New artificial receptors from selectively functionalized calix[4]arenes

Abstract

The development of new synthetic methods for the monoalkylation of calix[4]arenes at the lower rim allows the synthesis of a new class of trihydroxamate siderophores. Three chelating hydroxamic acid units are introduced through a sequence of reactions which blocks the macrocycle in the cone conformation. The new ligands obtained form neutral 1:1 complexes (FeL) with iron (III), which are stable in EtOH/H₂O 9:1 at pH 2–7. Calix[4]arene bis-crown ethers are prepared by exploiting the selective 1,2-(proximal) functionalization of calix[4]arenes at the lower rim. These ligands are, however, less effective in complexing alkali metal cations compared with the 1,3-calix[4]arene crown-ethers which, in their partial cone structure, offer a better shielding for the complexed cations. Rigid upper rim-bridged calix[4]arenes potentially useful for the inclusion of neutral molecules are prepared by exploiting the selective 1,3-diformylation of calix[4]arene at the upper rim. Finally a new chloromethylation method for calix[4]arenes blocked in the cone conformation is described together with the synthesis of new cavitands.     

Conformationally Selective Synthesis of Mononitrocalix[4]arene in Cone or Partial Cone

Nitro‐substituted calixarenes in a cone and a partial cone conformation were prepared selectively using distinct synthetic routes. The selective nitration of tris‐ or penta‐substituted phenols of calix[4]arene or calix[6]arene provided mononitrocalix[n ]arenes (n  =  4, 6). Subsequent addition of ethylene glycol (EG) moieties to mononitrocalix[4]arene provided tetraEGylcalix[4]arene in locked partial cone conformation. By an alternative route – initial addition of EG moieties to the non‐derivatized calix[4]arene followed by the uncontrolled nitration – provided mononitro‐ and dinitro‐tetraEGylcalix[4]arenes locked in the cone conformation. These nitrocalix[4]arenes with locked cone or partial cone conformation are useful building blocks for further assembly of supramolecular systems, especially in the area of material sciences.     

Evidence of Hydrogen Bonding in Stabilizing the Cone Conformation of a Monoalkylated Calix[4]arene. X-ray Structure of 25-[2-(ethoxy-1-p-toluene-sulfonate)phenyl]-26,27,28-trihydroxy calix[4]arene

The synthesis of25-[2-(ethoxy-1-p-toluene-sulfonate)phenyl]-26,27,28-trihydroxy calix[4]arene3 as a byproduct of the preparation of 1,3-dialkylated25,27-di-[2-(ethoxy-1p-toluene-sulfonate)phenyl]-26,28-dihydroxy calix[4]arene 2 is reported. Compound 3 is a monoalkylatedcalix[4]arene in the cone conformation. The X-ray structure of 3 showed that this conformation is stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding.     

新型多重氮杂杯[4]芳烃衍生物的合成

对叔丁基杯[4]芳烃-1,3-二醛基衍生物1与水杨酰肼、烟酰肼、异烟酰肼反应, 合成了具有开链结构新型杯[4]多重氮杂衍生物2a～2c, 产率分别为88%, 85%和90%. 化合物1与乙二酰肼、丙二酰肼、己二酰肼反应, 得到具有桥联结构的新型杯[4]多重氮杂衍生物3a～3c, 产率分别为86%, 89%和90%. 新化合物的结构经元素分析、质谱、核磁共振谱等表征证实, 杯[4]芳烃单元均为1,3-取代且采取锥式构象.     

Evidence for cation-π interactions in calixcrown·KPic complexes from X-ray crystal structure analysis and energy calculations

Abstract

The crystal and molecular structures of the 1,3-diisopropoxy-p-tertbutyl calix[4]arene crown-5 fixed in the partial cone conformation and that of its potassium picrate salt have been determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Energy calculations have been performed to gain more insight on the stabilizing cation…ligand interactions. The calculation of the total potential energy indicates that the contribution which comes from the electrostatic polarization induced by the electric field of the cation on the rotated nucleus gives a net stabilizing contribution of almost 6 kcal/mol. A comparison between the molecular geometry of some partial cone 1,3-disubstituted-p-tertbutylcalix[4]arene derivatives is reported and discussed in view of the preorganization principle.     

