Side arm participation in lariat ether carboxylate-alkali metal cation complexes in solution

Lariat ether carboxylic acids of structure CECH₂OCH₂C₆H₄-2-CO₂H with crown ether (CE) ring sizes of 12-crown-4, 15-crown-5 and 18-crown-6 are prepared and converted into alkali metal-lariat ether carboxylate complexes. Absorptions for the diastereotopic benzylic protons in the ¹H NMR spectra of the complexes in CDCl₃ are utilized to probe the extent of side arm interaction with the crown ether-complexed metal ion as a function of the crown ether ring size and identity of the alkali metal cation.     

Recoordination of a metal ion in the cavity of a crown compound: a theoretical study. 1. Conformers of arylazacrown ethers and their complexes with Ca2+ cation

Photoinduced recoordination of Ca²⁺ complexes of the photochromic azacrown ethers is studied by the density functional method. The study included model arylazacrown ethers containing various acceptor groups in the aromatic ring in the para position to the azacrown ether moiety and a real azacrown-containing styryl dye. It is found that both free azacrown ethers and their complexes can adopt two types of conformations: (1) axial conformations, in which the aromatic ring axis passing through the crown ether nitrogen N_cr and the opposite atom of the aromatic ring is perpendicular to the root-mean-square (RMS) plane of the crown ether (least-squares fitted plane for all the crown ether atoms), and (2) equatorial conformations, in which the aromatic ring axis only slightly deflects from the RMS plane of the crown ether. In the equatorial conformers, the metal cation is coordinated only to the O atoms of the azacrown ether cycle, the metal—nitrogen bond is broken, and N_cr is conjugated with the aromatic ring. In the axial conformers, the metal cation is additionally coordinated to N_cr. It is found that the presence of an acceptor group bearing a formal positive charge decreases the relative energy of the equatorial conformer and favors metal—nitrogen bond dissociation, which results in the recoordination of the metal cation. However, a long distance between the charged group and N_cr has the reverse effect. The photoinduced recoordination observed in the alkaline-earth metal complexes of the photochromic azacrown ethers is explained by the transitions between the axial and equatorial conformers facilitated by the charge transfer in the excited state of the complex.     

Synthesis and properties of novel crown ether-annelated 4′,5′-diaza-9′-(1,3-dithiole-2-ylidene)-fluorenes and their ruthenium(II) complexes

Two novel redox-active 1,3-dithiole (DT) ring-fused 4,5-diazafluorene ligands with crown ether moieties (L1 and L2) were synthesized and characterized. The crystal structure of L1 was studied. The electrochemical and spectroscopic properties of these new ligands, as well as the corresponding bis(bipyridine)ruthenium(II) complexes [4: Ru L1(bpy)₂ and 5: Ru L2(bpy)₂], were also been investigated.     

Efficient Self‐Assembly of Di‐, Tri‐, Tetra‐, and Hexavalent Hosts with Predefined Geometries for the Investigation of Multivalency

Coordination‐driven self‐assembly of differently shaped di‐ to hexavalent crown‐ether host molecules is described. A series of [21]crown‐7‐ and [24]crown‐8‐substituted bipyridine and terpyridine ligands was synthetized in a “toolbox” approach. Subsequent coordination to 3d transition metal and ruthenium(II) ions provides an easy and fast access to host assemblies with variable valency and pre‐defined orientations of the crown‐ether moieties. Preliminary isothermal calorimetry (ITC) titrations provided promising results, which indicated the host complexes under study to be suitable for the future investigation of multivalent and cooperative binding. The hosts described herein will also be suitable for the construction of various multiply threaded mechanically interlocked molecules.     

