Metal ion complexation in acetonitrile by upper-rim allyl-substituted, di-ionized calix[4]arenes bearing two dansyl fluorophores

The influence of Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺ on the spectroscopic properties of two dansyl (1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl) groups linked to the lower rims of a series of three, structurally related, di-ionized calix[4]arenes is investigated by means of absorption and emission spectrophotometry. Di(tetramethylammonium) salts of the di-ionized ligands, L, L1, and L2, which differ in having no, two and four allyl groups, respectively, on the upper rim of the calix[4]arene scaffold, are utilized for the spectrofluorimetric titration experiments in MeCN. On complexation by alkaline earth metal cations, the emission spectra undergo marked red shifts and quenching of the dansyl fluorescence. These effects are weaker with alkali metal cations. Transition metal cations and Pb²⁺ interact strongly with the ligands. In particular, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ cause greater than 99% quenching of the dansyl fluorescence.     

Metal ion complexation in acetonitrile by di-ionized calix[4]arenes bearing two dansyl fluorophores

The influence of metal cations (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Co²⁺, Fe²⁺, Hg²⁺, Mn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Fe³⁺) on the spectroscopic properties of two dansyl (1-dimethylaminonaphthalene-5-sulfonyl) groups linked to the lower rims of a series of three, structurally related, di-ionized calix[4]arenes was investigated by means of absorption and emission spectrophotometry. Di(tetramethylammonium) salts of the di-ionized ligands, (TMA)₂L1, (TMA)₂L2 and (TMA)₂L3, which differ in having zero, two and four tert-butyl groups, respectively, on the upper rim of the calix[4]arene scaffold were utilized for the spectrofluorimetric titration experiments in acetonitrile. On complexation by alkaline earth metal cations, both the absorption and emission spectra undergo marked red shifts and quenching of the dansyl fluorescence. These effects are weaker with alkali metal cations. Transition metal cations interact strongly with the ligands. In particular, Fe³⁺, Hg²⁺ and Pb²⁺ cause greater than 97% quenching of the dansyl fluorescence in the di-ionized ligands.     

Cone di-ionisable calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 ligands with elongated pendant side arms: synthesis and metal ion extraction

Abstract

Syntheses of p-H-calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 and p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 ligands with two elongated, proton-ionisable side arms in the cone conformation are described. For solvent extractions from aqueous solution into chloroform, the influence of lengthening the lower rim proton-ionisable side arms and addition of para substituents to the upper rim of the calix[4]crown scaffold on the efficiency and selectivity of metal cation solvent extraction are evaluated.     

Alkali metal cation complexation by 1,3-alternate,mono-ionisable calix[4]arene-benzocrown-6 compounds

Alkali metal cation extraction behaviour for two series of 1,3-alternate, mono-ionisable calix[4]arene-benzocrown-6 compounds is examined. In Series 1, the proton-ionisable group (PIG) is a substituent on the benzo group of the polyether ring that directs it away from the crown ether cavity. In Series 2, the PIG is attached to one para position in the calixarene framework, thereby positioning it over the crown ether ring. Competitive solvent extraction of alkali metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform shows high Cs⁺ efficiency and selectivity. Single-species extraction pH profiles of Cs⁺ for Series 1 and 2 ligands with the same PIG are very similar. Thus, association of Cs⁺ with the calixcrown ring is more important than the position of the PIG relative to the crown ether cavity. Solid-state structures of two unionised ligands from Series 2 are presented. Also described is a crystal containing two different ionised ligand–Cs⁺ complexes.     

Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations: synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Two series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations are synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid moieties and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide units with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ their acidity. For competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform, the new ligands with N-(X)sulfonyl carbamoyl groups are efficient extractants with Ba²⁺ selectivity. On the other hand, the dicarboxylic acid analogues exhibit little selectivity in extraction of alkaline earth metal cations. For single species extractions of Pb²⁺, the ligands with both types of ionizable groups show very good extractions abilities. In single species extractions of Hg²⁺, the N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide ligands are highly efficient, in contrast to the dicarboxylic acid compounds. Influences of the ionizable group identity, the crown ether ring size, and the presence of upper-rim p-tert-butyl groups on divalent metal ion extraction are explored.     

Complex formation of hydronium ion with several crown ethers in 1,2-dichloroethane,acetonitrile, and nitrobenzene solutions

A conductance study concerning the interaction between hydronium ion and several crown ethers in acetonitrile, nitrobenzene and 1,2-dichloroethane solutions has been carried out at 25°C. The stability constants of the resulting 1:1 complexes in acetonitrile and nitrobenzene solutions were determined from the molar conductance-mole ratio data and found to vary in the order 18C6>DB30C10>DC18C6>DB18C6>DB21C7>DB24C8>B15C5. In 1,2-dichloroethane solution, the complexation process results in the dissociation of ion pairs. There is an inverse relationship between the stabilities of the complexes and the Gutmann donicity of the solvents. In nitrobenzene solution, some evidence for the formation of a 2:1 sandwich adduct between the smaller crowns (i.e., B15C5 and 18-crowns) are observed from the molar conductance-mole ratio data which is supported by the¹H NMR data.     

