Contraction process of an electroactive actuator based on a one microsecond atomistic molecular dynamics simulation

The contraction process of an electroactive actuator constituted by calix[4]arene units and quaterthiophene segments has been investigated at the microscopic level by using atomistic molecular dynamics simulations in dichloromethane solution using explicit solvent molecules. Results derived from a 1 mus trajectory of the oxidized and deprotonated actuator indicate that the contraction occurs through a non-concerted mechanism in which each actuating units present in the system behave independently. The efficiency of the contraction process can be reduced by the presence of secondary conformational transitions in the calix[4]arene scaffolds. Accordingly, the drastic reduction of the molecular length expected during the contraction process can be limited by such transitions, which involve the rotational isomerism of a phenolate ring. However, such type of conformational transitions does not compromise the actuator power due to its intrinsic capacity to adopt compact molecular arrangements. On the other hand, the rate of the contraction process is influenced by the presence of solvent molecules, which have been found to reduce it by a factor of about 1000.     

Conformational features of an actuator containing calix[4]arene and thiophene: a molecular dynamics study

Molecular dynamics simulations have been performed for poly(calix[4]arene bis(bithiophene)) in dichloromethane solution. This material responds to its electronic structure variations with significant conformational changes, producing contraction-expansion movements. Simulations have been performed for the three states of this molecular actuator (reduced, oxidized-nondeprotonated, and oxidized-deprotonated), a specific force-field being developed for each case. Results, which are fully consistent with previous ab initio quantum mechanical calculations on an isolated actuating unit, have revealed important findings about the dynamics of the system. Analyses of the flexibility/rigidity of the molecular chain with the state, the interaction of the polymer with the solvent molecules and the influence of environmental factors (as the viscosity of solvent, the counterions and the thermal agitation) on the dynamics have provided important insights to the actuation mechanism.     

Fullerene encapsulation with calix[5]arenes

This paper presents the synthesis of the fullerene hosts based on the calix[5]arenes and their binding properties. Calix[5]arenes 1a, 2, 3a bind C₆₀ or C₇₀ in organic solvents. The solvent effect of the fullerene complexation was clearly observed; the association constant decreases in a solvent with high solubility for C₆₀. Covalently linked double-calix[5]arenes 4-6 were also investigated on their binding properties for fullerenes in organic solvents. Their binding abilities for both C₆₀ and C₇₀ are extremely high in toluene solution. Higher binding selectivity toward C₇₀ is observed by all the double-calix[5]arenes. The selectivity of 5a toward C₇₀/C₆₀ is highest in toluene with a value of 10. The structures of the supramolecular complexes of the calix[5]arene hosts and C₆₀ or C₇₀ were investigated by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR studies. The molecular mechanics calculation and X-ray structure reveal that the interior of the calix[5]arene is complementary to the exterior of C₆₀ molecule. In contrast, the host-guest complexes of C₇₀ with the simple calix[5]arenes take many conformational options due to its less symmetric shape. The molecular mechanics calculation and our chemical shift simulation nicely worked to estimate the reliable structures; the calix[5]arene cavity takes up C₇₀ molecule, and the C₇₀ molecule tilts significantly from the C5 axis of the calix[5]arene. In the case of the host-guest complex of C₇₀ with the double-calix[5]arene, the molecular dynamics simulation of the host-guest complex represented the realistic movement of the bound C₇₀ inside the cavity. The combination of the molecular dynamics simulation and the chemical shift simulation of the host-guest complex suggested that the C₇₀ molecule rapidly moves inside the cavity.     

New water-soluble host molecules derived from calix[6]arene

4-Sulfonate derivatives of calix[6]arene and O-n-hexylcalix[6]arene (1a and 1b, respectively) were synthesized. Measurements using fluorescence and absorption spectral probes indicated that the cavity of calix-[6]arene can accept a naphthalene molecule but not a pyrene molecule and that (1b) has a hydrophobic cavity constructed from the aggregate of the hexyl groups while (1a) provides a reaction field apparently more polar than water. This is the first example for water-soluble host molecules derived from calix[6]arene.     

