crystal X-ray analysis. The complex [Zr(μ₂-CH₃OH)(p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene)]₂·9H₂O (1) belongs to the orthorhombic system, space group Pnnm, with a?=?20.436(16), b?=?12.160(8), c?=?20.305(12)?Å, V?=?6774(7)?ų and Z?=?2. In Complex 1 zirconium coordinates to four phenolic anions of the deprotonated p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene and is bridged by two methanol molecules; the p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene adopts a cone conformation.