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.     

Cesium Complex of an Unsymmetrical Calix[4]crown-dibenzocrown-6

An unsymmetrical calix[4]-bis-crown ether having both conventional crown-6 and dibenzocrown-6 rings in a fixed 1,3-alternate conformation was synthesized with good yield by the reaction of a monocyclic calix[4]crown-6 with dibenzodimesylate in the presence of cesium carbonate. The cesium ion selectivity among alkali metal ions increased compared to symmetrical calix[4]-bis-crown-6. The solid state structureof the ligand-cesium complex illustrates a 1:2 complex ratio. On the contrary, insolution, e.g., extraction equilibrium and ¹H NMR experiment gave a 1:1 complex ratio. From the result of the chemical shift change upon metal ion complex, the cesium ion seems to prefer the dibenzocrown loop to the conventional crown-6 ring.     

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.     

A series of tetrahomodioxacalix[4]biscrown-n. Syntheses, crystal structures, and metal binding abilities

A series of novel tetrahomodioxacalix[4]biscrowns with crown-2, crown-3, crown-4, crown-5, and crown-6 units were synthesized. Conformations of each product are dependent on the base used and their conformation stabilities. All conformations were proven by NMR spectra and/or X-ray crystal structures. The 1,3-alternate homodioxacalix[4]biscrown-4 (4b) shows the best selectivity for K+, whereas the 1,3-alternate homodioxacalix[4]crown-5 (5) does for Cs+. Those selectivities are attributable to electrostatic interaction between the metal ion and the crown ring, as well as a pi-metal complexation. However, the C-1,2-alternate conformation does not take the metal ions regardless of the crown species as a result of steric hindrance from the methylene bridge of an ArCH2Ar unit.     

Supramolecular cation assemblies of hydrogen-bonded (NH4+/NH2NH3+)(crown ether) in [Ni(dmit)2]-based molecular conductors and magnets

Hydrogen-bonded supramolecular cation assemblies of (NH4+/NH2-NH3+)(crown ether), where the crown ether is [12]crown-4, [15]crown-5, or [18]crown-6, were incorporated into electrically conducting [Ni(dmit)2] salts (dmit2- = 2-thioxo-1,3-dithiole-4,5-dithiolate). (NH4+)([12]crown-4)[Ni(dmit)2]3(CH3CN)2 had a pyramidal shape, while ionic channels were observed in (NH4+)(0.88)([15]crown-5)[Ni(dmit)(2)]2 and (NH4+)(0.70)([18]crown-6)[Ni(dmit)(2)]2. Both (NH4+)(0.88)([15]crown-5) and (NH4+)(0.70)([18]crown-6) contained regularly spaced [Ni(dmit)(2)] stacks formed by N-H.O hydrogen bonding between the oxygen atoms in crown ethers and the NH4+ ion. NH4+ occurred nonstoichiometrically; there were vacant ionic sites in the ionic channels. The ionic radius of NH4+ is larger than the cavity radius of [15]crown-5 and [18]crown-6. Therefore, NH4+ ions could not pass through the cavity and were distributed randomly in the ionic channels. The static disorder caused the conduction electrons to be randomly localized to the [Ni(dmit)2] stacks. Hydrazinium (NH2-NH3+) formed the supramolecular cations in (NH2-NH3+)([12]crown-4)2[Ni(dmit)2]4 and (NH2-NH3+)2([15]crown-5)3[Ni(dmit)2]6, possessing a sandwich and club-sandwich structure, respectively. To the best of our knowledge, these represent the first hydrazinium-crown ether assemblies to be identified in the solid. In the supramolecular cations, hydrogen bonding was detected between the ammonium or the amino protons of NH2-NH3+ and the oxygen atoms of crown ethers. The sandwich-type cations coexisted with the [Ni(dmit)2] dimer stacks. Although the assemblies were typically semiconducting, ferromagnetic interaction (Weiss temperature = +1 K) was detected in the case of (NH2-NH3+)2([15]crown-5)3[Ni(dmit)2]6. The (NH2-NH3+)0.8([18]crown-6)[Ni(dmit)2]2 and (NH4+)0.76([18]crown-6)[Ni(dmit)2]2 crystals were isomorphous. The large and flexible [18]crown-6 allowed for maintaining the same ionic channel structure through replacement of the NH4+ cation by NH2-NH3+.     

