Aminolysis reaction of calix [ 4 ] arene esters and crystal structures and conformational behaviors of calix[4]arene amides

We first make use of aminolysis of calix[4]arene esters to synthesize calix[4]arene amides. When the two ethyl esters of the calix[4]arene esters are aminolysized, the 1, 3-amide derivative is formed selectively. The crystal structures of the calix-[4]arene with two butyl amide (3b) and four butyl amide moieties (4b) were determined. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds make 4b form two-dimensional net work insolid state. The 1H NMR spectra prove that 3b is of a pinched cone conformation, while 4b and tetraheptylamide-calix[4]arene (6b) take fast interconversion between two C2v isomers in solution and appear an apparent cone conformation at room temperature. As decreasing temperature, the interconversion rate decreases gradually and, finally, the interconversion process is frozen at Tc = -10℃, which makes both conformations of 4b and 6b the pinched cone structures. The hydrogen bond improves the interconversion barrier, and the large different values of the potential barrier between 6b and 4b (or 6b) may     

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.     

Theoretical investigation on the rotational isomerism of calix[4]arenes: influence of the hydroxyl --> methoxy replacement

The rotational isomerism of calix[4]arene, 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-dimethoxycalix[4]arene, and 25,26,27,28-tetramethoxycalix[4]arene in different environments has been examined using sophisticated ab initio and DFT calculations. Free energies in the gas phase, in chloroform, and in toluene have been calculated not only for the minimum energy conformations cone and paco, which differ in the orientation of one phenol/anisole ring with respect to the other three, but also for the transition state that connects these two minima. Results provide a complete understanding of the changes induced by the partial or total OH --> OCH3 replacement in the calix[4]arene scaffold.     

Fourfold tetraurea calix[4]arenes--potential cores for the formation of self-assembled dendrimers

Wide rim tetraurea calix[4]arenes monofunctionalized at the narrow rim by COOH or NH2 have been synthesized in five steps from t-butylcalix[4]arene tripropylether. Their covalent linkage via the narrow rim to a central calix[4]arene fixed in the 1,3-alternate conformation led to pentacalix[4]arenes 9 bearing four tetraurea derivatives in the cone conformation in a flexible tetrahedral arrangement. Their self-assembly via the formation of hydrogen bonded dimeric capsules has been studied under different conditions. A fourfold heterodimerisation of tetrakis-tetraurea derivatives of type 9 with tetratosylurea 10 has been confirmed by 1H NMR-spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering.     

Thiourea-linked upper rim calix[4]arene neoglycoconjugates: synthesis,conformations and binding properties

The thiourea group has been exploited to link two or four carbohydrate units at the upper rim of tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene derivatives in the cone conformation. Two synthetic methodologies were used, the first one consisting of the condensation of di- and tetraminocalix[4]arenes with the isothiocyanate of monosaccharides in dry CH2Cl2 at room temperature and the second one exploiting the condensation of an aminolactoside with a calixarene isothiocyanate. The first method allows the glycoconjugates to be obtained in 75-80% overall yields. The disfunctionalized derivatives exist in a closed flattened cone conformation in CDCl3 and CD3OD due to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bonds involving the thiourea groups which are broken in DMSO-d6 to give an open flattened cone conformation. The thiourea groups act not only as linkers but also as binding units for anionic substrates as evidenced by solution 1H NMR and ESI-MS experiments. Turbidimetric analysis indicates that the tetraglucoside and tetragalactoside clusters give specific interactions with Concanavalin A (Con A) and peanut lectin (PNA), respectively. Both features show that the neoglycoconjugates could also be used as site specific molecular delivery systems.     

(5,11,17,23‐Tetra‐tert‐butyl‐26,28‐di­hydroxy­calix­[4]­arene‐25,27‐dioxy)­di­acetic acid N,N‐di­methyl­form­amide trisolvate

The title compound, C₄₈H₆₀O₈·3C₃H₇NO, is a derivative of calix­[4]­arene in the cone conformation, modified with distal carboxylic acid functional groups at the lower rim. A clathrate di­methyl­form­amide (DMF) mol­ecule is located within the calix­[4]­arene cone, and two DMF solvate mol­ecules participate in hydrogen bonding with the carboxylic acid groups. Intramolecular hydrogen bonds are also formed between the OH groups and the adjacent ether groups in the partially substituted calix­[4]­arene.     

