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.     

Direct access to upper rim substituted mono- and diaryloxy calix[4]arenes via bis(spirodienone) route

A seemingly ipso-like nucleophilic substitution of the upper rim of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene is accomplished by an indirect method involving calix[4]arene derived bis(spirodienone). This method not only provides both mono and 1,3-diaryloxy calixarenes but also enables the synthesis of upper rim monothio substituted calix[4]arenes. A modification of the methodology can be successfully extended for the selective synthesis of mono- and 1,3-diquinone calix[4]arenes having free hydroxyl groups at the lower rim, in fewer steps.     

Calixarenes. 23. the complexation and catalytic properties of water soluble calixarenes

A series of-water-soluble calixarenes containing dialkylamino groups and carboxyl groups have been prepared by the p-quinonemethide route of functionalization. The formation of host-guest complexes between these calixarenes and nine aromatic hydrocarbons ranging in size from durene to decacyclene has been investigated, and a correlation between the dimensions of the hydrocarbons and the “lower rim” of the calixarene, containing the array of OH groups, has been made. A study of the effect on the acid-catalyzed hydration of N-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide by p-(carboxy-ethyl) calix[n]arenes (n = 4,5,6,7,8) has shown that the calix[6]arene is more effective than either its larger or smaller analogs.     

Bridge-disubstituted calix[4]arenes obtained via a new preparative route. Synthesis and structural study

A series of calix[4]arenes bearing various substituents including alkyl, p-bromobenzyl, carboxy and allyl at opposite methylene bridges has been synthesized via successive metallation followed by nucleophilic substitution. In a first step, mono-lithiated calix[4]arenes react with terminal bromoalkanes to give 2-alkylated calix[4]arenes or with CO₂ the respective calixarene-2-carboxylic acid in good yields. A second lithiation step of the monosubstituted products with subsequent attachment of both polar and non-polar substituents yields several new diametrally bridge-disubstituted calix[4]arenes. 2D-NMR measurements establish the disubstituted calixarenes to predominantly adopt the 1,2-alternate conformation in solution. First examples of X-ray crystal structures of the new type of disubstituted calix[4]arenes are described featuring the calix[4]arene also in the rare 1,2-alternate conformation.     

Comparison of pillar[5]arene and calix[4]arene anion receptor ability in aqueous media

Abstract

Recognition ability of both cationic pillar[5]arene and calix[4]arene has been studied in aqueous media. Anion complexation can be evaluated from their ability to complex their counterions as well as an added external organic anion. DOSY NMR experiments and fluorescence quenching show that pillararenes have a larger ability for including their own counterions than calixarenes irrespective of the anion (tetrafluoroborate or chloride or bromide) and the structure of the cationic moiety (trimethylammonium or methylimidazolium). Counterion complexation shows a picture where four to five positive charges of the pillar[5]arene are neutralised, meanwhile only one positive charge of the calixarene is neutralised for a 1 mM solution of the macrocycle. Irrespective of the smaller net positive charge in the pillar[5]arene, its binding ability for organic anions (toluenesulfonate or hydroxybenzoate) is larger than for calix[4]arene allowing a better accommodation of the guest in its cavity. The larger separation between the cationic groups of the receptor and its electron-rich aromatic region improves the anion recognition ability for pillar[5]arene.     

Toward an artifical acetylcholinesterase

The methanolysis of choline p-nitrophenylcarbonate in chloroform containing 1% methanol is catalyzed with turnover by ditopic receptors 1 and 2, consisting of a calix[6]arene connected to a bicyclic guanidinium by means of a short spacer. The calix[6]arene subunit strongly binds to the trimethylammonium head group through cation-pi interactions, whereas the guanidinium moiety is deputed to stabilize through hydrogen bonding reinforced by electrostatic attraction the anionic tetrahedral intermediate resulting from methoxide addition to the ester carbonyl. The observed cholinesterase activity had been anticipated on the basis of the ability of the ditopic receptors 1 and 2 to bind strongly to the choline phosphate DOPC, which is a transition state analogue for the BAc2-type cleavage of choline esters.     