Silver ion shuttling in the trimer-mimic thiacalix[4]crown tube

Novel 1,3-alternate calix-thiacalix[4]crown trimers bearing crown-5 and crown-6 were prepared. As proven by X-ray diffraction, in a 1:2 mole ratio of ligand to metal ion, the Cs(+) and K(+) ions prefer to be encapsulated in the trimeric thiacalix[4]crown-6 and crown-5, respectively. On the contrary, the Ag(+) ion was found to be entrapped in the central thiacalix spacer as a 1:1 complex confirmed by (1)H NMR spectrosocpy. Variable-temperature (1)H NMR studies for the trimeric thiacalix[4]crown-6 encapsulating the silver ion revealed that the Ag(+) ion oscillates through the central thiacalix spacer with the aid of cation-pi interactions.     

Proton di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-crown-6 compounds in cone, partial-cone and 1,3-alternate conformations: synthesis and alkaline earth metal cation extraction

Novel proton di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-crown-6 compounds in cone, partial-cone and 1,3-alternate conformations are synthesized to compare the efficiency and selectivity with which they extract alkaline earth metal ions. In these ligands, a crown-6 polyether unit links alternate aromatic rings of the calix[4]arene framework. To the remaining lower-rim positions are attached oxyacetic acid or N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide groups. Changing the conformation varies the spatial relationship between a polyether-complexed divalent metal ion and the ionized side arms of the ligands. This is found to markedly affect the efficiency and selectivity in competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal ions from aqueous solutions into chloroform by the di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-6 ligands.     

Calix[4]crown in dual sensing functions with FRET

A new calix[4]crown chemosensor based on dual sensing probes reveals Pb²⁺ ion selectivity over other metal ions, which arises from a hypsochromic shift of azo units in UV spectrum as well as a fluorescence enhancement of pyrenyl parts in fluorescence spectrum via a suppressed FRET.     

How charging corannulene with one and two electrons affects its geometry and aggregation with sodium and potassium cations

Bowl-shaped mono- and dianions are prepared by reduction of corannulene (C(20)H(10), 1) with sodium and potassium metals in the presence of [18]crown-6 ether. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies of two sodium salts, [Na(THF)(2)([18]crown-6)](+)[1(-)] (2a) and [Na([18]crown-6)](+)[1(-)] (2b), reveal the presence of naked corannulene monoanions 1(-) in both cases. In contrast, the potassium adduct, [K([18]crown-6)](+)[1(-)] (3), shows an η(2)-binding of the K(+) ion to the convex face of 1(-). For the first time, corannulene dianions have been isolated as salts with sodium, [Na(2)([18]crown-6)](2+)[1(2-)] (4a) and [Na(THF)(2)([18]crown-6)](+)[Na([18]crown-6)](+)[1(2-)] (4b), and potassium counterions, [K([18]crown-6)](2)(+)[1(2-)] (5). Their structural characterization reveals geometry perturbations upon addition of two electrons to a bowl-shaped polyarene. It also demonstrates η(5)- or η(6)-binding of metals to the curved carbon surface of 1(2-), depending on the crystallization conditions. Both mono- and doubly-charged corannulene bowls show the preferential exo binding of Na(+) and K(+) ions in all investigated compounds. Various types of C-H···π interactions are found in the crystals of 2-5. The UV/Vis, ESR, and (1)H NMR spectroscopic studies of 2-5 indicate different coordination environment of corannulene anions in solution, depending on the metal ion.     

Chromogenic azo-coupled calix[4]arenes

Novel 1,3-alternate calix[4]azacrowns having an azo chromophoric pendent group were synthesized, and their 1,3-alternate conformations were confirmed by X-ray crystal structure. In view of the hypsochromical UV band shifting upon cation complexation, azo-coupled calix[4]azacrown-5 (3) showed the most selective shifting with alkali and alkaline metal ions. In addition, 3 revealed K+ ion selectivity not only due to the size comparability between the K+ ion and the azacrown-5 loop but also due to a significant K+-pi interaction between the two aromatic rings and the K+ ion. The UV band shifting is also dependent on the lipophilicity of the species of counteranion used.     