Syntheses and crystal structures of copper complexes of 7,16-bis (5-t-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane

Reaction of the crown ether ligand H₂L (H₂L=7,16-bis (5-t-butyl-2-hydroxybenzyl)-1,4,10,13-tetraoxa-7,16-diazacyclooctadecane) with Cu(Ac)₂ and Cu(NO₃)₂ affords complexes 1 and 2, respectively, which are characterized by elemental analysis, IR and UV–Visible spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Both crystal structure analysis and spectroscopy study unexpectedly showed that the two side-arm p-tert-butylphenols of the original crown ether are converted to nitro p-tert-butylphenols in complex 2. In each complex the copper (II) ion is coordinated to two nitrogen and four oxygen atoms, two from the crown ether ring and other two from the deprotonated phenolate groups, which define an elongated octahedron. Electrochemical studies indicate that the two complexes undergo irreversible reduction in DMF solution.     

Solvation-thermodynamic effects of the water-methanol solvent on the coordination of Na+, K+, NH 4 + , and Ag+ ions with 18-crown-6: Gibbs energies of complexation and resolvation of reagents

The results of solvation-thermodynamic monitoring of aqueous-methanol solutions of electrolytes (NaCl, KCl, NH₄Cl, AgNO₃) and 18-crown-6 ether (L) in the mole fraction scale are summarized and systematized. The stability of sodium mono(crown ether) complexes in water-methanol solvents is due to both enthalpy and entropy contributions, and the stability of the ammonium and silver complexes, to the enthalpy contribution. The solvent effects in formation of crown ether complexes of sodium, potassium, ammonium, and silver are subjected to solvation-thermodynamic and correlation analyses. An equation is suggested for estimating the ion selectivity of crown ethers, and the contributions of energy constituents (the Gibbs energy of transfer of reagents) to varation of the ion selectivity of 18-crown-6 toward M-Na⁺ pairs in the water-methanol solvent are revealed.     

Synthetic, structural, and theoretical investigations of alkali metal germanium hydrides--contact molecules and separated ions

The preparation of a series of crown ether ligated alkali metal (M=K, Rb, Cs) germyl derivatives M(crown ether)_nGeH₃ through the hydrolysis of the respective tris(trimethylsilyl)germanides is reported. Depending on the alkali metal and the crown ether diameter, the hydrides display either contact molecules or separated ions in the solid state, providing a unique structural insight into the geometry of the obscure GeH₃^? ion. Germyl derivatives displaying M? Ge bonds in the solid state are of the general formula [M([18]crown‐6)(thf)GeH₃] with M=K ( 1 ) and M=Rb ( 4 ). The compounds display an unexpected geometry with two of the GeH₃ hydrogen atoms closely approaching the metal center, resulting in a partially inverted structure. Interestingly, the lone pair at germanium is not pointed towards the alkali metal, rather two of the three hydrides are approaching the alkali metal center to display M? H interactions. Separated ions display alkali metal cations bound to two crown ethers in a sandwich‐type arrangement and non‐coordinated GeH₃^? ions to afford complexes of the type [M(crown ether)₂][GeH₃] with M=K, crown ether=[15]crown‐5 ( 2 ); M=K, crown ether=[12]crown‐4 ( 3 ); and M=Cs, crown ether=[18]crown‐6 ( 5 ). The highly reactive germyl derivatives were characterized by using X‐ray crystallography, ¹H and ¹³C NMR, and IR spectroscopy. Density functional theory (DFT) and second‐order Møller–Plesset perturbation theory (MP2) calculations were performed to analyze the geometry of the GeH₃^? ion in the contact molecules 1 and 4 .     

Counterion Effects on the Columnar Mesophases of Triphenylene‐Substituted [18]Crown‐6 Ethers: Is Flatter Better?

