Colorimetric recognition of anions using preorganized tetra-amidourea derived calix[4]arene sensors

The synthesis and the spectroscopic studies of the amidourea based calix[4]arene sensors 1 and 2 are described. The 4-nitrophenyl based sensor 1 was synthesized in two steps from the corresponding calix [4]arene tetraethyl ester and shown to give rise to color changes in the UV-vis spectra in DMSO upon recognition of pyrophosphate and fluoride. Fitting the changes in the absorption spectra using nonlinear regression analysis indicated strong binding of several anions by 1 such as acetate and hydrogen phosphate in 1:1 (Host:Guest) stoichiometry, and at higher concentration in 1:2 stoichiometry. The preorganized calix-cavity was, however, not found to host chlorine while binding of bromide was determined. At high concentrations of these anions, significant colorimetric changes were also observed that were clearly visible to the naked eye for both pyrophosphate and fluoride. The phenyl analogue 2 was made to enable analysis of the anion recognition using 1H NMR titrations and showed that ions such as phosphate were bound in 1:1 stoichiometry, whereas the "urea" protons were shown to be significantly affected upon coordination to the anion.     

Size matters--strong binding of the terephthalate dianion by thiourea functionalised fused [n]polynorbornane hosts

Remarkably strong binding of the new [5]polynorbornane based host to the terephthalate dianion is based on size complementarity of the preorganised binding cleft with the rigid dicarboxylate guest.     

Efficient synthesis and anion recognition of a colorimetric preorganized tripodal thiourea compound

A preorganized colorimetric tripodal thiourea receptor was synthesized in high yield utilizing a thiol-ene reaction as a primary step. The interaction of the receptor with dihydrogen phosphate, acetate, chloride, and fluoride anions was investigated using UV–vis. and ¹H NMR spectroscopic titration techniques. The binding stoichiometry of the receptor with dihydrogen phosphate and acetate was found to be 1:2, and 1:1 with chloride and fluoride. The binding constants for the receptor and dihydrogen phosphate, acetate, chloride, and fluoride were determined using HypNMR2008 and HypSpec.     

Anion sensing by Phenazine-based urea/thiourea receptors

The novel colorimetric receptors 2,3-bis-N-(9,10-diaza-anthracen-1-yl)-N′-phenylurea and 2,3-bis-N-(9,10-diaza-anthracen-1-yl)-N′-phenylthiourea have been prepared by the reaction of 2,3-diaminophenazine with phenylisocyanate and phenylisothiocyanate, respectively, in quantitative yields. The interaction and colorimetric sensing properties of receptor = 2 and 3 with different anions were investigated by naked eye, UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopy in DMSO. The receptors effectively and selectively recognized biologically important F⁻, CH₃COO⁻, H₂P in the presence of other anions, such as Cl⁻, Br⁻, I⁻ and HS in DMSO.     

Anion recognition and anion-mediated self-assembly with thiourea-functionalised fused [3]polynorbornyl frameworks

Three conformationally preorganised host molecules based on the [3]polynorbornyl framework and incorporating di-urea receptors were synthesised and their interaction with a series of anions investigated by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. A high affinity of each host molecule for dihydrogenphosphate (H(2)PO(4)(-)) and dihydrogenpyrophosphate (H(2)P(2)O(7)(2-)) was identified. In addition to binding to the urea receptors of the host molecules, evidence for an interaction involving the non-polar C-H groups within the binding cavity of the framework and guest anions was also discovered. Furthermore, an unusual 2 : 1 host-to-anion stoichiometry was indicated when binding H(2)P(2)O(7)(2-), and a model for the anion-mediated self-assembly of this complex species is proposed.     

Anion recognition by alpha-arylazo-N-confused calix[4]pyrroles

The first example of substitution reaction in the free alpha-position of N-confused calix[4]pyrroles is reported: azo-coupling with various arenediazonium salts. The obtained azocompounds were used for studies of their anion-binding properties by UV-Vis spectroscopy.     

Anion receptors based on ureido-thiacalix[4]arenes

The regioselective ipso-nitration of tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene-tetrasulfone was used for the construction of thiacalixarene derivatives bearing one or two arylureido functions on the upper rim. The preorganization of ureido units using the thiacalix[4]arene moiety as a molecular scaffold leads to novel anion receptors with good complexation ability toward selected anions of various geometry (halides, carboxylates, HSO₄⁻, H₂PO₄⁻, NO₃⁻, CN⁻) in organic solvents.     