Partially O-alkylated thiacalix[4]arenes: synthesis, molecular and crystal structures, conformational behavior

NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and quantum chemical calculations were used for conformational behavior study of partially alkylated thiacalix[4]arenes bearing methyl (1), ethyl (2), or propyl (3) groups at the lower rim. The conformational properties are governed by two basic effects: (i) stabilization by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, and (ii) sterical requirements of the alkoxy groups at the lower rim. While the monosubstituted derivatives 1a and 3a adopt the cone conformation in solution, distally disubstituted compounds 1b, 1'b, 2b, 2'b, 3b, and 3'b exhibit several interesting conformational features. They prefer pinched cone conformation in solution, and, except for 3'b, they form also 1,2-alternate conformation, which is flexible and undergoes rather fast transition between two identical structures. The crystal structures of the compounds 1b, 2b, 2'b, and 3b revealed yet quite rare 1,2-alternate conformation forming molecular channels held together by pi-pi interactions. Different channels-with hexagonal symmetry, 0.26 nm wide-are formed in the crystal structure of the pinched cone conformation of 3b. An uncommon hydrogen bonding pattern was found in dimethoxy and dipropoxy derivatives 1'b and 3'b that adopt distorted cone conformations in crystal. Trialkoxy-substituted compounds 1c and 3c adopt the partial cone conformation in solution. A higher mobility of methyl derivative 1c enables also existence of the cone conformer.     

Glycoside-clustering round calixarenes toward the development of multivalent ligands. Synthesis and conformational analysis of Calix[4]arene O- and C-glycoconjugates

Bis- and tetra-O- and C-glycosyl calixarenes (calixsugars) have been prepared by tethering carbohydrate moieties to a tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene scaffold through alkyl chains. Two methodologies have been employed. One consisted of the stereoselective multiple glycosylation of upper rim calix[4]arene polyols leading to calix-O-glycosides; the other involved a multiple Wittig olefination of upper rim calix[4]arene-derived polyaldehydes by the use of sugar phosphoranes and reduction of the alkene double bonds affording calix-C-glycosides. The NMR spectra and NOE experiments of bis-glycosylated products indicate that compounds bearing sugar-protected residues exist preferentially in solution in a flattened cone arrangement (far conformation) whereas deprotected derivatives adopt a close conformation. Calculations by molecular mechanics of the latter compounds point to a close conformation as well in gas phase.     

X-ray guided H NMR analysis of pinched cone calix[4]arenes

The analysis of structural parameters of azobenzene- and stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene obtained from AM1 calculation are in good agreement with those obtained from X-ray crystallography. The bridge longer than 9.0 Å such as p,p-trans-azobenzene and p,p-trans-stilbene cannot be constructed over the narrow rim of calix[4]arene through two ethylene oxide linkers. The m,m-stilbene bridge is the most promising photo switch because its shorter cis stereoisomer (5.85 Å) allows calix[4]arene to assume the perfect cone conformation, whilst its longer trans stereoisomer (8.00 Å) forces calix[4]arene to adapt a pinched cone conformation. The pinched cone conformation has longer distances between the neighbouring phenoxyl groups causing the weaker intramolecular hydrogen bonding and the upfield shifts of the phenolic proton signals to below 7.00 ppm. This upfield shift is useful for quick identification of pinched cone conformation of new calix[4]arene compounds.     

Calix[4]arene-porphyrin conjugates as versatile molecular receptors for anions

[structure: see text] Appending tetraphenylporphyrin units to the calix[4]arene skeleton via the ureido function leads to novel anion receptors designed for anion and/or cation detection by UV-vis spectroscopy. Calixarenes in the cone or 1,3-alternate conformations bearing two ureido moieties on the upper rim represent well-preorganized cavities where the anion can be held by synchronous hydrogen bonding interaction with the NH groups.     