The twisted lateral tetraalkyloxy ortho‐terphenyl units in dibenzo[18]crown‐6 ethers 1 a – f were readily converted into the flat tetraalkyloxytriphenylene systems 2 a – f by oxidative cyclization with FeCl₃ in nitromethane. Reactions of the latter with potassium salts gave complexes KX ?2 , which displayed mesomorphic properties. The aromatization increased both the clearing and melting points; the mesophase stabilities, however, were mainly influenced by the respective anions upon complexation with various potassium salts. In contrast, the alkyl chain lengths played only a secondary role. Among the potassium complexes of triphenylene‐substituted crown ethers KX ?2 , only those with the soft anions I^? and SCN^? displayed mesophases with expanded phase temperature ranges of 93 °C and 132 °C (for KX ?2 e ), respectively, as compared to the corresponding o‐terphenyl‐substituted crown ether complexes KI ?1 e (ΔT=51 °C) and KSCN ?1 e (plastic crystal phase). Anions such as Br^?, Cl^?, and F^? decreased the mesophase stability, and PF₆^? led to complete loss of the mesomorphic properties of KPF₆ ?2 although not for KPF₆ ?1 . For crown ether complexes KX ?2 (X=F, Cl, Br, I, BF₄, and SCN), columnar rectangular mesophases of different symmetries (c2 mm, p2 mg, and p2 gg) were detected. In contrast to findings for the twisted o‐terphenyl crown ether complexes KX ?1 , the complexation of the flat triphenylene crown ethers 2 with KX resulted in the formation of organogels. Characterization of the organogel of KI ?2 e in CH₂Cl₂ revealed a network of fibers.     

Cobalt(II) Schiff Base Complexes Bearing Aza Crown Ether Pendants as Synthetic Hydrolase Catalyzing PNPP Hydrolysis

Two Co^II complexes with aza crown ether substituted salicylaldimine Schiff base, CoL¹ ₂ and CoL² ₂, have been synthesized and employed as models to mimic hydrolase in catalytic hydrolysis of a carboxylic ester. The specific change of u.v.–vis. absorption spectra of the hydrolytic reactive systems has been observed, which indicates that key intermediates are formed by PNPP and Co^II complexes. The kinetics and the mechanism of PNPP hydrolysis have been investigated. The kinetic mathematical model for PNPP cleavage catalyzed by the Co^II complexes has been proposed. The results show that, compared with the crown-free analogous CoL³ ₂, the bis(aza crown ether)s Co^II complexes CoL¹ ₂ and CoL² ₂ exhibit high activity in the PNPP catalytic hydrolysis; the rate of the PNPP hydrolysis catalyzed by the complexes increases with the increase of pH of the buffer solution; the pseudo-first-order rate constants (k _ob) of PNPP hydrolysis catalyzed by the complexes is 1000 times more than that of spontaneous hydrolysis of PNPP.     

Preparation and characterization of tetraaza[14]annulene and its nickel(ii) and copper(II) complexes with crown ether functionalities

Three new organic hosts are described that contain a tetraaza[14]annulene core to which two crown ether voids are attached. These hosts include a free base tetraaza[14]annulene and/or its complexes with benzo-15-crown-5 rings. The crown tetraaza[14]annulene is synthesized from tetraaza[14]annulene and 4′-chloroformylbenzo-15-crown-5. Its nickel(II) and copper(II) complexes are prepared in a similar manner as above. In solution the compounds do not tend to form aggregates. However, aggregation is affected by the presence of alkali-metal salts, which coordinate to the crowns. Li⁺ and Na⁺ cations with diameters that match the diameters of the crown ether rings form 1:2 host-guest complexes. Complexes with 2:2 host-guest stoichiometry are formed when the diameters of K⁺ and Cs⁺ cations exceed that of the crown ether rings. Nevertheless, it is weak for the present macrocycle and its complexes to be inclined to form dimers owing to the steric hindrance of the substituent groups and owing to restraining the rotation of the carbonyl bond connecting the crown ether group.     