Anion effects on the recognition of ion pairs by calix[4]arene-based heteroditopic receptors

A novel heteroditopic receptor (5) based on a rigid calix[4]arene cavity bearing at the upper rim four arylsulfonamido binding sites has been synthesized. The binding abilities of this new host have been investigated in apolar solvents toward a series of tetramethylammonium salts (tosylate, chloride, acetate, trifluoroacetate, and picrate) and compared with those of monotopic and heteroditopic calix[4]arene-bis(crown-3)-based receptors 1 and 2 in order to evaluate the role of the anion on ion-pair recognition. While monotopic host 1 shows an efficiency order toward the different salts that increases when the anion is less interactive (Hofmeister trend), an opposite role of the counteranion on the recognition process was observed with host 5 (anti-Hofmeister trend). A more complex behavior is experienced by host 2, which shows a high and leveled efficiency for all the anions tested. The results obtained were explained on the basis of the different types of ion pairs present in the recognition process. Further information on the role of the anion were obtained by the "dual host" strategy utilizing the tri-n-butylthioureido derivative of tren 7, which forms a stable complex with chloride anion. The very high efficiency shown by these heteroditopic hosts opens new routes in supramolecular projects and is a very interesting tool in the molecular recognition of ion-pairs and its applications.     

Anion recognition by functionalized single wall carbon nanotubes

Amidoferrocenyl-functionalised single wall carbon nanotubes (Fc-SWNT) are efficient exoreceptors for the redox recognition of H2PO4-.     

Anion recognition with porphyrin-bottomed tetraurea receptors

Three tetraurea-appended porphyrin-derived anion receptors were synthesized and were found to efficiently encapsulate various anions with high association constants of up to 1.1×10⁸ L/mol.     

Anion receptors based on ureido-substituted thiacalix[4]arenes and calix[4]arenes

The regioselective nitration of 25,27-dipropoxythiacalix[4]arene was carried out as a key step in the synthesis of thiacalix[4]arene derivative bearing two arylureido functions on the upper rim. The preorganisation of ureido units using the thiacalix[4]arene/calix[4]arene moieties as a molecular scaffold gave novel anion receptors. These compounds, albeit based on hydrogen bonding interactions, show good complexation ability even in highly HB-competitive solvent, such as DMSO. Direct comparison of otherwise identical structures 6a and 7a revealed remarkable dominance of the thiacalix[4]arene derivative over its classical analogue in anion binding.     

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.     

Cyclo[2]carbazole[2]pyrrole: a preorganized calix[4]pyrrole analogue

A cyclo[2]carbazole[2]pyrrole (2) consisting of two carbazoles and two pyrroles has been synthesized by directly linking the carbazole 1- and 8-carbon atoms to the pyrrole α-carbon atoms. Macrocycle 2 is an extensively conjugated 16-membered macrocyclic ring that is fixed in a pseudo-1,3-alternate conformation. This provides a preorganized anion binding site consisting of two pyrrole subunits. ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis revealed that only the two diagonally opposed pyrrole NH protons, as opposed to the carbazole protons, take part in anion binding. Nevertheless, cyclo[2]carbazole[2]pyrrole 2 binds representative anions with higher affinity in CD₂Cl₂ than calix[4]pyrrole (1), a well-studied non-conjugated tetrapyrrole macrocycle that binds anions via four pyrrolic NH hydrogen bond interactions. On the basis of computational studies, the higher chloride anion affinity of receptor 2 relative to 1 is rationalized in terms of a larger binding energy and a lower host strain energy associated with anion complexation. In the presence of excess fluoride or bicarbonate anions, compound 2 loses two pyrrolic NH protons to produce a stable dianionic macrocycle [2–2H]²⁻ displaying a quenched fluorescence.

Less is more: two NH hydrogen bond donors in a preorganized receptor provide greater anion affinity than the four NH moieties present in the classic anion receptor, calix[4]pyrrole.     

A [2]catenane containing an upper-rim functionalized calix[4]arene for anion recognition

A novel [2]catenane is synthesized in good yield from an upper-rim functionalized calix[4]arene macrobicycle and a nitro-substituted isophthalamide threading component in the presence of a chloride anion template via a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction. After halide anion template removal the resulting catenane host exhibits a high degree of selectivity for chloride in competitive organic solvent mixtures.     

Anion sensing using colorimetric amidourea based receptors incorporated into a 1,3-disubstituted calix[4]arene

The synthesis of amidourea-based colorimetric anion sensors 1 and 2 and the evaluation of these sensors using anions such as acetate , fluoride (F⁻), hydrogen phosphate and hydrogenpyrophosphate (pyr) in DMSO is described. While 1 has a single amidourea moiety, 2 has two such receptors incorporated into a lower-rim 1,3-disubstituted calix[4]arene scaffold. Whilst both sensors gave rise to red shifts in their absorption spectra upon anion recognition, the sensing of F⁻ and pyr gave rise to large changes with concomitant colour changes from yellow to purple, which were visible to the naked eye.     