Nanoencapsulation of calix[4]arene inclusion complexes

A hexameric resorcinarene nanocapsule in wet CDCl3 forms inclusion complexes of calix[4]arene with tetramethylammonium and trimethylsulfoxonium cations to give highly stable Russian-doll-type multicomponent assemblies. The 2D NOESY experiments revealed the size of the assembly, the close proximity of the encapsulated calix[4]arene molecule to the resorcinarene molecules of the capsule, and the inclusion of the tetramethylammonium cation in the calix[4]arene cavity.     

X-ray crystal structure of a p-hydroxycalix[6]arene derivative

The first molecular structure of a p-hydroxycalix[6]arene 6 has been determined by a single crystal X-ray diffraction study. The calix[6]arene molecule assumes a 1,2,3-alternate conformation with all OH groups at the upper rim engaged in H-bonds with pyridine molecules. The stacking of molecules of p-hydroxycalix[6]arene 6 along the a and c axes gives rise to a solvent pseudo-cylindrical cavity at the centre of the cell.     

Optically pure calix[6]tris-ammoniums: syntheses and host-guest properties toward neutral guests

[reaction: see text] Optically pure calix[6]arenes bearing chiral amino arms 4, 7, and 10 have been synthesized in high yields from the known symmetrically 1,3,5-trismethylated calix[6]arene. For both compounds 7 and 10, the key step consists of an efficient selective alkylation on the narrow rim of the calix[6]arene with Ba(OH)2 as the base. All of these chiral calix[6]tris-amines possess a similar flattened cone conformation with the cavity occupied by the methoxy groups. In contrast to 4 and 7, upon protonation, the enantiopure calix[6]arene 10 can switch to the opposite flattened cone conformation through self-assembly of its ammonium arms in an ion-paired cap which closes the cavity. As shown by NMR host-guest studies and an X-ray structure, the obtained polarized host (10 x 3H+) behaves as a remarkable endo-receptor for small polar neutral molecules. Thanks to the tris-cationic chiral binding site of 10 x 3H+, it was shown that the guests experience a chiral environment upon inclusion. Finally, the first example of enantioselective molecular recognition inside the cavity of a calix[6]arene has been evidenced with a racemic 1,2-diol guest.     

Solvent-induced amphiphilic molecular baskets: unimolecular reversed micelles with different size, shape, and flexibility

Amphiphilic molecular baskets were obtained by attaching facially amphiphilic cholate groups to a covalent scaffold (calix[4]arene or 1,3,5-2,4,6-hexasubstituted benzene). In a solvent mixture consisting of mostly a nonpolar solvent (i.e., CCl4) and a polar solvent (i.e., DMSO), the hydrophilic faces of cholates turned inward to form a reversed-micelle-like conformer whose stability was strongly influenced by the number of the cholates and the topology of the scaffold. Preferential solvation of the hydrophilic faces of cholates within the molecule by the polar solvent was cooperative and gave the fundamental driving force to the conformational change. The reversed-micelle-like conformer was most stable in structures that allowed multiple cholates to form a microenvironment that could efficiently enrich the polar solvent molecules from the bulk solvent mixture.     

Effect of Substituents on the Supramolecular Structure and Stability of Crystals of Dialkylaminomethylated Calix[4]resorcinolarenes

The crystal and molecular structure of previously unknown dimethyl- and diethylaminomethylated calix[4]resorcinolarenes was determined by X-ray diffraction. The calixarene molecules occur in the crystal in the coneform, stabilized by the system of hydrogen bonds at the upper rim of the macrocycle. The crystal structure of the dimethylaminomethylated derivative includes 4.5 benzene molecules and an ethanol molecule per calixarene molecule. No solvent molecules are located inside the macrocycle cavity. In the structure of the diethylaminomethylated derivative there is one benzene molecule per calixarene molecule. The benzene molecule is located in the macrocycle cavity. The supramolecular structure of crystals is analyzed.     

