Synthesis and Cation-Binding Properties of Novel p-Isopropenylcalix[n]arenes and Their Acetylated Derivatives

A novel two-step method was developed to prepare individual p-isopropenylcalix[n]arenes [n=4, 6, 8]. In the first step, linear phenolic oligomers were prepared in a basic medium from p-isopropenylphenol and paraformaldehyde. The second step, cyclization of the linear oligomers was carried out at higher temperatures. Ethylene glycol was used as medium, and sodium tetraborate-decahydrate as the catalyst. O-Acetylated derivatives were obtained by acetylation of the phenolic hydroxyl groups of p-isopropenylcalix[n]arenes [n=4, 6, 8]. The p-isopropenyl-calix[n]arenes and their acetylated derivatives were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and UV spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Their ability to extract metal cations from aqueous solutions was evaluated via metal picrate extraction experiments. A parallel investigation of the cation-binding ability of the p-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes [n=4, 6, 8] and their acetylated derivatives was also performed. The p-isopropenylcalix[6]arene hexaacetate is the most effective extracting agent for metal picrates, and shows strong affinity towards Rb cation.     

Controlled Self‐Assembly by Mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and Bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes

The complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentrations of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (n=4, 5) were systemically measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. In all cases, the complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentration decreases by about 3 times upon addition of p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. However, the optimal molar ratios for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes are distinctly different: For mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes, the optimum mixing ratio for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium is 1:4 mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes/1‐pyrenemethylaminium, whereas only 2.5 molecules of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium can be bound by one cavity of bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. The intermolecular complexation of mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes with 1‐pyrenemethylaminium led to the formation of two distinctly different nanoarchitectures, which were shown to be nanoscale vesicle and rod aggregates, respectively, by using dynamic laser scattering, TEM, and SEM. This behavior is also different from the fiber‐like aggregates with lengths of several micrometers that were formed by 1‐pyrenemethylaminium itself above its critical aggregation concentration. Furthermore, the obtained nanoaggregates exhibit benign water solubility, self‐labeled fluorescence, and, more importantly, temperature responsiveness.     

Cytosine: para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene assemblies: in solution, in the solid-state and on the surface of hybrid silver nanoparticles

The molecular recognition by para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene of cytosine, occurs in solution, in the solid-state and by assembly on the surface of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene capped silver nanoparticles. Each of these states shows different modes of assembly; in solution a 1:1 complex is formed; in the solid state a 4:1 assembly exists, however some of the cytosine molecules are present as space fillers and do not participate in the host (guest complexes, finally on the surface of the hybrid silver/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene nanoparticles a 2:1 cytosine/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene assembly is observed. The assembly processes have been studied by DOSY NMR, fluorescence spectroscopy, Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Single Crystal Solid State Diffraction, Visible Spectroscopy and Electron Microscopy. The results demonstrate how cytosine initiates the aggregation of the hybrid silver/para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene hybrid nanoparticles.     

Synthesis of novel pillar-shaped cavitands “Pillar[5]arenes” and their application for supramolecular materials

In 2008, we reported a new class of macrocyclic hosts and named “Pillar[5]arenes”. They combine the advantages and aspects of traditional hosts and have a composition similar to those of typical calix[n]arenes. Pillar[5]arenes have repeating units connected by methylene bridges at the para-position, and thus they have a unique symmetrical pillar architecture differing from the basket-shaped structure of meta-bridged calix[n]arenes. Pillar[5]arenes show high functionality similar to cyclodextrins, and can capture electron accepting guest molecules within their cavity similarly to cucurbit[n]urils. In this review, the synthesis, structure, rotation, host–guest properties, planar chirality and functionality of pillar[5]arenes are discussed, along with pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular architectures and the challenges in synthesizing pillar[6]arenes.     

Alignment and Dynamic Inversion of Planar Chirality in Pillar[n]arenes

Pillar[n]arenes are symmetrical macrocyclic compounds composed of benzene panels with para-methylene linkages. Each panel usually exhibits planar chirality and prefers chirality-aligned states. Because of this feature, pillar[n]arenes are attractive scaffolds for chiroptical materials that are easy to prepare and optically resolve and show intense circular dichroism (CD) signals. In addition, rotation of the panels endows the chirality of pillar[n]arenes with a dynamic nature. The chirality in tubular oligomers and supramolecular assemblies sometimes show time- and procedure-dependent alignment phenomena. Furthermore, the CD signals of some pillar[n]arenes respond to the addition of chiral guests when their dynamic chirality is coupled with host–guest properties. By using diastereomeric pillar[n]arenes with additional chiral structures, the response can also be caused by achiral guests and changes of the environment, providing molecular sensors.     

