Synthesis of the first examples of p-bromodienone and transannular spirodienone calixarene derivatives

The first examples of p-bromodienone calixarene derivatives (6-7 and 9-10) have been obtained by treatment of 1,5-dihydroxy-hexaalkoxycalix[8]arenes 5 or tripropoxycalix[4]arene 8 with trimethylphenylammonium tribromide and a saturated solution of NaHCO₃. The first transannular spirodienone derivative 11 was only obtained in the presence of NaOH or using the KOH/I₂/PEG-200 oxidizing system.     

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.     

Selective functionalization at the small rim of calix[6]arene. Synthesis of novel non-symmetrical N3, N4 and N3ArO biomimetic ligands

Eight novel calix[6]arene-based biomimetic ligands for transition metal ions have been synthesized. They display a non-symmetrical N₃, N₄ or N₃ArO binding core that mimics enzyme active sites presenting histidine and tyrosine residues. The key step for their synthesis is the mono-alkylation at the small rim of the C_3v symmetrical trimethyl ether derivative of tBu-calix[6]arene with N-Boc-2-chloroethylamine to yield a novel calix[6]arene synthon. Its combined O-alkylation with a chloromethyl aromatic amine and N-deprotection or alkylation or reductive alkylation with a salicylaldehyde derivative yielded the calix[6]arene-based ligands with mixed N/O donors.     

Effect of the glutaraldehyde derivatives of Calix[n]arene as cross-linker reagents on lipase immobilization

Synthesis of the glutaraldehyde derivatives calix[n]arene (n = 4,6,8) (Calix[n]-GA) and using as cross-linkers for immobilization of Candida rugosa lipase (CRL) have been discussed in this paper. The amino functional calix[n]arene derivatives (Calix[n]-NH ₂) were synthesized via reduction of dinitrile, hexanitrile and octanitrile derivatives of calix[n]arenes. These amino functional calix[n]arene derivatives (Calix[n]-NH ₂) were converted to their aldehyde derivativatives with glutaraldehyde. The calix[n]arene derivatives were used in lipase immobilization in order to see the role of calix[n]arene binding site on the lipase activitiy and stability. The activity recovery of calix[n]arene-supported lipases (Calix[n]-CRL) based on the Calix[4]-CRL, Calix[6]-CRL and Calix[8]-CRL reaches to 53.5, 66.1 and 76.4%, respectively.     

An approach to the synthesis of chemically modified bisazocalix[4]arenes and their extraction properties

Bisazocalix[4]arenes [N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)benzene (1), N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)biphenyl (2) and N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)-2,2′-dinitro biphenyl (3)] have been synthesized from 25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene by diazocoupling with the corresponding aromatic diamines (p-phenylenediamine, 4,4′-diamino biphenyl and 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-dinitrobiphenyl). Extraction studies of bisazocalix[4]arenes 1, 2, and 3 show no difference in their extraction behavior and selectivity, whereas azocalix[4]arenes are a poor extractant for heavy metal cations. The absorption spectra of the prepared bisazocalix[4]arenes are discussed, both the effect of varying pH and solvent upon the absorption ability of bisazocalix[4]arenes.     

Synthesis of novel chiral Schiff base and amino alcohol derivatives of calix[4]arene and chiral recognition properties

In the present study, the synthesis and liquid phase extraction properties towards some amino acid methylesters and amino alcohols of Schiff base and amino alcohol substituted calix[4]arene are reported. The Schiff base substituted calix[4]arene 5 has been synthesized via condensation reaction involving 5,17-diformyl-11,23-di-tert-butyl-25,27-di[3-(4-formylphenoxy)propoxy]-26,28 dihydroxycalix[4]arene 4 and (R)-(?)-2-phenylglycine methyl ester in CHCl₃:MeOH. To give the amino alcohol substituted calix[4]arene 6, the synthesized chiral compound 5 was reduced by LiAlH₄. The new chiral Schiff base and amino alcohol derivatives of calix[4]arene have been characterized by a combination of FT-IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, FAB-MS and elemental analysis. Also, the extraction behaviors of 5 and 6 towards some selected amino acid methylesters and amino alcohols have been studied by liquid–liquid extraction.     

Synthesis of novel p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene derivatives and their cation binding ability: chromogenic effect upon side arms binding

A series of novel double-armed calix[4]arene derivatives, i.e. 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl -25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(4-nitroazo)benzylidene)amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxy-calix[4]-arene (4), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(2-nitroazo)benzylidene) amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(4-chloroazo)benzylidene)amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (6), have been synthesized as an selective chromoionophore for Na⁺. The complexation behavior of ligands 4-6 with alkali metal ions Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺and Cs⁺ has been evaluated by using UV-Vis spectrometry in CH₃CN-H₂O (99:1/V:V) solution at 25°C. The UV-Vis spectra show that the complexation of 4-6 with Na⁺exhibits obvious bathochromic shifts (λ_max 379→480 nm) and there is a unique color change in the solution from yellow to red upon complexation. The binding constants for Na⁺ are higher than that of other alkali metal ions, giving the highest cation selectivity up to 7 for Na⁺/K⁺. The binding ability and photophysical behavior of alkali cations by calix[4]arene derivatives 4-6 are discussed from the point of view of substituted effects at the lower rim of parent calix[4]arene and size-fit concept between host calix[4]arenes and guest cations.     