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.

     

Calixarene-based surfactants: evidence of structural reorganization upon micellization

The self-aggregation of five amphiphilic p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes bearing alkyl chains at the lower rim was investigated by NMR spectroscopy and electrical conductivity. The critical micelle concentration was determined, and the tendency of this special class of surfactants to self-aggregate in aqueous solution was analyzed as a function of the alkyl chain length and the number of aromatic units in the macrocyclic ring. The structure of the surfactants in the monomeric and micellized states was elucidated by means of (1)H NMR and, in the case of the calix[6]arene derivative, with 2D NMR experiments. While all amphiphilic calix[4]arenes studied here are blocked in the cone conformation, in the monomeric state the calix[6]arene adopts a pseudo-1,2,3-alternate conformation and the calix[8]arene is conformationally mobile. These calixarenes undergo an aggregation-induced conformational change, adopting the cone conformation in the micelles. The structure and size of the aggregates were studied by diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments, and the results indicate that these surfactants self-assemble into ellipsoidal micelles.     

Multinuclear calixarene synthons with covalently linked aryl-palladium(II) complexes

New synthetic procedures have been developed for potentially useful metallacalixarene building blocks. The metal sites were covalently connected to calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6) by oxidative addition of 4-iodobenzyl precursors to either Pd(PPh(3))(4) or Pd(2)(dba)(3)/tmeda (dba = dibenzylideneacetone) to furnish calixarene-modified aryl-Pd(II)I(L(n)()) complexes [L(n)() = bis-PPh(3) or N,N,N',N'-tetramethylethylenediamine (tmeda)]. Methods were explored for the selective preparation of mono-Pd(II)-calix[4]arene and di-Pd(II)-calix[n]arenes (n = 4 or 6) complexes and also for bifunctional calix[4]arene synthons with two Pd(II) complexes accompanied by 4-pyridylmethyl or 4-cyanobenzyl groups. The properties of the Pd(II)-calix[n]arenes were studied in detail by one- and two-dimensional NMR and mass spectrometric techniques. The X-ray molecular structures of two 4-iodobenzylcalix[4]arene precursors were also determined.     

Capsule-like assemblies in polar solvents

Calix[4]arene derivatives with four anionic groups at their upper rim form discrete 1:1 complexes with complementary calix[4]arene derivatives bearing four cationic groups at their upper rim. Each cation is bound by two anions, and vice versa, in a mutual chelate arrangement, reinforced by a network of ionic hydrogen bonds. These multiple electrostatic interactions lead to the formation of highly stable capsule-like assemblies even in polar protic solvents such as methanol and water. In the capsule interior a cavity is formed that is in principle large enough for the encapsulation of small aliphatic and aromatic guests (170-230 A(3)). Monte Carlo simulations in water reproducibly lead to the same regular opimized structures. These differ mainly by their inner volume and flexibility, as demonstrated by molecular dynamics calculations. Most half-spheres can be synthesized by way of the tetrakis(chloromethyl) or the tetrabromocalix[4]arene intermediate. Oppositely charged calix[6]arenes also form strong complexes, but no indication was found for a lock in the cone conformation. The formation of the ball-shaped complexes from calix[4]arene building blocks was studied with Job plots, NMR titrations, NOESY, and variable-temperature experiments, as well as ESI-MS measurements. Investigations aimed at the inclusion of various guest molecules were carried out with alcohols, sulfoxides, benzene derivatives, and ammonium, as well as pyrazinium guests. Although binding isotherms were generated with cationic guests, these must be considered to be loosely associated around the seam rather than included inside the capsule.     