Synthesis and Cesium Binding Affinity of New 25,27-Bis(alkyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6 Conformers in Relation to the Alkyl Pendent Moiety

The preparation of new 25,27-bis(alkyloxy)calix[4]arenes-crown-6 in the cone, partial-cone and 1,3-alternate conformation is reported. We have also investigated the alkylation of the cone monoalkylated calix[4]arene-crown-6 achieved using Cs 2 CO 3 . This reaction afforded a mixture of cone and partial-cone calix[4]arenes-crown-6 having an alkyl chain anti or syn to the polyether ring. Conformations have been probed using 1 H, 13 C, 2D-NMR and NOESY analysis, and using X-ray crystallography. Extraction experiments using a two-phase solvent method involving cesium picrate were performed for these newly synthesized conformers. They reveal and confirm the strong preference for the 1,3-alternate conformers. The affinity of 1,3-alternate calixarenes for Cs + has been assessed by complexation measurements (log g ) using a spectrophotometric technique. No significant Cs + extraction difference was observed in relation to the nature of the alkyl chains on the aromatic rings. 1 H NMR studies of the 1,3-alternate calixarene Cs + complexes confirms the cation's spacial position between the two aromatic rings, due to cation- ~ interactions.     

Synthetic and NMR Studies on Calix[n]Arene (n = 4,6,8) Triflates,Mesylates, and Tosylates

Abstract

The synthesis and full characterization of eight new calix[n]arene sulfonate esters including their conformational analysis were carried out. While p-tBucalix[6]arene and p-tBu-calix[8]arene esters are conformationally labile in the temperature interval of 25–100°C, p-tBu-calix[4]arene mono-and diesters were isolated as stable conformers at ambient temperature. Two 1,3-functionalised compounds of these derivatives, p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene ditriflate (5) and dimesylate (6) were shown unexpectedly high conformational stability up to 100°C by dynamic NMR measurements. The NMR measurements confirm the pinched-cone conformation for both derivatives. For the dealkylated calix[4]arene derivatives the partial cone conformer of the triesters have been obtained as major products in all cases.     

Conformations and Structures of Two Novel Upper Rim Disubstituted Derivatives of Tetra-O-alkylcalix[4]arene: The Effect of Substituents

Two new calix[4]arene derivatives, 5,17-dinitro-26,28-dimethyoxy-25,27-dipropoxycalix[4]arene (4) and 5,17-diamino-26,28-dimethyoxy-25,27-dipropoxycalix[4]arene (5), have been synthesized and fully characterized. The ¹H NMR spectra measured in different solvents and temperatures indicated that the dominant conformer is partial cone for 4 and cone for 5, though there are some variations in relative ratio of partial cone to cone conformers. The structures of partial cone 4 and cone 5 are determined by X-ray crystallography. The different conformational behavior in compounds 4 and 5 is governed by the two substituents at the upper rim. The repulsion of the dipole due to the p-nitro substituents and weak interaction between methoxy group and the inverted anisole ring in the 4 may be responsible for stabilizing the partial cone conformation.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

Chiral Calix[3]pyrrole Derivatives: Synthesis,Racemization Kinetics,and Ring Expansion to Calix[9]- and Calix[12]pyrrole Analogues

Chiral pyrrolic macrocycles continue to attract interest. However, their molecular design remains challenging. Here, we report a calixpyrrole-based chiral macrocyclic system, calix[1]furan[1]pyrrole[1]thiophene ( 1 ), synthesized from an oligoketone. Macrocycle 1 adopts a partial cone conformation in the solid state, and undergoes racemization via ring inversion. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that inversion of the thiophene is the rate determining step. Pyrrole N-methylation suppressed racemization and permitted chiral resolution. Enantioselective N-methylation also occurred in the presence of a chiral ammonium salt, although the stereoselectivity is modest. A unique feature of 1 is that it acts as a useful synthetic precursor to yield several calix[n]furan[n]pyrrole[n]thiophene products (n=2–4), including a calix[12]pyrrole analogue that to our knowledge constitutes the largest calix[n]pyrrole-like species to be structurally characterized.     

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⁺.     

Calix[4]arenes with 1,2- and 1,3-upper rim tetrathiafulvalene bridges

Herein we report the synthesis of several calix[4]arene derivatives with tetrathiafulvalene bridges at the upper rim. Calix[4]arene-tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) conjugates 4a–d, fixed in cone conformation and comprising two smaller 1,2-bridges, were prepared by cyclisation of tetrakis-chloromethylated calix[4]arene 1 with 2,3-dithiolates of TTFs. Larger calix[4]arene-TTF macrocycles 14 and 15, also in cone conformation, contain 1,3-bridges and were synthesised by cyclisation of 2,6- and 2,7-dithiolates of TTFs with bis-bromomethylated calix[4]arene 7. Redox properties of new calix[4]arene-TTF conjugates were characterised using cyclic voltammetry.     

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.     

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.     

Selectively formylated and bridged calix[6]arene derivatives at the upper rim

The strategy of bridging the anisole units at the upper rim of calix[6]arene has been applied to strain the conformations of calix[6]arene. Based on the selective formylation of the 1,3,5-tri-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, several new calix[6]arene derivatives with different 1,3-bridged chains or a 1,3,5-tripod bridge at the upper rim have been prepared with moderate yields. The ¹H NMR spectra indicate that these calix[6]arene derivatives adopt a cone conformation, which has also been confirmed by the theoretical calculation at AM1 level. X-ray crystal structure of 1,3,5-tripod bridged compound 5 discloses that the calix[6]arene host stands in a cone conformation with approximate C_3v symmetry, and that a methanol molecule is enclosed in its hydrophobic cavity and stabilized by multi hydrogen bonds.     

