Metallic macrocycle with a 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene phosphorus ligand

The preparation of an 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene phosphorus ligand, 25,27-bis(2-(diphenylphosphino)ethoxy)-26,28-bis(1-propyloxy)calix[4]arene (3), is presented. Ligand 3 is obtained in three steps in 64% overall yield. Reaction of 3 with [Rh(cot)2]BF4 produced the encapsulated rhodium complex [Rh[(P,P)-diphen-calix[4]arene]]BF4 (4). As revealed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study, the rhodium center has a bent coordination environment with a P-Rh-P angle of 135.66(3) degrees. Palladation of 3 employing [Pd(MeCN)4](BF4)2 yielded the chelate palladium complex 7 in which the palladium center has a slightly bent configuration. Treatment of the ligand with Pd(cod)Cl2 and [Pd(eta3-C4H7)(THF)2]BF4 leads to the isolation of the monometallic complex. Full characterization includes X-ray structural studies of compounds 3, 4, and 6.     

Exchange coupling mediated through-bonds and through-space in conformationally constrained polyradical scaffolds: calix[4]arene nitroxide tetraradicals and diradical

Calix[4]arenes constrained to the 1,3-alternate conformation and functionalized at the upper rim with four and two tert-butylnitroxides have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic resonance (EPR and (1)H NMR) spectroscopy, and magnetic studies. The 1,3-alternate nitroxide tetraradical and diradical provide unique polyradical scaffolds for dissection of the through-bond and through-space intramolecular exchange couplings. In addition, detailed magnetic studies of the previously reported calix[4]arene nitroxide tetraradical, which possesses cone conformation in solution, reveal conformational dependence of exchange coupling. Through-bond coupling between the adjacent nitroxide radicals is mediated by the nitroxide-m-phenylene-CH(2)-m-phenylene-nitroxide coupling pathway, and through-space coupling is found between the diagonal nitroxide radicals at the conformationally constrained N...N distance of 5-6 A. Magnetic studies of the calix[4]arene polyradical scaffolds in frozen solutions show that the through-bond exchange coupling in the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraradical is antiferromagnetic, while that in cone calix[4]arene tetraradical is ferromagnetic. The through-space exchange couplings are antiferromagnetic in both cone and 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraradical, as well as in the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene diradical. The exchange coupling constants (|J/k|) are of the order of 1 K.     

A paradigm shift in the construction of heterobimetallic complexes: synthesis of group 2 & 4 metal-calix[6]arene complexes

Deprotonation of calix[6]arenes with barium in methanol followed by the addition of [Ti(OPr(i))(4)] or [Zr(OBu(n))(4)] is effective in the formation of novel dimeric 2:1 barium-titanium(IV)/zirconium(IV) calix[6]arene complexes. In these complexes a central Ti(IV)/Zr(IV) coordinated in the exo-position connects the two calix[6]arenes in the 1,3-alternate conformation, each with an endo-barium sharing common phenolate groups with the titanium/zirconium centre and participating in cation-pi interactions. A homometallic barium calix[6]arene dimer was also prepared wherein the calix[6]arenes are in the 1,3-alternate conformation with each coordinating one endo- and one exo-barium centre. The exo-barium cations connect the two calix[6]arenes through bridging methanol ligands. In this and the heterometallic complexes, cation-pi complexation of the Ba(2+) ion within the 1,3 alternate conformation of calix[6]arene facilitates the formation of the dimeric complexes in methanol. In contrast, the smaller Sr(2+) ion did not form similar complexes in methanol, and the formation of an analogous 2:1 strontium-titanium calixarene complex required the use of the more sterically demanding donor alcohol, isopropanol, the resulting complex being devoid of cation-pi interaction. The results show (i) that a subtle interplay of solvation strength, coordination array type and cavity/cation size influences the accessibility of heterobimetallic complexes based on calix[6]arenes, and (ii) a synergistic endo-exo binding behaviour.     

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⁺.     

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.     