Intramolecular hydrogen bonding effect on metal ion complexation of homooxacalix[4]arene bearing tetraamides

N,N-Dipentylamido homooxacalix[4]arene (3) in the C-1,2-alternate conformation provided Pb²⁺ ion selectivity over other metal cations. N-Monopentylamido homooxacalix[4]arene in C-1,2-alternate conformation has an intramolecular hydrogen bonding, causing decrease of the metal ion complex ability.     

Conductance study of the thermodynamics of ammonium ion complexes with several crown ethers in acetonitrile solution

A conductance study concerning the interaction between ammonium ion and several crown ethers in acetonitrile solution has been carried out at different temperatures. The stability constants of the resulting 11 complexes at various temperatures were determined from the molar conductance-mole ratio data and found to vary in the order DC18C6>18C6>DB30C10>DB21C7>DB24C8>DB18C6>15C5>B15C5. The enthalpy and entropy of complexation were determined from the temperature dependence of the formation constants. The influence on the thermodynamic data of different parameters such as cavity size and dimensionality of crown ethers, nature of substituents in the polyether ring, conformations of the free and complexed ligands, solvent-ligand interaction and number of N–H bonds available for hydrogen bonding are discussed.     

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-4 ligands: synthesis and high divalent metal ion extraction selectivity

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-4 ethers in the cone conformation are synthesized with their conformation and regioselectivity verified by NMR spectroscopy. The new ligands are efficient extractants with high selectivity for Ba²⁺ in competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform.     

Synthesis,supramolecular complexation and DFTstudies of a bis(pyrene)-appended ‘capped’ triazole-linked calix[4]arene as Zn2+ and Cd2+ fluorescent chemosensors

ABSTRACT

A new bimodal triazole-bridged pyrene-appended calix[4]arene 2g has been synthesised and characterised and complexation studies showed that the binding of Cd²⁺ and Zn²⁺ occurs as demonstrated by enhanced monomer and declining excimer emission fluorescence spectral changes. With several other metal ions, quenching of both monomer and excimer emissions occurred. The observed monomer formation in the fluorescence spectra seen with Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ is possibly linked not just to the diminished parallel orientations of the pyrene rings but with the magnitude of the resulting HOMO-LUMO gaps and other parameters measured by DFT calculations.     

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.     

Complexation of fluoride anion and its ion pairs with alkali metal cations by tetra-substituted lower rim calix[4]arene tryptophan derivative

Abstract

Selective binding of fluoride anion and its alkali metal cation ion pairs by a fluorescent calix[4]arene (L) derivative bearing tryptophan moieties was studied in acetonitrile at 25 °C. It was found that LF^? and LF₂^2? complexes were formed and their stability constants were determined by means of UV and ¹H NMR titrations. Both amide and indole NH groups were involved in the stabilisation of the fluoride complexes, i.e. L afforded two anion-binding sites. ¹H NMR titrations provided evidence of simultaneous complexation of both Na⁺ cation and fluoride anion resulting in the formation of a ternary NaLF complex. In this ion pair complex, the Na⁺ cation was most probably bound primarily by the calixarene ether and amide oxygen atoms, whereas the indole NH groups interacted with the fluoride ion. A highly favourable ion pairing between Na⁺ and F^– in acetonitrile was studied using potentiometric measurements. The results pointed out the importance of fluoride pairing with alkali metal cations in aprotic organic solvents and the necessity of taking these reactions into account in the course of speciation studies of such solutions.     

Determining Metal Ion Complexation Kinetics with Fluorescent Ligands by Using Fluorescence Correlation Spectroscopy

Fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) has been extensively used to measure equilibrium binding constants (K) or association and dissociation rates in many reversible chemical reactions across chemistry and biology. For the majority of investigated reactions, the binding constant was on the order of ∼100 M⁻¹, with dissociation constants faster or equal to 10³ s⁻¹, which ensured that enough association/dissociation events occur during the typical diffusion-determined transition time of molecules through the FCS detection volume. However, complexation reactions involving metal ions and chelating ligands exhibit equilibrium constants exceeding 10⁴ M⁻¹. In the present paper, we explore the applicability of FCS for measuring reaction rates of such complexation reactions, and apply it to binding of iron, europium and uranyl ions to a fluorescent chelating ligand, calcein. For this purpose, we exploit the fact that the ligand fluorescence becomes strongly quenched after binding a metal ion, which results in strong intensity fluctuations that lead to a partial correlation decay in FCS. We also present measurements for the strongly radioactive ions of ²⁴¹Am³⁺, where the extreme sensitivity of FCS allows us to work with sample concentrations and volumes that exhibit close to negligible radioactivity levels. A general discussion of the applicability of FCS to the investigation of metal-ligand binding reactions concludes our paper.     