Structures of urea/thiourea 1,3-disubstituted thia[4]calixarenes and corresponding monofunctional receptors and their anion recognition properties

Two thiacalix[4]arenes in 1,3-alternate conformation functionalized by two (CH₂)₂NH(C=X)NHC₆H₄-NO₂-p groups (X = S,O) as well as two related monofunctional receptors MeO(CH₂)₂NH(C=X)NHC₆H₄-NO₂-p were prepared and characterized by X-ray crystal structures. The thioureido and ureido derivatives have E,Z and E,E conformations respectively both in monofunctional receptors and thiacalixarenes. The thiacalixarene attached thiourea groups are well separated from each other, but respective urea groups are much closer to each other and have mutual parallel orientation making the bisurea derivative a better preorganized receptor as compared to bisthiourea. Binding of Cl^?, F^?, H₂PO₄ ^? and AcO^? anions in chloroform and DMSO was studied by spectrophotometric and NMR titrations. In chloroform both bisurea and bisthiourea thiacalix[4]arenes bind anions 3–5 times stronger than corresponding monofunctional compounds in spite of better preorganization of the urea derivative. In DMSO simultaneous deprotonation of ureido NH groups of receptors and hydrogen bonding reactions are observed. Deprotonation by H₂PO₄ ^? is accompanied by a strong association between liberated H₃PO₄ and H₂PO₄ ^? (log K = 3.9). For hydrogen bonding associations the binding constants of H₂PO₄ ^? and AcO^? with bisurea thiacalixarene are up to two orders of magnitude larger than those with corresponding monofunctional receptor, but with bisthiourea thiacalixarene the effect is less than two-fold. Thus in this solvent in contrast to chloroform the preorganization is an important factor.     

Anion recognition and cation-induced molecular motion in a heteroditopic [2]rotaxane

A heteroditopic [2]rotaxane consisting of a calix[4]diquinone–isophthalamide macrocycle and 3,5‐bis‐amide pyridinium axle components with the capability of switching between two positional isomers in response to barium cation recognition is synthesised. The anion binding properties of the rotaxane’s interlocked cavity together with Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺ and Ba²⁺ cation recognition capabilities are elucidated by ¹H NMR and UV‐visible spectroscopic titration experiments. Upon binding of Ba²⁺, molecular displacement of the axle’s positively charged pyridinium group from the rotaxane’s macrocyclic cavity occurs, whereas the monovalent cations Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄⁺ are bound without causing significant co‐conformational change. The barium cation induced shuttling motion can be reversed on addition of tetrabutylammonium sulfate.     

Anion recognition through hydrogen bonding by adamantane-dipyrromethane receptors

Adamantane-dipyrromethane (AdD) receptors [di(pyrrole-2-yl)methyladamantane (1), 2,2-di(pyrrole-2-yl)adamantane (2), 1,3-bis[di(pyrrole-2-yl)methyl]adamantane (3), 2,2,6,6-tetra(pyrrole-2-yl)adamantane (4)] form complexes with F⁻, Cl⁻, Br⁻, AcO⁻, NO₃⁻, HSO₄⁻, and H₂PO₄⁻. The association constants of the complexes were determined by ¹H NMR titrations, whereas the geometries of complexes 1·F⁻ (2:1), 2·F⁻ (2:1), 2·Cl⁻ (2:1), 2·AcO⁻ (2:1), and 4·F⁻ (1:1) were determined by X-ray structural analysis. The most stable complexes are of 2:1 stoichiometry with F⁻ and AcO⁻. The stability constants are in accordance with the anion basicity and the ability of AdD receptors to place the hydrogen bonding donor groups in a tetrahedral fashion around anions. The binding energies of the complexes between receptors 1-4 and F⁻ anion are calculated using quantum chemical methods. The calculated results show that the solvent polarity is important for the complexation of fluoride ion with AdD receptors 1-4.     

Anion recognition using dimetallic coordination complexes

This article describes advances made over the past 3 years in anion recognition using coordination complexes, with a specific focus on dimetallic architectures that utilize a bridging mechanism. The formation of coordination complexes is a relatively straightforward method of constructing fluorescent and colorimetric chemosensors and imaging agents, and a particularly effective way to develop indicator displacement assays that operate in water. These assays are likely to find increased application in various aspects of analytical and environmental chemistry, as well as biomedical imaging and drug discovery. Significant progress in phosphoesterase mimics has been made, and concomitant with the increased mechanistic insight, is the discovery of a catalyst that cleaves phosphodiesters with poor O-alkyl leaving groups. Also discussed is a macrocyclic coordination complex whose shape and supramolecular function is pH-dependent.