Extraction of Catecholamines by Calixarene Carboxylic Acid Derivatives

Extraction behaviors of catecholamines with a series of calixarene carboxylic acid derivatives were investigated. Relatively large calix[6]arene and calix[8]arene extract catecholamines into the organic solution, while smaller calix[4]arene and the monomer analog do not. The calix[6]arene, which has a cavity that fits a protonated amino group well, selectively extracts a primary amino compound dopamine over other catecholamines. Slope analysis and Job’s method confirmed formation of a 1:1 complex between the calix[6]arene and dopamine. On the other hand, the calix[8]arene extracts both dopamine and adrenaline, due to the large cavity for induced-fit recognition. Dopamine extracted with the calixarene is quantitatively stripped by contacting the organic solution with a fresh acidic solution.     

Solvation of Calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 Molecules

Single crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 (1) and calix[4]arene-bis-benzocrown-61,2-dichloroethane (2) are reported. Thesestructures offer an opportunity to study the conformation of calix[4]arene-bis-crown-6 molecules in the absence of solvent, and when very weakly solvated. These structures exhibit different conformations of the crown ring, and limited flexibility of the calix[4]arene,but do not show solvent or crown inclusion in the calix[4]arene cavity. Comparisons to similar structures are made, and the implications for cesium binding are discussed.     

Exclusive self-assembly of a polar dimeric capsule between tetraurea calix[4]pyrrole and tetraurea calix[4]arene

The exclusive self-sorting observed in the self-assembly process between tetraurea benzyl calix[4]pyrroles and tetraurea tolyl calix[4]arene to afford unprecedented hybrid dimeric capsules with polar interiors is described. The coencapsulation of a solvent molecule with an organic guest yields four particle aggregates in which the guests are confined and restricted into single hemispheres due to the polar requirements of the internal cavity.     

Synthesis of a linearly linked triscalixarene consisting of calix[4]arene units with combined axial chirality and inherent chirality

A linearly linked triscalix[4]arene, in which each calix[4]arene unit possesses both axial chirality and inherent chirality, was synthesized by repeated use of two stereoselective Williamson etherification on calix[4]arene. In the crystal lattice of the biscalix[4]arene intermediate, there are interesting alternate layers of biscalixarene molecules and solvent molecules in the ab plane.     

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.     

Host–Guest Complexation Using Pillar[5]arene Crystals: Crystal-Structure Dependent Uptake,Release, and Molecular Dynamics of an Alkane Guest

Host–guest complexation has been mainly investigated in solution, and it is unclear how guest molecules access the assembled structures of host and dynamics of guest molecules in the crystal state. In this study, we studied the uptake, release, and molecular dynamics of n-hexane vapor in the crystal state of pillar[5]arenes bearing different substituents. Pillar[5]arene bearing 10 ethyl groups yielded a crystal structure of herringbone-type 1:1 complexes with n-hexane, whereas pillar[5]arene with 10 allyl groups formed 1:1 complexes featuring a one-dimensional (1D) channel structure. For pillar[5]arene bearing 10 benzyl groups, one molecule of n-hexane was located in the cavity of pillar[5]arene, and another n-hexane molecule was located outside of the cavity between two pillar[5]arenes. The substituent-dependent differences in molecular arrangement influenced the uptake, release, and molecular dynamics of the n-hexane guest. The substituent effects were not observed in host–guest chemistry in solution, and these features are unique for the crystal state host–guest chemistry of pillar[5]arenes.     

Bis(crown ether) and Azobenzocrown Derivatives of Calix[4]arene. A Review of Structural Information from Crystallographic and Modelling Studies

The association within one molecule ofcalix[4]arene and crown ether moieties leads toligands with new complexing properties. In particular,calix[4]arene bis(crown-6) and some of itsderivatives have been shown to be highly selectiveextractants for caesium ions. This review presents thebackground of the study and the results of crystalstructure determinations and molecular modellingcalculations performed during the investigation of twomolecular families, the bis(crown ether) and theazobenzocrown derivatives of calix[4]arene.     