Solvent effects on complexation of crown ethers with LiClO4, NaClO4 and KClO4 in methanol and acetonitrile

The thermodynamic formation constants K_f for complexation of Li⁺, Na⁺ and K⁺ with the crown ethers 12C4 and 15C5 have been determined in methanol and acetonitrile at 25°C using precision conductivity data. The method permits evaluation of very small K_f values (e.g., K_f=6.98 mol^–1-dm³ for LiClO₄+12C4 in methanol) as well as fairly large values (e.g., K_f=2.73×10⁴ mol^–1-dm³ for NaClO₄+15C5 in acetonitrile). The determination of K_f values from conductivity data takes into consideration the often neglected ion pair formation of both the uncomplexed and the complexed cations. Our results for K_f are generally consistent with previously reported values based on potentiometry, calorimetry and polarography, but there are significant differences in several cases which we attribute to neglect of ion association both for the uncomplexed or free cation K_a and the macrocyclic complexed cation K_a2. Our results are also consistent with the well known concepts relating the magnitude of K_f to both the cavity diameter and ion-solvent interactions. Limiting molar conductivities ₂ ⁰ for the complex salt (M-crown ether) (ClO₄) in both solvents were generally found to be smaller or very close to the corresponding quantity ₁ ⁰ for the binary MClO₄-solvent system. However, in methanol, single ion limiting molar conductivities for the cationic complexes ₂ ⁰ exhibit anomalous behavior which is attributed to solvation differences between free cations and complexed cations.     

Metal ion extraction by cone p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 with two N-(X)sulfonyl carbamoylmethoxy side arms and -1,3-monothiacrown-5 analogues

Four cone p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-monothiacrown-5 ligands each with two N-(X)sulfonyl carbamoylmethoxy side arms are synthesized for comparison with analogs having only oxygen heteroatoms in the crown ether ring. Solvent extractions of hard alkali metal and alkaline earth metal cations, intermediate Pb²⁺, and soft Hg²⁺ from aqueous solutions into chloroform by these ligands are utilized to probe the effects of sulfur replacement in the crown ether ring on metal ion complexation.     

Synthesis of per-O-(carboxymethyl)calix[4]pyrogallols and their complexation with some alkaline metal and lanthanide ions

Complexones of a new class, viz., carboxy-functionalized calix[4]pyrrogallols, were synthesized. The per-O-(carboxymethyl)calix[4]pyrogallols obtained were established to exist in the (rel, cis, trans, trans)-configuration by 2D NMR spectroscopic data. According to the pH-potentiometric data, the interaction of these compounds with alkaline metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺) and lanthanide ions (La³⁺, Gd³⁺, Lu³⁺) in a water—DMSO system produces 1 : 1 complexes. The specific features of complexation of per-O-(carboxymethyl)calix[4]pyrogallols, as compared to their acyclic analogs, with alkaline metal and lanthanide ions are due to the cooperative effect of donor groups preorganized on the calixarene matrix.     

Synthesis of tripodal aza crown ether calix[4]arenes and their supramolecular chemistry with transition-, alkali metal ions and anions

Tripodal aza crown ether calix[4]arenes, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, have been synthesized. The structure of protonated 5a was elucidated by X-ray crystallography to be a self-threaded rotaxane. Complexation studies of 5a and 5b towards anions using Na⁺ as countercation were carried out by ¹H NMR titration in dimethylsulfoxide-d₆ and the mixture of chloroform-d and methanol-d₄, respectively. Ligands 5a and 5b were able to form 1:1 complexes with Br⁻, I⁻ and NO₃⁻ and the complexation stability varied as follows: NO₃⁻>I⁻>Br⁻. The effect of countercation on anion complexation was also investigated. The results showed that the association constants of 5a towards Br⁻ in the presence of various cations varied as K⁺>Bu₄N⁺>Na⁺. The enhancement in anion complexation ability of 5a may result from the rearrangement of the tripodal ammonium unit in the presence of K⁺. The neutral forms, 6a and 6b, were able to form complexes with transition metal ions such as Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺. The stability of the complexes followed the sequence: Ni²⁺2+Cu²⁺Zn²⁺. Compounds 6a and 6b may, therefore, potentially be used as either transition metal ion or anion receptors that can be controlled by pH of the solution.     

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-monothiacrown-3 ligands in the cone conformation: synthesis and metal ion extraction

A series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-3 compounds with a sulfur-containing unit bridging the proximate phenolic oxygens have been synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide groups with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ the acidity of the latter. The efficiency and selectivity of these novel ligands are assessed for competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations and of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform. Also the efficiencies for single species extractions of Pb²⁺ and of Hg²⁺ are determined. The results are compared with those reported previously for related ligands in which only oxygen heteroatoms are present in the crown ether unit.