Supramolecular diaryliodonium salt‐crown ether complexes as cationic photoinitiators

Diaryliodonium salts spontaneously form crystalline 1:1 supramolecular complexes at room temperature in good to excellent yields with 18‐crown‐6 ether and its cyclohexano‐ and benzo‐substituted analogs. The complexes were characterized using IR, UV, MS, ¹H, and ¹³C‐NMR spectroscopy and by single crystal X‐ray crystallography. The analytical data obtained were consistent with a structure in which the positively charged iodine atom of diaryliodonium cation is positioned above and over the center of the crown ether ring with the positively charged iodine atom coordinated to the crown ether oxygen atoms. The diaryliodonium salt‐crown ether complexes are photosensitive and were used to carry out the photoinitiated cationic polymerizations of a number of mono‐ and difunctional monomers. During irradiation with UV light, the supramolecular complexes undergo photolysis with the generation of a Brønsted acid and with the concomitant release of the crown ether. When used as photoinitiators, the crown ether that is released markedly influences the kinetics of the subsequent cationic polymerization of the monomer. Further studies demonstrated that the photolysis of diaryliodonium salt‐crown ether supramolecular complexes can be photosensitized using typical‐electron transfer photosensitizers. Free radical‐promoted photosensitization using typical unimolecular free radical photoinitiators such as 2,2‐dimethoxy‐2‐phenylacetophenone also takes place readily. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2013     

Synthesis, Characterization, Spectroscopic and Electrochemical Properties of New Mono- and Binuclear Copper（Ⅰ） Complexes with Substituted 2,2′-Bipyridine

The mono- and binuclear Cu(Ⅰ) complexes with substituted 2,2′-bipyridine and iodide ligands, [CuL2]BF4(L=4-methoxycarbonyl-6-(4-methylphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (a), 6-(4-hydroxymethylphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (b) and 6-(4-methoxylphenyl)-2,2′-bipyridine (c)) and [Cu2(μ-I)2L2] were prepared, and the crystal structures of the complexes were obtained from signal-crystal X-ray diffractional analysis. The spectroscopic properties of the complexes in dichloromethane are dominated by low energy MLCT bands from 360 to 650 nrn. The electrochemical studies of mononuclear complexes reveal that the complexes have stable copper(Ⅰ) state.     

Stoichiometry, complex stability, molecular size and conformational variations of metal ion crown ether complexes subject to diffusion coefficients in nonaqueous solutions

Both the stoichiometry and complex stability constants of crown ether complexes with metal ions have been determined by examining gradual changes in their diffusional behavior in nonaqueous solution. Diffusion coefficients, D, were evaluated by pulsed field gradient (PFG) NMR titration experiments whilst complex stability constants were determined by nonlinear curve-fitting procedures, D versus c_sol., which also allow the treatment of multiple complexation equilibria (1:1 to 1:2 stoichiometries). Differences in the diffusion coefficients of the various free crown ethers with respect to their metal ion complexes indicate great sensitivity to both conformational changes and changes in molecular size upon complexation.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of mononuclear iridium (III) acetylacetonate complexes bearing an axial bipyridine ligand

Three new iridium (III) acetylacetonate complexes with an axial bipyridine ligand were synthesised via the direct reaction of [bis(acac-O,O′)(acac-C³)Ir(H₂O)] and the corresponding bipyridine, and their molecular structures were determined by using single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The bipyridine used was di-2-pyridylketone, 2,2′-bipyridine and 2,2′-bipyridylamine, respectively. The results revealed that only mononuclear iridium complexes were obtained, although bipyridine has two N coordinate atoms, probably due to the great steric hindrance existing around the coordinate sphere if two bis(acac-O,O′)(acac-C³)Ir units were bridged by bipyridine. All these complexes are coordinated in one axial direction by bipyridine as a mono-dentate ligand in a slightly distorted octahedral coordination geometry.     

Crown ethers as ligands for stereospecific polymerization by Ziegler–Natta catalysts

Some new TiCl₄/Crown ether complexes were synthesized and used as polymerization catalysts with AlEt₃ or AlEt₂Cl as cocatalyst for the stereospecific polymerization of 1,3-butadiene. As with most of the nucleophilic ligands the addition of crown ethers to Ziegler–Natta catalytic systems results in a decrease of the polymer conversion. But the Al/Ti molar ratio appears to be less critical for the complexed systems than for the uncomplexed ones. The presence of the crown ether in the surroundings of the catalytic sites presumably protects them from an excess of the organoaluminum cocatalyst. The side groups of the crown ether do not influence the microstructure of the polybutadiene obtained but they change the activity of the catalytic systems. Thus, the electron-donating effect of the macrocyclic ligands seems to be less important than the sterical effect due to the rigidity and to the hole size of the crown ether.     