Molecular tectonics: on the formation of 1-D silver coordination networks by thiacalixarenes bearing nitrile groups

Two new p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene derivatives 2 and 3 decorated at the lower rim with four nitrile groups have been prepared and structurally characterised in the crystalline phase. The two ligands, differing by the length of the spacer between the calix moiety and the nitrile group, adopt the 1,3-alternate conformation in the solid state. The ligand 3 bearing four (CH(2))(3)CN fragments behaves as a tecton in the presence of silver salts (AgX, X = BF(4), PF(6) or SbF(6)) and leads to the formation of analogous 1-D linear coordination networks. The tecton 3 acts as a bischelate unit and bridges consecutive silver cations adopting a tetrahedral coordination geometry. Anions and solvent molecules occupy the free space between networks and exhibit no specific interactions with the cationic architecture.     

2:1 Ba/Ti(IV) heterobimetallic complex based on two calix[6]arenes

Reaction of p-Bu(t)-calix[6]arene with barium metal in methanol then [Ti(OPr(i))4] affords a heterobimetallic complex with a central Ti(IV) attached to two calix[6]arenes in the 1,3-alternate conformation, each with an endo-barium sharing common phenolate groups with the titanium centre.     

Band intensity in the IR spectra and conformations of calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene

The experimental IR and Far IR spectra of the calix[4]arene, p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, thialcalix[4]arene and p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene were examined at different temperatures and interpreted. The band frequencies and intensities in the IR spectra of the calix[4]arene and thialcalix[4]arene were calculated. The absorption curves of the four possible calix[4]arene conformations: cone, partial cone, 1,2- and 1,3-alternate were computed. The bands characteristic for each conformation are defined and assigned. The obtained spectra-structure correlation can be used for the characteristic of calixarenes conformation.     

Synthesis of cone, partial-cone, and 1,3-alternate 25, 27-Bis

The preparation of 25,27-bis[1-(2-ethyl)hexyl]- and 25, 27-bis[1-(2-tert-butoxy)ethyl]calix[4]arene-crown-6 combining one polyether crown-6 and one alkylchain O-attached on each side of a calix[4]arene in the cone, partial-cone, and 1,3-alternate conformations are reported. The control over 25, 27-bisalkylcalix[4]arene-crown-6 conformation via varying specific reaction conditions was studied. The series of calix[4]arenes have been prepared by two routes, which differ in the order in which the alkyl or polyether groups were introduced. Moreover, methods have been developed to selectively prepare the cone and partial-cone conformers by using an appropriate base in the alkylation reactions. The conformations of these new derivatives have been probed by (1)H NMR analysis and X-ray crystallography. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of 25,27-bis[1-(2-ethyl)hexyl]calix[4]arene-crown-6, 1, 3-alternate 1, cone 2, and partial-cone 3 are also discussed.     

New preorganized calix[4]arenes. Part II. Double Schiff-based calix[4]arenes derived from 4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24,25,26,27,28-dodecamethyl-5,11,17,23-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene

We describe the condensation of an appropriate tetraaldehyde derivative of mesitol calix[4]arene with 1,n-diaminoalkanes to afford double Schiff-base calix[4]arene receptors in the 1,3-alternate conformation.     

Electrochemical investigation of nano-baskets of calix[4]-1,3-crowns-5,6 complexes

Four nano-baskets of calixarene including cone 25,27-di(carboxymethoxy)calix[4]arene-crown-5, 1,3-alternate 25,27-di[carboxymethoxy]-calix[4]arene-crown-5, cone 25,27-bis[carboxymethoxy]calix[4]arene-crown-6 and 1,3-alternate 25,27-di[carboxymethoxy]-calix[4]arene-crown-6 were synthesized and their binding abilities towards alkali and alkaline earth metals as well as some lanthanides were studied using differential pulse voltammetry. The novelty of this study was investigation of those macrocyclic complexes by voltammetric behaviors of two acidic moieties in each scaffold during complexation of crown ether ring. Their voltammetric behaviors were closely related to the complex formation by entrapment of cation into crown ether cavity and ion–dipole interaction between cation and acidic moieties in calixcrowns. The results revealed the selective changes in voltammetric behavior of synthesized scaffolds toward the cations. Moreover, the position of crown ether in 1,3-alternate instead of cone enhanced the domain of binding ability to more cations. Furthermore, it was shown that those carboxylic acid moieties, which were far from the crown ether ring in the 1,3-alternate, did not affected by encapsulated cations in the coordination space of crown ether and showed no voltammetric behavior.     