Synthesis of [m.n]Cyclophanes: Regiochemistry Transfer from Vinyl Halides to Cyclophanes via Fischer Carbene Complexes

The double benzannulation of bis‐carbene complexes of chromium with α,ω‐diynes generates [m.n]cyclophanes in which all three rings are generated in a single reaction. This triple annulation process is very flexible allowing for the construction of symmetrical [n.n]cyclophanes and unsymmetrical [m.n]cyclophanes as well as isomers in which the two benzene rings are both meta bridged or both para bridged, and isomers that contain both meta and para bridges. The connectivity patterns of the bridges in the cyclophanes can be controlled by regioselectivity transfer from the bis‐vinyl carbene complexes in which the substitution pattern of the vinyl groups in the carbene complexes dictate the connectivity pattern in the [m.n]cyclophanes. This synthesis of [n.n]cyclophanes is quite flexible with regard to ring size and can be used with tether lengths ranging from n=2 to n=16 and thus to ring sizes with up to 40 member rings. The only limitation to regioselectivity transfer from the carbene complexes to the [m.n]cyclophanes was found in the synthesis of para,para‐cyclophanes with four carbon tethers for which the loss of fidelity occurred with the unexpected formation of meta,para‐cyclophanes.     

Mass Spectrometric Determination of Association Constants of Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) with para-Sulphonato-Calix[n]arene Derivatives

Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry (ESI/MS) has been used to determine the association constants (K_As) and binding stoichiometries for parent para-Sulphonato-calix[n]arenes and their derivatives with bovine serum albumin (BSA). K_A values were determined by titration experiments using a constant concentration of protein. K_A measurements were carried out in a methanol–formic acid solution. 5,11,17,23–tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1a) and 25-mono-(2-aminoethoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-Sulphonato-calix[4]arene (1d) interact strongly with BSA showing 3 non-equivalent binding sites with K_A1 = 7.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 3.85 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.33 × 10⁵ M⁻¹ and K_A1 = 1.69 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A2 = 2.94 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, K_A3 = 0.60 × 10⁵ M⁻¹, respectively. The strength of the interactions between the calixarene and BSA is inversely proportional to the size of macrocyclic ring: n = 4 > n=6>>n=8.     

Interaction of Cucurbit[n = 6∼8]urils and Benzimidazole Derivatives

The structures and optical properties of host–guest complexes produced from cucurbit[n = 6–8]urils and some benzimidazole derivatives have been investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy, electronic absorption spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy. The experimental results reveal that calculations of A∼N_Q[n]/N_guest and I_f∼N_Q[n]/N_guest for the same association complex both support a good fit to an identical binding model. In particular, the A∼N_Q[n]/N_guest, I_f∼N_Q[n]/N_guest calculations and the ¹H NMR determinations for three Q[6]–ge(1∼3) complexes and three Q[8]–ge(1∼3) complexes all support a binding model of 1:1 and 1:2 respectively.     

Supramolecular systems based on alkylated <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-sulfonatocalix[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]arenes: aggregation and catalytic and biological activity

Aggregation, catalytic activity, and the influence of alkylated p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (SCA; n = 4, 6, 8) on the energy exchange in cells of wheat roots were studied. In water SCA are surfactants, and their efficiency changes with an increase in the number of aromatic rings (n) and the length of hydrocarbon substituents (R) in the molecule. In the range of critical micelle concentration, SCA form micelles with an effective hydrodynamic diameter of ∼200 nm. The catalytic activity of micellar solutions of SCA (n = 4, 8; R = C₁₂H₂₅) in hydrolysis of ethyl 4-nitrophenyl chloromethylphosphonate (ENCP) decreases with an increase in n, whereas the binding constant of ENCP increases. The modifying effect of SCA on the membranes and the energy exchange in cells of wheat roots was revealed: the membranotropic activity of SCA increases with an increase in the hydrophobicity of substituents R and the macrocycle size.     