Synthesis,characterization, and photochemistry of the supramolecules formed from chromium(III) thiocyanato anion associated with crown ethers

A series of anionic chromium(III) thiocyanato complexes with metal crown ether cations have been prepared and characterized. These complexes have the form [Crown-M]₂⁺[Cr(NCS)₅(H₂O)]²⁻ and [Crown-M]₃⁺[Cr(NCS)₆]³⁻, where M=Na⁺, K⁺, or NH₄⁺ and crown represents the crown ether. The crown ethers are 15-crown-5, B-15-crown-5, 18-crown-6, DB-18-crown-6, and DB-24-crown-8, where B- and DB- stand for benzo- and dibenzo-, respectively. The complexes are stable for at least 20 h in the dark in dimethylformamide(DMF) or in acetonitrile, and they release thiocyanate slowly, k=(0.71–2.67)×10⁻⁹ mol/(L s) in acetonitrile in the dark. Photoanation of thiocyanate was observed for the complexes in DMF and in acetonitrile. The quantum yields of thiocyanate release in DMF and in acetonitrile are reported. The quantum yields were in the range 0.05 to 0.52 mol einstein⁻¹ and were solvent and wavelength dependent. In general, larger quantum yields were observed in DMF than in acetonitrile. The photoreaction mechanism is discussed.     

Crowned dendron: ion-responsive flexibility of macromolecules induced by integrated crown ether moieties

Polybenzyl ether type dendrons bearing the crown ether moieties at the periphery, namely, crowned dendrons were synthesized, and the effect of complex formation on their flexibility with metal-ion binding properties was examined. Upon addition of Na⁺, ¹H NMR spectra of the crowned dendrons in CD₃CN were significantly broadened, reflecting the flexibility restriction of the crowned dendrons by the complex formation with Na⁺. Such a significant flexibility restriction was observed only with Na⁺, although ESI-MS studies revealed that the crowned dendrons formed 1:2 complexes (a metal ion:the crown ether moiety) regardless of the kind of metal ions. The flexibility restriction became significant with increasing dendron generation on the basis of ¹H NMR spectra and spin-lattice relaxation time (T₁) measurements. Binding constants of the crowned dendrons with metal ions in CD₃CN decreased with the increase of the dendron generation, reflecting an influence of the charge repulsion as well as a dendrimer effect to cause the steric hindrance. The examination of UV-vis absorption spectra for complexes of the crowned dendron with metal picrates in THF displayed the formation of a loose ion-pair complex with Na⁺, namely, a typical sandwich type complex. However, in CH₃CN, all metal picrates were solvated to be in a loose ion-pair even without complex formation. These results suggested that the control of macromolecular flexibility with metal ions is feasible by the integration of crown ether moieties with a dendritic structure.     

The electrochemical behavior of Os(II) complexes with α,α′-bipyridine and o-phenanthroline in non-aqueous solvents

The electrode reactions of Os(II) complexes with α,α′-bipyridine and o-phenanthroline have been studied in non aqueous solvents. Tris bipyridine and tris phenanthroline complexes of Os(II) give one-step oxidation waves and three-step reduction waves, while bis bipyridine complexes of Os(II) containing py₂, en, CN₂, Cl₂ and Br₂ as mixed ligands give one-step oxidation waves and two-step reduction waves. Most of these waves correspond to reversible single electron transfers. It is noticed that the half-wave potentials or the peak potentials of bis bipyridine complexes are shifted to more negative direction than those of the tris complex in both oxidation and reduction processes. This is attributable to less electron with drawing nature of substituted ligands than bipyridine. These potential data, the shifts of E_1/2 or E_p from those of tris complexes, and δE*, the potential difference between two consecutive single electron waves, are discussed in terms of molecular orbital scheme.     