Impact of multiple cation-pi interactions upon calix[4]arene substrate binding and specificity

The cation-pi interaction influence on the conformation and binding of calix[4]arenes to alkali-metal cations has been studied using a dehydroxylated model. The model allows for the separation of cooperative cation-pi and electrostatic forces commonly found in the binding motifs found in calixarene complexes. Starting from the four well-known calix[4]arene conformations, six conformers for this dehydroxylated model (cone, partial cone, flattened cone, chair, 1,2-alternate, and 1,3-alternate) have been characterized by geometry optimization and frequency analysis using the Becke three-parameter exchange functional with the nonlocal correlation functional of Lee, Yang, and Parr and the 6-31G(d) basis set. Without the stabilization provided by the hydroxyl hydrogen bonds in calix[4]arene, neither the cone nor the 1,2-alternate conformation is computed to be a ground-state structure. The partial cone, flattened cone, chair, and 1,3-alternate conformers have been identified as ground-state structures in a vacuum, with the partial cone and the 1,3-alternate as the lowest energy minima in the aromatic model. The C(4)(v)() cone conformation is found to be a transition structure separating the flattened cone (C(2)(v)()) conformers. The energetic and structural preferences of the calix[4]arene model change dramatically when it is bound to Li(+), Na(+), and K(+). The number of pi-faces, the positioning of these pi-faces with respect to the cations, and the nature of the cation were studied as factors in the binding strength. A detailed study of the distances and angles between the aromatic ring centroids and the cations reveals the energetic advantages of multiple weak cation-pi interactions. The geometries are often far from the optimal cation-pi interaction in which the cation approaches in a perpendicular path the aromatic ring center, where the quadrupole moment is strongest. The results reveal that multiple weaker nonoptimal cation-pi interactions contribute significantly to the overall binding strength. This theoretical analysis underscores the importance of neighboring aromatic faces and provides new insight into the significance of cation-pi binding, not only for calix[4]arenes, but also for other supramolecular and biological systems.     

Self-assembled monolayers of organosulphur molecules bearing calix[4]arene moieties

We investigate the self-assembly of modified calix[4]arene on gold surfaces. Calix[4]arene was modified through a reaction sequence which led to assembling of the crown-5 moiety and to the insertion of two thioether groups into the starting molecule. The so-obtained calix[4]arene-crown-5 bis(7-thiatridecyloxy) (hereafter called calix[4]arene) was in the stable 1,3-alternate conformation. The calix[4]arene/gold interface was investigated by means of spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and cyclic voltammetry (CV). SE data indicate a layer thickness compatible with the formation of a monomolecular layer. This result is confirmed by STM imaging which shows the formation of a high density of small pits, one gold layer deep, a typical feature of self-assembled organosulphur monolayers on gold. CV measurements performed in presence of the [Ru(NH(3))(6)(2+/3+)] redox couple indicate a passivation of the metal electrode, resulting in a reduction of the redox current, after the layer deposition. CV has also been used to investigate the selectivity properties of calix[4]arene-covered gold electrodes by measuring the redox current decrease in the presence of different salt solutions. It is found that calix[4]arene-covered electrodes are able to complex K(+) and Ba(2+), while no complexation is observed in the case of Li(+), Na(+), Cs(+), Mg(2+) and Ca(2+).     

Modular assembly of a preorganised, ditopic receptor for dicarboxylates

Two types of calix[4]arene derived hosts for anions with, respectively, 1,3-alternate and cone conformations have been prepared; the 1,3-alternate system binds dicarboxylate anions in a ditopic manner while the cone compounds are deprotonated by carboxylates.     

Phosphorus-based p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene ligands

New calix[5]arene trivalent phosphorus derivatives have been synthesized which should be excellent ligands with which to study and control the interaction of a ligand atom with a metal. The larger cavity of the calix[5]arene (compared to calix[4]arene) provides a good balance between constraint and flexibility. Treatment of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene with 2 equiv of either tris(dimethylamino)phosphine or dichlorophenylphosphine inserts two RP moieties into the calix[5]arene framework to give calix[5](PR)2(OH) (1, R = Me2N; 2, R = Ph). Further treatment of 1 with 4 equiv of HCl gives calix[5](PCl)2(OH) (3). Heating a solution of the monophosphorus compound calix[5](PNMe2)(OH)3 (4) releases dimethylamine to yield both monomeric calix[5](P)(OH)2 (6) and dimeric [calix[5](P)(OH)2](2) (7), the latter having a tubelike geometry. X-ray crystallographic studies confirm the structures and show that 1 and 2 have approximate cone conformations while 3 has an approximate 1,2-alternate conformation. The orientations of the phosphorus lone pairs and oxygen atoms in all derivatives provide a framework for both soft and hard ligand interactions within the calix[5]arene.     