Physicochemical Characterization of Hydrated 4-Sulphonato-Calix[n]arenes: Thermal,Structural, and Sorption Properties

In this study, the thermal behavior of three hydrated water-soluble 4-sulphonato calix[n]arenes was investigated. The melting points, heats of fusion, and heats of solution of the calix[4]arene, calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene were 277, 262, and 270°C; 192, 242 and 351 kJ/mol; and 30, 58 and 63 kJ/mol, respectively. Lower heat of fusion, smaller increase in entropy and smaller heat of solution of the calix[4]arene compared to the calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene showed that less heat was required to break up the crystal lattice of the smaller macromolecule. This apparent anomaly is rationalized in terms of smaller cooperativity of interaction between the molecules of calix[4]arene in the crystal lattice, although the strength of the individual interactions is stronger as evidenced by the higher melting point. TGA analysis indicated that about 17–20% of water was associated with the calix[n]arenes. Both TGA and hot stage microscopy results indicated that upon heating these molecules underwent stepwise water loss. TGA kinetics showed that the 4-sulphonato-calix[8]arene lost water easier than the other two calixarenes. The moisture adsorption behavior of all calixarenes followed type II isotherms. For the same amount of material, the calix[6]arene adsorbed more moisture than the calix[4]arene and the calix[8]arene. Moreover, dehydrated less crystalline 4-sulphonic-calix[n]arenes powders are hydroscopic.

     

Calixarenes with nitrogen or phosphorus substituents on the lower rim

Calix[n]arenes (n=4,6) with diphenylphosphinite groups appended to their lower rim have been synthesized by reaction first with base, followed by chlorodiphenylphosphine. The reaction has also been carried out with the partially methoxylated calix[n]arenes. Calix[6]arenes with phosphate groups selectively bridging adjacent pairs of oxygens have been synthesized by reaction first with base, followed by ethyl dichlorophosphate. Calix[n]arenes (n=4,6) with 2-aminoethyloxy groups appended to the lower rim have been synthesized both by the reduction of an amide or nitrile group. Calixarenes with 2-hydroxyethyloxy and 2-bromoxyethyloxy groups appended to the lower rim have also been prepared. A route to preparing calixarene-functionalized polymers by the alkylation of polyethyleneimine is also described.This paper is dedicated to the commemorative issue on the 50th anniversary of calixarenes.     

Synthesis of cesium selective pyridyl azocalix[n]arenes

A series of pyridylazo calix[n]arenes (n=4, 6, 8) including the first examples of mixed hetroaryl azocalix(n)arenes have been synthesized by coupling calix[n]arenes with diazonium salts derived from amino pyridines. It has been observed that the coupling reaction of diazonium salt obtained from 3-aminopyridine with calix[n]arene gives tetrakis-, hexakis- and octakis (pyridylazo)calix[n]arenes (n=4,6,8) while those derived from 4-aminopyridine give partially substituted (4-pyridylazo)calix[n]arene analogs. There is no reaction of calix(n)arenes with diazonium salts derived from 2-aminopyridine under identical conditions of experiments. The conformational analysis of synthesized compounds have been ascertained by detailed spectral measurements and single crystal X-ray analysis of 5-(3′-pyridylazo)-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene. A rational explanation for the observed partial and exhaustive coupling reaction in the synthesis of heteroaryl azocalix(n)arenes has been suggested. Preliminary evaluation of synthesized derivatives as molecular receptors for metal ions indicates that they have good potential to function as selective ionic filters for cesium ions.     

Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography using carboxylatopillar[5]arene as stationary phase

Pillar[n]arenes have achieved much interest in material chemistry and supramolecular chemistry due to unusual pillar shape structure and high selectivity toward guest. However, pillar[n]arenes have not yet been applied in capillary electrochromatography. This work at first time reports that carboxylatopillar[5]arene is used as a stationary phase in open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. Carboxylatopillar[5]arene not only possess the advantages of pillar[n]arenes but also provide free carboxy groups for immobilizing on the inner wall of capillary column via covalent bonding. The characterization of SEM and FT‐IR indicated that carboxylatopillar[5]arene was successfully grafted on the inner wall of capillary. The baseline separation of model analytes including neutral, basic, and acidic compounds, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and dansyl‐amino acids have been achieved thanks to the electron‐rich cavity of carboxylatopillar[5]arene and hydrophobic interactions between the analytes and stationary phase. The intraday, interday, and column‐to‐column precisions (RSDs) of retention time and peak area for the neutral analytes were all less than 3.34 and 9.65%, respectively. This work indicates that pillar[n]arenes have great potential in capillary electrochromatography as novel stationary phase.     

The solid-state structures of the ethanol solvated complexes of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene with magnesium and calcium ions

The structures ethanol solvated complexes of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene with magnesium and calcium have been determined. Both show the classical bilayer structure of para-sulphonato-calix[4]arene. The cations are situated between the bilayers. In the case of the magnesium complex the cation is octahedrally coordinated by six water molecules, however for the calcium complex the cation is coordinated in two different geometries by water molecules, bridging oxygen atoms of the sulphonate anions and an oxygen of an ethanol molecule. Both complexes contain an ethanol molecule embedded in the macrocyclic cavity.     