The selective dealkylations: the formylations of the three easily accessible calix[4]arene conformers immobilized by propyl and isopropyl groups

Formyl groups were introduced to the para positions of the three easily accessible calix[4]arene conformers immobilized by four propyl or isopropyl groups by Duff reaction. Propyl group led to exhaustively formylated products due to the weak steric hinderance effect. While as for the isopropoxy calix[4]arenes, with the increase of steric hinderance, 1,3-alternate conformer gave exhaustively formylated product with no alkyl group dealkylating; partial cone conformer gave the tetraformylated proximal A,B-diether in 1,3-alternate conformation; and cone conformer led to triformylated derivatives accompanied by the selective dealkylations of three or two diametrical alkyl groups. The results indicated that the structures of the products were greatly influenced by the steric hinderance effect of the starting compounds.     

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.     

Synthesis, structure and spectroscopic properties of calix[4]phloroglucinarene dodecamethyl ether and its trifluoroacetic acid complex

The action of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) on 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzyl alcohol 3 affords the title tetrameric compound in high yield as a maroon TFA complex, 4; trituration of which with acetone gives the free, colorless, calix[4]phloroglucinarene (5) that can also be directly isolated by treating the reaction mixture with base. The novelty of compounds 4 and 5 is that they possess four additional methoxy groups, which occupy the cavity of the known calix[4]resorcinarene octamethyl ether (2). Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis shows that TFA-complex 4 exhibits transannular charge-transfer interactions between the opposite aromatic rings. The (1)H-NMR spectrum of the TFA-complex 4 does not change over a wide temperature range, strongly suggesting that it adopts a saddle (1,3-alternate) structure. The conformation of the free phloroglucinarene 5 is temperature-dependent, as determined by variable temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Tetramer 5 adopts a partial cone conformation at low temperatures, but at elevated temperatures is similar to that of the TFA complex 4 (saddle). Tetramer 5 is conformationally mobile at ambient temperature, but generally has a flattened cone (boat) conformation. The ΔG(≠) for inversion in 5 between partial cone and boat conformation is 12.5 Kcal mol(-1), while that between boat and saddle conformation is 14.3 Kcal mol(-1). Conformational changes are also dependant on pH.     

Calix[4]Arenes in the partial cone conformation as ionophores in silver ion-selective electrodes

Two calix[4]arene derivatives, in the partial cone conformation, with sulfur-containing functionalities, were tested as neutral carrier ionophores in potentiometric silver-selective electrodes of conventional membrane and membrane-coated glassy carbon electrode types. Comparison with a calix[4]arene in the cone conformation was made. The membranes were prepared using either 2-nitrophenyl octyl ether or bis(ethylhexyl)sebacate as plasticizers and potassium tetrakis(p-chlorophenyl)borate as the lipophilic salt in a poly(vinyl chloride) matrix. Both calix[4]arenes yielded electrodes of good sensitivity (approx. 47 mV dec⁻¹) in the range 10⁻⁴–10⁻¹ M and excellent selectivity [log K_Ag,_MH+ < −1.5] of transition, alkali and heavy metal cations, including sodium, mercury(II) and lead(II) cations. Temperature effects and reproducibility of response were determined and the interfering effects of mercury(II) and lead (II) ions on the membranes were noted. The partial cone conformation allows improved selectivity over certain cations relative to calix[4]arenes in the cone conformation.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of 1,3-dialkyl ethers of calix[4]arenes: application to the synthesis of cesium selective calix[4]crown-6 ionophores

Partial etherification of phenolic-OH groups of calix[4]arenes with various alkyl halides/tosylates and K₂CO₃ under microwave irradiation afforded 1,3-dialkoxycalix[4]arenes in their cone conformation only as predominant/sole product in good yields (71–85%). The protocol was found to be much superior to conventional heating both in terms of yield and reaction time. Some of the 1,3-dialkoxycalix[4]arenes were elaborated further to the syntheses of cesium selective calix[4]crown-6 ionophores.     

The selective preparation of partial cone O-aryl calix[4]arene ethers from 1,3-dimethoxycalix[4]arene: a new platform for the preparation of non-aggregated dyes

We report a new direct route for the selective preparation of novel partial cone O-aryl ether calix[4]arenes to be used as new platforms for the preparation of non-aggregated dyes. These partial cone conformers have the aromatic substituents lying within the calix[4]arene annulus via the upper rim.