Synthesis of two new p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene β-ketoimin derivatives for extraction of dichromate anion

In this study the selective derivatization of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene was carried out and two new p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene β-ketoimin, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis-3-methyl-[(β-ketoimine)-ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4), and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis-3-chloro-[(β-ketoimine)-ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5) have been synthesized. In the synthesis, the lower rim of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene was modified in order to acquire binding site for the recognition of dichromate anion. It was observed that these ionophores 4 and 5 showed high affinity towards dichromate anion. The protonated Schiff-base forms of the receptors were effective for transferring the HCr₂O₇ ^? anion from aqueous phase to a dichloromethane phase.     

Aminolysis of p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene tetraethylacetates in cone, partial cone and 1,3-alternate conformation: synthesis of amide based receptors for oxyanions

Cone, partial cone and 1,3-alternate conformers of tetrathiacalix[4]arene tetraethylacetate were synthesized and subjected to aminolysis with alkyl amines [CH₃(CH₂)_nNH₂; n=2, 3, 5] to yield mono-, di-, tri- or tetrasubstituted p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene amides which were characterized by detailed analysis of their NMR spectral and single crystal X-ray crystallography. It has been observed that while the 1,3-alternate and cone conformers of the tetrathiacalix[4]arene tetraethylacetate gave corresponding tetrathiacalix[4]arene tetraamides under different experimental conditions, the corresponding partial cone conformer undergoes a cascade of regioselective reactions with the same amines. Variable temperature ¹H NMR experiments allowed the determination of relative stability of different conformers within the temperature range of 298-333 K. The synthesized derivatives were evaluated as molecular extractants for cations and anions and were determined to facilitate extraction of oxyanions (CrO₄²⁻ and Cr₂O₇²⁻) from aqueous to the organic phase. The studies have a significance in the design of tetrathiacalix[n]arene based molecular receptors for innovative applications.     

Guests inducing p-sulfonatocalix[4]arenes into nanocapsule and layer structure

Reaction of sodium p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and TbCl₃ in the presence of 2,2′-bipyridine-N,N′-dioxide (bpdo) gives the 2:1 supramolecular nanocapsule [[Tb(bpdo)₂·4H₂O]³⁺?{p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene⁴⁻}₂], which further interacts with the [Tb(bpdo)₄]³⁺ through charge-assisted π-stacking interactions forming a channel structure 1. In further investigation, we tried to use the terpyridine-1,1′,1′-trisoxide (tpto) instead of bpdo. Although we failed to isolate a supramolecular capsules based on the tpto, lanthanide and p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene, a layer structure derived from p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene with an unusual [Cu(tpto)₂]²⁺ incorporation into the cavity of the calixarene and an outside [Cu(tpto)₂]²⁺ balancing the charge, has been obtained. Fluorescence spectra show clearly that compound 1 possesses the luminescence characteristics of Tb³⁺ and the ligand bpdo can sensitize Tb³⁺ ion. Gas sorption experiment shows the channel structure 1 has highly selective gas sorption properties for water and methanol.     

Synthesis and properties of mono-O-[(N-(aminoalkyl)aminocarbonyl)-methoxy]thiacalix[4]arenes and novel mono-O-bridged bisthiacalix[4]arene

A simple method for thiacalix[4]arene O-monoamide preparation with high yields using 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-28-(ethoxycarbonyl)methoxy-2,8,14,20-tetrathiacalix[4]arene reaction with diaminoalkanes is reported. The solid state cyclization reaction of the acylethylenediamines function of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-28-O-[(N-(2-aminoethyl)aminocarbonyl)-methoxy]thiacalix[4]arene leading to the formation of the 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-28-[2-methoxy-imdazoline]thiacalix[4]arene compound is described for the first time for the calixarene macrocycle family. Finally, preliminary results show that O-mono-amide-thiacalixarene derivatives are promising candidates for the production of self-assembled materials and efficient precursors for the synthesis of bisthiacalix[4] arenes.     