Synthesis and pH-dependent self-assembly of semifluorinated calix[4]arenes

A new series of highly fluorinated calix[4]arene-based amphiphilic molecules was designed and synthesized. Using the calix[4]arene scaffold, four perfluorinated hyper-hydrophobic groups and four water solubilizing chains were introduced in the same molecule and also segregated in space following the scaffold directionality. Upon solubilization in aqueous solutions, these amphiphilic molecules form microscopic fluorous domains that drive the formation of various self-assembly patterns. We found that the self-assembly of these semifluorinated calix[4]arenes is dependent on external stimuli, such as changes in the polarity of the solvent or pH. As a consequence, by changing the pH of the solutions, it is possible to shift the aggregation pattern of these molecules, by a regular change either in the shape or in the size of the initially formed ordered aggregates. These are examples of the variety of structures and possibilities in nano-engineering offered by fluorous-phase driven molecular recognition.     

Surface grafting and reactivity of calixarene-based receptors and pseudorotaxanes on Si(100)

The first report is given here on the anchoring on H-Si(100) of calix[4]arenes and calix[6]arene-based pseudorotaxanes, versatile building blocks for molecular devices. Covalent functionalization on Si was reached through a wet chemistry recipe, by making use of an extra-mild photochemical activation via visible light of C=C terminated anchoring arms. Our approach largely preserves the integrity of the molecular substrate, also allowing for a full monolayer of pseudorotaxane to be formed on Si(100). Molecular adhesion has been demonstrated by the presence and quantitation of XPS signals from specific elements in the molecules. AFM measurements performed on Si(100)/calix[4]arenes have revealed structures 2.3 nm high, consistent with the length of the molecule. The availability of the calix[4]arene cavity to host further species after anchoring on Si has been demonstrated by the successful complexation reaction with Cs(+) ions, resulting in a 1:1 calix/Cs(+) ratio, and with N-methyl pyridinium iodide. A pseudorotaxane species, composed of a calix[6]arene wheel derivatised with N-phenylureido groups on the upper rim and a viologen (4,4'-bipyridinium) containing axle, has been anchored on Si(100) via the C=C termination of the axle. We demonstrated the self-assembling of this pseudorotaxane covalently bound by use of XPS.     

Impact of the solvent on the conformational isomerism of calix[4]arenes: a study based on continuum solvation models

The influence of solvation on the conformational isomerism of calix[4]arene and p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene has been investigated by using the continuum model reported by Miertus, Scrocco, and Tomasi (MST). The quantum mechanical (QM) and semiclassical (SC) formalisms of the MST model have been considered for two different solvents (chloroform and water). The suitability of the QM-MST and SC-MST methods has been examined by comparison with previous results derived from classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations with explicit solvent molecules. The application of the continuum model to the solute configurations generated by using in vacuo classical MD simulations provides a fast strategy to evaluate the effects of the solvent on the conformational preferences of calixarenes. These encouraging results allow us to propose the use of continuum models to solutes with complex molecular structures, which are traditionally studied by MD simulations.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of p-acylated calix[4]arene ethers

C-acylation of calix[n]arenes is an important reaction which has been primarily utilized for their further functionalization to provide conformers with varying shapes, cavity dimensions and molecular receptor characteristics that can bind ionic and neutral species in a selective and specific manner. The length of the alkyl chain at the upper or the lower rim of calixarenes can be adjusted as required to give derivatives which can span the channels and membranes and majorly influence transport phenomenon. As a part of our program to obtain calixarene based derivatives that can span and scan artificial membranes, C-acylation of calix[4]arene has been examined to yield peracylated and partially acylated calixarene ethers. 5,11,17,23-Tetraacetyl-25,26,27,28-tetramethoxycalix[4]arene has been obtained in 80 % yield by treatment of tetramethoxycalix[4]arene with acetyl chloride in the presence of aluminum chloride using dichloromethane as the solvent. The structure was established by the conversion to corresponding phenyl hydrazones and oximes. The tetraacetyltetramethoxycalix[4]arene 2a crystallized in a monoclinic lattice, space group P2₁/C with a = 10.320(2) Å, b = 18.928(4) Å, c = 18.421(4) Å, β = 95.44(3)^o, Z = 4. The corresponding methyl substituted O7 directs inwards towards the cavities of calix[4]arene to give an inward flattened partial cone conformation. Molecular packing shows the presence of intermolecular C–H···O, H-bonding interactions between methyl and methylene hydrogens and oxygens of the acetyl groups.