Calix[n]arenes as Synthetic Membrane Transporters: A Minireview

Several potential applications of functionalized calix[n]arenes as carriers in transport through membranes of various biological compounds aiming their separation are reviewed. Specific aspects of membrane transport and the use of calix[n]arenes for building synthetic ion channels are discussed.     

Electrochemical activity of phenolic calixarenes

A preliminary evaluation of the electrochemical behaviour of phenolic calix[n]arenes (n=4,6) possessing either H- or tert-butyl functionality at the para-phenol position has been undertaken by cyclic voltammetry. Electrochemical activity of these calixarenes is an inherent property, due to oxidation of the phenolic moiety in both types of calixarene. Oxidation of the p-H-substituted calixarenes leads to an electrode passivation process whereas oxidation of the p-t-butyl-substituted calixarenes does not. The former is attributed to electropolymerisation via intermolecular reaction of calixarene phenoxy radical species at the para-position to produce a non-conducting deposit on the electrode surface. This process is not possible with the p-t-butyl-substituted calixarenes.     

Computational investigation of the structures,properties, and host-guest chemistry of prism[n]arenes

The discovery of new and functional macrocyclic host compounds is an important part of supramolecular chemistry. Since the experimental synthesis, prism[n]arenes (Pr[n]As), a class of naphthol-based macrocyclic arenes, have attracted much attention. In this work, from the perspective of theoretical calculation and research, Pr[n]As (n = 4 ~ 7) were studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The prismatic configuration isomers, electronic structures, absorption spectra, and host-guest chemistry were discussed thoroughly. DFT calculation results showed that 1,5-, 3,7-, and “hybrid” 15,37-Pr[n]As were the most representative configurations with the rigid prismatic molecular skeleton. Based on time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), the absorption spectra of Pr[n]As were all in the range of ultraviolet light which were mainly attributed to π-π* transitions. The molecular cavities of Pr[n]As were electron-rich and capable of accommodating a variety of cations or electron-conjugated molecules. MD simulation results showed that a Pr[n]A molecule was able to capture the guest molecule into its molecular cavity and maintain in the state of equilibrium in solvents.     

Thermodynamic and electrochemical aspects ofp-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes (n=4, 6, 8) and their interactions with amines

Attention is drawn to the need of detailed thermodynamics in calixarene chemistry. The reasons for increasing efforts in this area are underlined and suggestions for new issues to be addressed are given. The solution thermodynamics ofp-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes (n=4, 6, 8) is discussed with particular reference to transfer Gibbs energies which reflect the selective solvation that the tetramer and the octamer undergo in the various solvents. This is followed by recent solution studies on amine-p-tert-butylcalix[n]arene (n=4, 6, 8) in nitrobenzene and in benzonitrile at 298.15 K which indicate the lower acidic character of the tetramer relative to the hexamer and the octamer in these solvents. As an implication of these results, very low conductivities are observed in studies involving the interaction of the former with amines. Thus, thermodynamic studies suggest thatp-tert-butylcalix[4]arene interacts with triethylamine in benzonitrile and in nitrobenzene through hydrogen bonding or ion-pair formation. A thermodynamic cycle is used to investigate the effect associated with the interaction of the amine with the tetramer in these solvents.This paper is dedicated to the commemorative issue on the 50th anniversary of calixarenes.     

Structural Diversification of Pillar[n]arene Macrocycles

Despite the fact that pillar[n]arenes receive major interest as building blocks for supramolecular chemistry and advanced materials, their functionalization is generally limited to the modification of the hydroxy or alkoxy units present on the rims. This limited structural freedom restricts further developments and has very recently been overcome. In this article, we highlight three very recent studies demonstrating further structural diversification of pillar[n]arenes by partial removal of the alkoxy substituents on the rims, which can be considered as the next generation of pillar[n]arenes.     

Applications of Pillar[n]arene‐Based Supramolecular Assemblies

Macrocycles are an important player in supramolecular chemistry. In 2008, a new class of macrocycles, “pillar[n]arenes”, were first discovered. Research efforts in the area of pillar[n]arenes have elucidated key properties, such as their shape, reaction mechanism, host–guest properties, and their versatile functionality, which has contributed to the development of pillar[n]arene chemistry and their applications to various fields. This Minireview describes how pillar[n]arene‐based supramolecular assemblies can be applied to supramolecular gel formation, reactions, light‐harvesting systems, drug‐delivery systems, biochemical applications, separation and storage materials, and surface chemistry.