Crown ethers with converging neutral binding sites: Synthesis and complexation with t-butylammonium hexafluorophosphate

The influence of substituents in close proximity to crown ether cavities, on the stability of complexes of the crown ethers with t-butylammonium salts, has been investigated. Crown ethers with intra-annular donor substituents (2–4) were prepared by the reaction of 2-acetylresorcinol (1) with polyethylene glycol ditosylates and subsequent modification of the acetyl group. Crown ethers with substituents above and below the plane of the crown ether 0 atoms were synthesized by the reaction of 2,2'-dihydroxy-1,1'-biphenyls with polyethylene glycol ditosylates. Chloromethylation of 5,5'-dimethyl-1,1'-biphenyl crown ethers (6) yielded 4,4'-bis(chloromethyl)-1,1'-biphenyl crown ethers (10). 3,3'-Disubstituted-1,1'-biphenyl crown ethers (13–24) were synthesized by the reaction of 3,3'-diallyl-2,2'-dihydroxy-1,1'-biphenyl (12) with polyethylene glycol ditosylates. The allyl groups of 13 were isomerized with sodium hydride to propen- 1-yl groups. Ozonolysis of 13 and 14 gave the corresponding dialdehydes (15 and 18) which were converted into other 3,3'-disubstituted biphenyl-20-crown-6 derivatives (RCH₂COOMe, CH₂COOH, CH₂OH, CH₂Cl, CH₂OMe, OH and Me) by standard operations. The thermodynamic stability of the complexes of these functionalized crown ethers with t-butylammonium hexafluorophosphate has been studied in deuterochloroform in competition experiments with m-xyleno-18-crown-5 and benzo-15-crown-5 as the reference compounds. The nature of the 2-substituents in the crown ethers 2 and 3 has little effect on the stability of the complexes. The stability of the complexes of 3,3'-disubstituted biphenyl crown ethers depends of ringsize and the size and nature of the substituents. The most stable complexes are those of 24 (R = Me) and 14 (R=CH=CHMe).The Me groups in 24 represent the optimum between relief of O-O repulsion in the polyether ring and steric hindrance of complexation. The propen-1-yl substituents of 14 stabilize the complex because they provide extended π-electron donor stabilization. Substitution at the 4- and 4'-positions of the aryl groups has little effect on the stability of the complexes.     

STRUCTURAL STUDIES OF POLYETHER COORDINATION TO MERCURY(II) HALIDES: CROWN ETHER VERSUS POLYETHYLENE GLYCOL COMPLEXATION

Abstract

The crystal structures of several crown ether and polyethylene glycol complexes of HgX₂ (X=Cl, Br, I) have been investigated. The crown ether complexes studied are [HgX₂(18-crown-6)] (X=Br, I) and [HgI₂(dibenzo-18-crown-6)]·CH₃CN. In each case Hg resides in the cavity of the ether resulting in hexagonal bipyramidal geometry with axial, terminal halides. The covalently bonded halides reside closer to Hg than the oxygen donor atoms. Five polyethylene glycol complexes have been structurally characterized: [(HgCl₂)₃(EO3)], [HgX₂(EO4)] (X=Br, I), [HgCl₂(EO5)], and [HgBr₂(EO5)HgBr₂]₂ (EO3=triethylene glycol, EO4=tetraethylene glycol, EO5=pentaethylene glycol). The EO4 and EO5 glycols mimic crown ethers by forming an equatorial girdle around Hg although in each case one alcoholic terminal end does not coordinate to the metal ion. Each complex also has two covalent, nearly linear, axial halides coordinated to Hg. In [(HgCl₂)₃(EO3)], the glycol is linear and coordinates to three Hg atoms all on the same side of the glycol ligand. This structure is polymeric via chloride bridging.