Ab initio and density functional studies of cooperative hydrogen bonding in calix[4]-and calix[6]arenes

The cone conformation of C ₄ symmetry is shown by the Hartree-Fock method (3-21G basis) to be the predominant conformer of calix[4]arene; the compressed cone of C ₂ symmetry is the major conformer of calix[6]arene. Using quantum chemical methods we calculated hydrogen bond cleavage energies for calix[4]-(ab initio and density functional methods) and calix[6]arene (ab initio), and also for the complex of calix[4]arene with carbon disulfide. These energies along with structural data point to the cooperative effect of hydrogen bonds. The results of these studies provided an explanation to the greater conformational lability of calix[6]arene compared with calix[4]arene molecules. It is also predicted that the nucleophilic substitution reaction involving calix[6]arene in the presence of weak bases and in aprotic solvents, as well as in the gas phase, will occur via diastereomeric transition states.     

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.     

Hydrogen-bonding effects in calix

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of self-assembling calix[4]arene based capsules 1a.1a and 1b.1b are described. These compounds feature four urea substituents at the upper rims and four secondary amide fragments at the lower rims that can participate in inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding in apolar solution. Communication between the calixarene rims in 1a, b influences the self-assembled cavity's size and shape. Specifically. dimerization results in a perfect cone conformation of the calixarene skeleton in 1a, b and stabilizes a seam of intramolecular amide C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds at the lower rim. This seam is cycloenantiomeric, with either clockwise or counterclockwise arrangements of the head-to-tail amides. Complexation of Na+-cation breaks hydrogen bonds at the lower rim but maintains the capsular assembly. Encapsulation properties of 1a.1a and 1b.1b were studied in nonpolar solvents and their binary mixtures as well as through heterodimerization experiments. The presence of amide groups at the lower rim causes notable differences in the capsule's binding affinities when compared to the corresponding tetraester capsules 1c.1c and 1d.1d. In the monomeric state calixarenes 1a, b are in a pinched cone conformation. The solid state X-ray crystallographic studies with monomeric 1a reveal only two intramolecular C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds between the adjacent amides at the lower rim, and an extensive network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between urea groups at the upper rim.     

IR and NMR spectra,intramolecular hydrogen bonding and conformations of para-tert-butyl-aminothiacalix[4]arene in solid state and chloroform solution

It is demonstrated that dissolution of aminothiacalix[4]arene in chloroform results in transformation of 1,3-alternate conformation, adopted in single-crystal and bulk polycrystalline solids, to the pinched-cone form. This conformer is stabilised by the intramolecular hydrogen bonds of two distal amino-groups acting as H-donors with another two amino moieties that appear as H-acceptors. The H-bonds cause quite small (ca. 10–20 cm^?1) red shift of the IR bands of the NH₂ stretching vibrations, which suggests rather weak NH?N hydrogen bonding. This latter is sufficient to stabilize the pinched-cone conformation in the chloroform solution, but the energy gap between the pinched-cone and other conformations is small, and solid-state intermolecular forces easily overcome it, leading to realisation of the 1,3-alternate conformer. The comparison of the DFT computed and experimental vibrational and NMR spectra demonstrates good quality of present quantum-chemical computations, allows complete interpretation of the spectra and reveals simple IR and NMR spectroscopic markers of the conformers of aminothiacalix[4]arenes.     

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.     

Conformational Analysis of p-Substituted Calix[6]arenes by Molecular Mechanics and Quantum-Chemical Methods

The molecular mechanics (AMBER 3.0) and quantum-chemical (AM1) calculations indicated that in the series of calix[6]arenes substituted on the upper rim, the preferable conformation is a pinched cone stabilized by the nonequivalent hydrogen bonds on the lower rim of the macrocycle molecule. For the basic conformers of the macrocycles under study, the endocyclic dihedral angles between the planes of the benzene rings characterizing the shape of the macrocycles were calculated. The results of AM1 and AMBER 3.0 calculations agree with the results of the conformational analysis of calix[6]arene molecules by experimental and theoretical methods.     