The Preorganization Effect of the Calix[4]arene Platform on the Extraction Properties of Acetylhydrazide Groups with Transition Metal Ions

The binding properties of the cone conformer of O,O,O,O-tetrakis[hydrazinocarbonylmethyl]-4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, the cone and the 1,3-alternate conformers of the corresponding thia analogue have been evaluated by means of liquid–liquid extraction for a large variety of metal ions. The extraction constants and the stoichiometries of the complexes formed have been determined. Comparison of the extraction properties of calix[4]arenes with their acyclic monomeric analogue clearly demonstrated, that the preorganization of acetylhydrazide groups on the calix[4]arene platform is the cause for a significant improvement of its binding properties. The presence of additional “soft” nitrogen binding sites in acetylhydrazide derivatives of calix[4]arenes compared to their amide derivatives leads to a shift from their classical selectivity for alkali and alkaline earth cations to transition metals. The cone conformer of tetrathiacalix[4]arene shows higher selectivity in a series of d-metal ions compared with its “classical” analogue. The 1,3-alternate conformer exhibits an excellent extraction selectivity for Cu²⁺ and Hg²⁺.     

Shaping the cavity of calixarene architecture for molecular recognition: synthesis and conformational properties of new azocalix[4]arenes

A series of new azocalix[4]arenes containing one, two, three, and four free phenolic groups have been synthesized through the reaction of 4-nitro- and 2,4-dinitrophenylhydrazines with flexible calix[4]arene diquinones as well as through diazocoupling reactions of calix[4]arenes. Characterization of synthesized compounds by spectroscopic methods and X-ray diffraction revealed that azocalix[4]arenes adopt a cone conformation if they contain at least one free phenolic group. Partial cone or 1,3-alternate conformers of azocalix[4]arenes result only when they are devoid of free phenolic groups. The results can be utilized to shape calix[4]arene architecture for ionic and molecular recognition.     

Synthesis, characterization of a novel calixarene having dipyridyl pendants and study of its complexes with Cu(II) and Co(II)

Two dipyridyl pendants were attached to the 1,3 positions of a calix[4]arene, with the purpose of having a ligand able to complex Cu(II) and Co(II). Indeed, the new ligand, fixed in its 1,3-alternate conformation, forms stable complexes with both Co(II) and Cu(II), as shown by UV-vis titrations carried out in acetonitrile. However, the data analysis clearly shows that the ligand forms with the two metal ions complexes having different stoichiometries.     

新型偶氮杯[4]芳烃的合成与构象研究

使用相应的w-硫醚羧酸酰氯与杯[4]芳烃或者偶氮杯[4]芳烃酰化合成了一类新型的杯[4]芳烃衍生物。分离得到六个新化合物4a-4c和5a-5c，并使用MALDI, EA, ¹H和¹³C NMR进行了表征。NMR图谱表明偶氮杯[4]芳烃衍生物 5a-5c均为1,3-转换构型，而4a-4c则均为锥式构型。对偶氮杯[4]芳烃衍生物5a-5c的红外和紫外性质也进行了研究。     

Chromogenic indoaniline armed-calix[4]azacrowns

Two novel chromogenic 1,3-alternate calix[4]azacrown (1) and calix[4]-bis-azacrown (2) in which an indoaniline chromophore was attached on the nitrogen atom of the azacrown unit with one methylene spacer were synthesized. The 1H NMR spectrum of the ligand 1 and Ca2+ proved that the metal ion is entrapped by the calix[4]azacrown unit and by the conjugated indoaniline system. From the UV/vis band shifts upon metal ion complexation, Zn2+ ion was found to give the largest band shifts compared to other metal cations, indicating that Zn2+ ion (K(a) = 18 760 M(-)(1) for 1 and K(a) = 19 930 M(-1) for 2) was selectively encapsulated by the calix[4]azacrown cavity with assistance of the pendent indoaniline sidearm.