Evaluation and solubility improvement of Carvedilol: PSC[n]arene inclusion complexes with acute oral toxicity studies

The aqua phobic molecules that are practically insoluble in aqueous media demonstrate a staggeringly slow intrinsic dissolution rate. In this work, we exemplify the utility of calixarenes as a tool to form inclusion complexes with Carvedilol (CDL). It is poorly water soluble drug. CDL is a Biopharmaceutical Classification System (BCS) Class II drug and it is a nonselective β-adrenegenic blocking agent with α1-blocking activity. It is mainly used in the management of hypertension. The maximum complexation of the drug was accomplished after 48?h of stirring with para sulphonato calix[4]arene (PSC[4]arene) and para sulphonato calix[6]arene (PSC[6]arene) in water and evaporation of water to acquire solid complexes. The study includes characterisation of both the complexes—physical mixtures of drug and PSC[4]arene and PSC[6]arenes by different methods like Fourier-transform infra red spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and powder X-ray diffraction, proton nuclear magnetic resonance. This studies shows that there is electrostatic interaction between drug and PSC[n]arenes. The complexation was determined by phase solubility study. The prepared complexes exhibited improved in vitro dissolution profile and decreased in vivo acute oral toxicity compared to the pure drug.     

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.     

A paradigm shift in the construction of heterobimetallic complexes: synthesis of group 2 & 4 metal-calix[6]arene complexes

Deprotonation of calix[6]arenes with barium in methanol followed by the addition of [Ti(OPr(i))(4)] or [Zr(OBu(n))(4)] is effective in the formation of novel dimeric 2:1 barium-titanium(IV)/zirconium(IV) calix[6]arene complexes. In these complexes a central Ti(IV)/Zr(IV) coordinated in the exo-position connects the two calix[6]arenes in the 1,3-alternate conformation, each with an endo-barium sharing common phenolate groups with the titanium/zirconium centre and participating in cation-pi interactions. A homometallic barium calix[6]arene dimer was also prepared wherein the calix[6]arenes are in the 1,3-alternate conformation with each coordinating one endo- and one exo-barium centre. The exo-barium cations connect the two calix[6]arenes through bridging methanol ligands. In this and the heterometallic complexes, cation-pi complexation of the Ba(2+) ion within the 1,3 alternate conformation of calix[6]arene facilitates the formation of the dimeric complexes in methanol. In contrast, the smaller Sr(2+) ion did not form similar complexes in methanol, and the formation of an analogous 2:1 strontium-titanium calixarene complex required the use of the more sterically demanding donor alcohol, isopropanol, the resulting complex being devoid of cation-pi interaction. The results show (i) that a subtle interplay of solvation strength, coordination array type and cavity/cation size influences the accessibility of heterobimetallic complexes based on calix[6]arenes, and (ii) a synergistic endo-exo binding behaviour.     

Conformational features of calix[4]arenes with alkali metal cations: A quantum chemical investigation with density functional theory

A variety of conformations for three model calix[4]arenes with 8 or 12 OH groups have been investigated by calculations at density functional (RI-BP86) and RI-MP2 level of approximation. The calixarenes form stable complexes with the alkali metal cations of lithium up to caesium. For the investigations all-valence electron basis sets as well as various effective core potentials were probed. The stabilities of complexes were analysed in comparison with the corresponding benzene complexes, M⁺·C₆H₆. The formation of the calixarene metal complexes is considered in two steps, (a) in a distortion from the equilibrium conformation of the free calixarenes and (b) subsequent complexation. The distortion energies are small for the ‘crown’ and larger for the ‘boat’ conformations. On the other hand the latter are more stabilized by significant interaction energy of the cation with two adjacent π-systems of the aromatic rings. As a result, these two conformations are of similar stabilities for K⁺ to Cs⁺ complexes with resorc[4]arenes, with a slight advantage for the ‘boat’ structure. The most stable conformation for the coordination products of these cations with the calix[4]arene with 12 OH groups is a slightly flattened ‘crown’ that is derived by maximum hydrogen bonding of the OH-groups and the most effective cation-π interactions. Special cases are complexes of Li⁺ and Na⁺ which in most instances prefer the coordination on the oxygen atoms of the upper rim of the calixarene cavities and thus form ‘boat’-like structures.     