Syntheses and conformational structures of functionalized tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines

The syntheses and conformational structures of various functionalized tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines were studied. Applying the fragment coupling approach and the post-macrocyclization chemical manipulations, a number of tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines that contain, on the lower rim, one or two aldehyde, ester, carboxylic acid, hydroxymethyl, and aminomethyl functional groups were prepared in moderate to high chemical yields from cheap and commercially available materials. On the basis of X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, all tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines containing electron-withdrawing group(s) adopted 1,3-alternate conformation both in solution and in the solid state, while tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines bearing hydroxymethyl and aminomethyl substituent(s) existed as pinched or distorted partial cone conformers due to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond between hydroxyl or amino group and triazine ring.     

Synthesis, NMR, X-ray structural analyses and complexation studies of new Ag selective calix[4]arene based dipodal hosts—a co-complexation of neutral and charged species

New podands based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene unit with substitution at the lower rim incorporating imine units, have been synthesized in high yield by simple condensation method. These podands have been shown to extract and transport Ag⁺ selectively over alkali, alkaline earth metal cations, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, from neutral aqueous phase to organic phase. In all the ligands the calix unit has been found to be present in a cone conformation except for the one having pyridine as end group, at the ortho position. It has been isolated in two conformations; cone and 1,2-alternate. To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first 1,3-lower rim substituted calix[4]arene to exist in a 1,2-alternate conformation and is among a few known compounds with this conformation in the general class of calix[4]arenes. A complex of this ligand, which happens to be the highest extractant of Ag⁺ has been isolated and characterized using mass, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy's and elemental analysis. The spectroscopic evidence and molecular modelling studies performed on the complex suggest a participation of the imine and pyridine nitrogens and two of the ether oxygens in coordination to the metal ion. The X-ray crystal structures of three of the ligands establish the formation of inclusion complexes with polar acetonitrile solvent molecules. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of all the compounds, taken in CDCl₃, show the presence of acetonitrile molecules in the cavity of the calix[4]arene, indicating inclusion of the neutral guest molecules in the solution phase as well. For one of the podands X-ray crystal structure has shown a formation of clatharate complex of chloroform with the ligand which has rarely been found in the case of calix[4]arenes.     

Linear all-ortho oligomers of phenol–formaldehyde resins. I. Preparations,characterizations, and solution properties

Three kinds of all-ortho methylene-linked phenolic oligomers, i.e., 4-tert-butylphenol (BP), phenol (AO), and O-methylated BP (BPM), were prepared with good yields and their dilute solution properties were studied. In acetone, all of these oligomers are highly solvated and molecularly dispersed. In chloroform, however, AO and BP molecules strongly form hydrogen bonds among themselves. By intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen-bondings, a large portion of the dimers and the trimers of AO and BP associate to form bimolecular aggregates in chloroform, assuming pseudo-cyclic conformations analogous to calix [4] arene and calix [6] arene, respectively. By intramolecular hydrogen-bonding, the tetramers and the hexamers also form pseudo-cyclic conformations by themselves in chloroform. © 1993 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.     

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-3 ligands in cone and 1,2-alternate conformations: synthesis and metal ion extraction

Novel di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-crown-3 ligands in cone and 1,2-alternate conformations were prepared as potential metal ion extractants. Selective bridging of proximal hydroxyl groups of the calix[4]arene platform by a crown-3 polyether unit was achieved under Mitsunobu reaction conditions. In addition to the carboxylic acid group, the acidity tunable N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide functions [OCH(2)C(O)NHSO(2)X] with X group variation from methyl to phenyl to p-nitrophenyl to trifluomethyl were used as the proton-ionizable groups. Conformations and regioselectivities of the new ligands were established by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy. Competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations and of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform were performed, as were single species extractions of lead(ii) and mercury(ii).