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+).     

Selective complexation of alkali metal ions using crown ethers derived from calix[4]arenes: a computational investigation of the structural and energetic factors

A systematic analysis of the structural, energetic, and thermodynamic factors involved in alkali metal (i.e., Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺) complexation by four calix[4]arene crown-6 ethers in the 1,3-alternate conformation is presented here. The ligands (or hosts) in this work are identical to, or closely related to, the four molecules whose selectivity towards complexing Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ from aqueous solutions was studied experimentally by Casnati et al. (Tetrahedron 60(36):7869–7876, 2004). By dividing the complexation process into three different contributions, namely, the binding energy of the ion to the crown, the elastic energy of the crown, and the solvation effect, it becomes clear that the primary factor that determines ion selectivity in crown-6-ethers is not the size of the crown, as currently believed. All four crown ethers preferentially complex with the smallest ion (Na⁺) in the gas phase. In the condensed phase, these crown-6 ethers preferentially complex with the larger ions only because the aqueous solvation energies of the alkali metal ions make it thermodynamically less favorable to extract the smaller ions from aqueous solutions. This suggests that the current understanding of the factors influencing the selectivity of metal ion complexation by crown ethers may be in need of revision.     

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.     

1,3-Alternate and C-1,2-Alternate Tetrahomodioxacalix[4]crowns. Crystal Structures and Metal Ion Complexation

Two novel tetrahomodioxacalix[4]crowns with crown-5 and crown-6 rings weresynthesized. From X-ray crystal structures, homooxacalix[4]crown-5 (3) andhomooxacalix[4]crown-6 (2) were found to be in the 1,3-alternate and theC-1,2-alternate conformations, respectively. Homooxacalix[4]crown-5 (1)shows a marked selectivity for cesium ion over other metal ions tested.     

Design and Synthesis of Calixarene‐Based Bis‐alkynyl‐Bridged Dinuclear AuI Isonitrile Complexes as Luminescent Ion Probes by the Modulation of Au⋅⋅⋅Au Interactions

Two calixarene‐based bis‐alkynyl‐bridged Au^I isonitrile complexes with two different crown ether pendants, [{calix[4]arene‐(OCH₂CONH‐C₆H₄C≡C)₂}{Au(CNR)}₂] (R=benzo[15]crown‐5 ( 1 ); R=benzo[18]crown‐6 ( 2 )), together with their related crown‐free analogue 3 (R=C₆H₃(OMe)₂‐3,4) and a mononuclear gold(I) complex 4 with benzo[15]crown‐5 pendant, have been designed and synthesized, and their photophysical properties have been studied. The X‐ray structure of the ligand, calix[4]arene‐(OCH₂CONH‐C₆H₄C?CH)₂ has been determined. The cation‐binding properties of these complexes with various metal ions have been studied using UV/Vis, emission, ¹H NMR, and ESI‐MS techniques, and DFT calculations. A new low‐energy emission band associated with Au???Au interaction could be switched on upon formation of the metal ion‐bound adduct in a sandwich fashion.     

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⁺.     

Rapid metal ions shuttling through 1,3-alternate Thiacalix[4]crown tubes

Several new thiacalix[4]monocrown and thiacalix[4]biscrown compounds were synthesized. Their metal ion extractabilities are found to be lower than those of conventional calix[4]crowns. By use of X-ray crystal structures and (1)H NMR spectroscopy, this result is explained by weaker electrostatic interactions of the polyether ring oxygen atoms with the metal ions and diminished pi-metal ion interactions between the metal ions and the aromatic rings of the thiacalix[4]crowns. Temperature-dependent (1)H NMR spectroscopic measurements reveal coalescence temperatures T(c)(intra) and T(c)(inter) for metal ion exchange. In one case, this exchange was rationalized as metal ion shuttling through a thiacalix[4]biscrown tube. Since the metal ions are less tightly complexed by the polyether units in thiacalix[4]biscrowns than in conventional calix[4]biscrowns, more facile metal ion exchange between the two polyether units takes place in the former.     