Upper Rim Diester—bridged Calix[4] arenes and Oligocalix [4]—arenes：the Effects of the Length of Bridged Reagents on Their Distribution

A series of monobridged calix [4] arenes 3a-f,cyclic biscalix-[4] arenes 4a-f ,diametrically bridged at the upper rim with saturated aliphatic diester chians,have been synthesized,The results at diluted conditions show that the percentage of yields of mono-,bis- and oligo-calix[4] arenes are related to the legth of the chains ,With the shortening of the chains ,the percent-age of monocalix[4] arenes decreased ,All the calix [4] arene moieties are in a cone conformaiton according to the AB quar-tet pattern of the methylene protons between the phenolic rings in the ^1H NMR spectra.     

Synthesis of （p-Formylphenyl）azo Calix[4]arenes

Five novel azo calix[4]arenes were reported. The p-aminobenzaldehyde was diazotized with sodium nitrite in aqueous hydrochloride solution. Mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis(p-formylphenyl)azo calix[4]arenes (including proximal and distal isomers) were obtained respectively by diazo-coupling in different molar ratio to calix[4]arene(1) under pH=7.5--8.5 at 0-5℃. All (p-formylphenyl)azo calix[4]arenes were characterized by ^1H NMR, ^13C NMR, IR, MS (ESIMS) spectroscopies and elemental analysis.     

Azocalixarenes.8: synthesis and investigation of the absorption spectra of di-substituted azocalix[4]arenes containing chromogenic groups

The synthesis of series of chromogenic di-substituted azocalix[4]arene derivatives is described. A ketone moiety as a different chelating agent is grafted on the lower rim of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes. Eight novel azocalix[4]arenes (1–8) are prepared by linking 2-, 3- and 4-nitroaniline, 4-phenylazoaniline, 3- and 4-chloroaniline or 2- and 4-methylaniline to 25,27-diacetonyloxy-26,28-dihydroxy-11,23-di-(tert-butyl)calix[4]arene through a diazo-coupling reaction, and characterized by UV–Vis, FT-IR and ¹H-NMR spectroscopic techniques and elemental analysis, consecutively. The absorption spectra of the di-substituted azocalix[4]arenes are discussed, according to effect of varying pH and solvent upon the absorption ability of azocalix[4]arenes. The colors of these azocalix[4]arenes are compared with respect to nature of their aromatic rings and substituents there in. Concentration effects on the visible absorption maxima of these compounds are also reported.     

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.     

Energies of charge transfer and supramolecular interactions of some mono O-substituted calix[6]arenes with [60]fullerene by absorption spectrometric method

Equilibria for the formation of supramolecular complexes of [60]fullerene with a series of mono O-substituted calix[6]arenes, namely: (i) 37-methoxy-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (1), (ii) 37-allyl-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (2), (iii) 37-phenacyl-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (3), (iv) 37-ethylester-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (4) and (v) 37-benzyl-38,39,40,41,42-pentahydroxy-5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa(4-tert-butyl)calix[6]arene (5) have been studied in CCl4 medium by absorption spectroscopic technique. The stoichiometry has been found to be 1:1 ([60]fullerene:calix[6]arene) in each case. An absorption band due to charge transfer (CT) transition is observed in each case in the visible region. The vertical ionisation potentials (I(D)(v)) of all the calix[6]arenes under study have been estimated utilising CT transition energy. The experimental I(D)(v) values also yield a good estimate of the electron affinity of [60]fullerene. The degrees of CT in the ground state of the complexes have been found to be very low (about 0.15%). Resonance energy of the complexes have been estimated. Thermodynamic parameters for the supramolecular complex formation of [60]fullerene with mono O-substituted calix[6]arene receptors are reported. It is observed that among the calix[6]arenes under the present study, only 1 and 4 form inclusion complexes with [60]fullerene. This has also been substantiated by theoretical calculation using PM3 method. Thus presence of one substituent group (of different types) on the lower rim of the calix[6]arene molecule has been shown to govern the host-guest complexation process.