Functionalisation of the upper rim of calix[4]arene via alcoholysis and hydrosilylation reactions

Metalation of 5,17-dibromo-25,26,27,28-tetra propoxy calix[4]arene (1) with n-BuLi in THF at −78 °C gave organolithium reagent, which reacted with Me₂HSiCl to give 5,17-bis(dimethylsilyl)-25,26,27,28-tetra propoxy calix[4]arene (2). The Si-H groups of calixarene 2 were treated with methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, 2-propanol and 2-methyl propanol in the presence of Karstedt catalyst (platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl disiloxane complex, solution in xylene) to give the corresponding 5,17-bis(alkoxydimethylsilyl)-25,26,27,28-tetra propoxy calix[4]arene (3). Moreover, calixarene 2 was easily functionalized with a variety of alkenes using Karstedt catalyst to give the corresponding organosilylated calix[4]arene (4).     

Synthesis of conformationally diverse tetrathiacalix[4]arene(amido)crowns and tetrathiacalix[4]arene amides with pendant amine functions

A series of conformationally diverse novel tetrathiacalix[4]arene(amido)crowns and amides from tetrakis((ethoxycarbonyl)methoxy)p-tert-butyl tetrathiacalix[4]arene and its debutylated analog have been prepared by their reaction with diamines [H₂N(CH₂)_nNH₂; n=2,3,4, and 6] and polyamines. It has been determined that the length of the alkyl spacer in diamines is pivotal for the formation of either the tetrathiacalix[4]arene bis(amido)crowns or tetrathiacalix[4]arene amides with pendant amine functions. The synthesized compounds represent potential building blocks for achieving sophisticated molecular assemblies for molecular organization and recognition. Single crystal X-ray analysis of tetrathiacalix[4]arene bis(amido)crown 6a revealed that it has a 1,3-alternate conformation, which forms supramolecular complexes with chloroform.     

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.     

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.     

Liquid membrane transport of cytochrome c using a calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative as a carrier

The present study examined the liquid membrane transport of the cationic protein cytochrome c, using the macrocyclic compound calix[6]arene, which is a carboxylic acid derivative, as a carrier. The transport rate was governed by carrier concentration and the pH gradient between the feed and the receiving phases, as well as the salt concentration in the aqueous phases. Transport of cytochrome c was examined using a series of calix[n]arene carboxylic acid derivatives (n = 4, 6 and 8). Cytochrome c successfully permeated membranes in the presence of the calix[6]arene derivative. Liquid membrane separation of cytochrome c from a mixture of cationic proteins was demonstrated under optimal conditions. Cytochrome c was selectively extracted by the calix[6]arene carboxylic acid derivative and 77% of the extracted cytochrome c was recovered into the receiving phase. In this liquid membrane system, which discriminates between the number of lysine residues on the surface of proteins, cationic proteins with similar molecular weights and pIs were separated with macrocyclic compounds.     

Information transfer in calix[4]arenes: influence of upper rim substitution on alkaline metal complexation at the lower rim

Novel calix[4]arene amides have been synthesized and their interaction with alkaline cations has been evaluated through extracting aqueous solutions of Li-, Na- and K-picrates with solutions of calix[4]arene amides in CH₂Cl₂. Electron-withdrawing groups on the upper rim of the calix[4]arene scaffold were found to have a negative effect on the absolute amount of metal ions extracted. The decreased extraction ability is accompanied by a higher selectivity towards sodium cations.     

Glycoclusters presenting lactose on calix[4]arene cores display trypanocidal activity

A new series of water-soluble tetravalent glycoclusters incorporating β-lactosyl residues attached to a central calix[4]arene core was synthesised using azide-alkyne Cu(I)-catalysed cycloaddition (‘click chemistry’). Carbohydrate moieties were attached either to the upper or lower rim of rigid cone-shaped or partial cone macrocycles via 14-21 atom spacer arms. The glycoclusters with a C₄-symmetrical arrangement of β-lactosyl residues showed trypanocidal activity, with one of them showing comparable activity to established anti-trypanosomal drug benznidazole in in vitro anti-parasite assays.     

碱金属掺杂叔丁基杯[4]芳烃体系的结构及非线性光学性质

采用密度泛函理论B3LYP方法得到了M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene和（M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene）Li'（M=Li,Na,K）体系的几何结构. 其中（M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene）Li'（M=Li,Na,K）三个体系各有5个稳定异构体,在前三个异构体中,碱金属与t-Bu-calix[4]arene分子间具有很强的相互作用能,说明了体系的稳定性. 在部分（M@t-Bucalix[4]arene）Li异构体中Li'原子以阴离子形式存在,整个体系表现出碱金属化物的特性. 此外,使用CAMB3LYP方法计算了t-Bu-calix[4]arene及碱金属掺杂后体系的非线性光学性质. 结果表明,t-Bu-calix[4]arene内部掺杂一个碱金属原子M后,体系的一阶超极化率（β₀）有较大提高,而在配体外部又掺杂一个Li原子后,体系具有更大的β₀值. 其中（M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene）Li'体系的MLi'-4异构体表现出最高的β₀值（41827-114354 a.u.）,并且随着M原子序数的增加而逐渐增大. 可见,碱金属掺杂是提高t-Bu-calix[4]arene非线性光学响应的一种有效策略.