Density Functional Theoretical Investigation of Remarkably High Selectivity of the Cs(+) Ion over the Na(+) Ion toward Macrocyclic Hybrid Calix-Bis-Crown Ether

Density functional theoretical analysis was performed to explore the enhanced selectivity of the Cs(+) ion over the Na(+) ion with hybrid calix[4]-bis-crown macrocyclic ligand compared to 18-crown-6 ether. The calculated selectivity data for Cs(+)/Na(+) with hybrid calix[4]-bis-crown ligand using the free energy of extraction employing thermodynamical cycle was found to be in excellent agreement with the reported solvent extraction results. The present study further establishes that the selectivity for a specific metal ion between two competitive ligands is primarily due to the complexation free energy of the ligand to the metal ions and is independent of the aqueous solvent effect but strongly depends on the dielectricity of the organic solvents and the presence of the coanion.     

Upper rim allyl- and arylazo-coupled calix[4]arenes as highly sensitive chromogenic sensors for Hg2+ ion

The syntheses and chromogenic properties of calix[4]arenes, carrying 5,17-bisallyl-11,23-bis(p-X-phenyl)azo 3a-c, 5,11,17-triallyl-23-(p-X-phenyl)azo 4a-c, and 5,17-bis(hydroxypropyl)-11,23-bis(p-X-phenyl)azo groups on the upper rims 5a,b, are described. Unexpectedly, UV/vis spectra of the very popular 4-(4-nitrophenyl)azophenol-coupled calix[4]arenes 3c and 4c did not show any shift in lambda(max) when 10 different metal perchlorates were added separately to the host in a methanol-chloroform (v/v = 1/399) cosolvent. In contrast, the absorption spectra of calix[4]arenes with either 4-methoxyphenylazo (3b-5b) or 4-phenylazo (3a-5a) on the upper rim showed substantial bathochromic shifts (Deltalambda = 128-162 nm) upon the addition of soft metal ions (such as Hg(2+), Cr(3+), and Cu(2+)). The 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)azophenol-coupled calix[4]arenes (the 3b-5b series) are found to be highly sensitive for mercury ion (Hg(2+)) among the 10 different metal ions screened. Strong interactions between Hg(2+) ion and the 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)azophenol(s) as well as the p-allyl groups are corroborated by the (1)H NMR studies of 3a,b.Hg(2+) complexes. Furthermore, Job's plots revealed 1:1 binding stoichiometry for all these p-allyl- and arylazo-coupled calix[4]arenes with transition metal ions, and Benesi-Hilderbrand plots were used for the determination of their association constants.     

Synthesis of p‐tert‐Butyl‐calix[6] ‐biscrown‐3 via Intramolecular Ring‐closure of 1,4‐Bis (2‐(2‐chloroethoxy) ethoxy) ‐p‐tert‐butyl‐calix[6]arene

With a variation in reaction conditions, 1, 4‐bis (2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethoxy)‐calix[6]arene (3) and l,3,5‐tris(2‐(2‐chloroethoxy) ethoxy)‐calix [6] arene (4) or 4 and 4‐chloroethoxyethoxy‐calix[6]crown‐3 (5) were selectively synthesized from p‐tert‐butyl‐calix [6] arene and 2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethyltosylate. l,3–4,6‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[6]‐bis‐crown‐3 (6) with (u,u,u,d,d,d) conformation and 1,3–4,5‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[6]‐biscrown‐3 (7) with self‐anchored (u,u, u, u, u, d) conformation were synthesized through an intramolecularly ring‐closing condensation of 1, 4‐bis (2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethoxy)‐p‐tert‐butyl‐calix[6]arene (3) in 25% and 15% yield, respectively. Using 5 instead of 3, only 7 was obtained in 65% high yield. 6 and 7 show different complexation properties toward alkali metal and ammonium ions.