Two‐Dimensional Calix[4]arene‐based Metal–Organic Coordination Networks of Tunable Crystallinity

A flexible and versatile method to fabricate two‐dimensional metal–organic coordination networks (MOCNs) by bottom‐up self‐assembly is described. 2D crystalline layers were formed at the air–water interface, coordinated by ions from the liquid phase, and transferred onto a solid substrate with their crystallinity preserved. By using an inherently three‐dimensional amphiphile, namely 25,26,27,28‐tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene‐5,11,17,23‐tetracarboxylic acid, and a copper metal node, large and monocrystalline dendritic MOCN domains were formed. The method described allows for the fabrication of monolayers of tunable crystallinity on liquid and solid substrates. It can be applied to a large range of differently functionalized organic building blocks, also beyond macrocycles, which can be interconnected by diverse metal nodes.     

Polymorphic crystals of oxacalix[4]arene with 1,3‐alternate conformations of S4 and C2 symmetry

Calix[4]arene and oxacalix[4]arene derivatives have eight possible conformations in the up and down directions of their four aromatic rings from the mean plane of a bridged central ring, the conformations of which determine the functionality of the host frameworks. Despite being a known compound for five decades, oxacalix[4]arene, C₂₄H₁₆O₄, has not been characterized previously by crystallographic methods. It crystallizes from hexane/CH₂Cl₂ solution to give two polymorphs, i.e. prismatic and block‐shaped crystals as twisted 1,3‐alternate structures with S₄ and C₂ symmetry, respectively. These were previously suggested as the prefered stable conformations by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.     

Synthesis of resorcin[4]arene bearing self-folding substituent

Thiomethylation of resorcin[4]arene using N,N-diisopropyl-2-aminoethanethiol hydrochloride and formaldehyde [1:4:4 molar ratio] carried out in methanol/acetic acid [1:1 v/v] at 60 °C produced monofunctionalized product 3 in 68% yield. The introduced substituent was intramolecularly self-included into the cavity. This self-inclusion reduced the reactivity of the aromatic rings and inhibited further functionalization.     

Light-actuated resorcin[4]arene cavitands

A light-actuated resorcin[4]arene cavitand equipped with two quinone (Q) and two opposite Ru(II)-based photosensitizing walls was synthesized and investigated. The cavitand is capable of switching from an open to a contracted conformation upon reduction of the two Q to the corresponding SQ radical anions by intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer in the presence of a sacrificial donor. The molecular switch was investigated by cyclic and rotating disc voltammetry, UV–Vis–NIR spectroelectrochemistry, transient absorption, NMR, and EPR spectroscopy. This study provides the basis for the development of future light-activated switches and molecular actuating nanodevices.     

Oligomeric calix[4]arene‐thiacrown ether for toxic heavy metals

A new oligomeric calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 ( 5 ) was synthesized via a condensation reaction of 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐bis‐(4‐aminobenzyloxy)‐calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 ( 4 ) with adipoyl dichloride. In this oligomerization reaction only five/six calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 units were linked in the oligomeric chain. The complexation studies of 5 were made with liquid–liquid‐ extraction and solid–liquid‐sorption procedures. For comparison, the extraction efficiencies of monomers 1 , 3 , and 4 to selected transition metals are reported. The selectivity of monomers 3 and 4 toward Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺ was lost after oligomerization in the two‐phase extraction systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 186–193, 2004     

Isolation and X-ray crystal structure of a stable calix[4]arene monohemiketal

The formation of a stable calix[4]arene monohemiketal is described. X-ray crystallographic data provide conclusive evidence for the presence of a stabilizing hydrogen bond. Supplementary Data. Lists of H-atom parameters and bond lengths and angles involving hydrogens have been deposited with the British Library Document Supply Centre as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82159 (5 pp.).     

Thioether‐Functionalized Quinone‐Based Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Electroswitchable Molecular Actuators

The utility of molecular actuators in nanoelectronics requires activation of mechanical motion by electric charge at the interface with conductive surfaces. We functionalized redox‐active resorcin[4]arene‐quinone cavitands with thioethers as surface‐anchoring groups at the lower rim and investigated their propensity to act as electroswitchable actuators that can adopt two different conformations in response to changes in applied potential. Molecular design was assessed by DFT calculations and X‐ray analysis. Electronic properties were experimentally studied in solution and thin films electrochemically, as well as by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy on gold substrates. The redox interconversion between the oxidized (quinone, Q ) and the reduced (semiquinone, SQ ) state was monitored by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemistry and EPR spectroscopy. Reduction to the SQ state induces a conformational change, providing the basis for potential voltage‐controlled molecular actuating devices.     

Studies on Properties of Tetra‐p‐nitro‐tetra‐O‐alkylcalix[4]arenes

Ibis paper reports the properties of the novel tetra‐p‐nitro‐tetra‐O‐alkyl‐calix[4]arenes (alkyl= n‐C₄H₉, 1; n‐C₈H₁₇ 2; n‐C₁₂H₂₅, 3; n‐C₁₆H₃₃, 4). X‐ray crystallographic analysis and ¹H NMR revealed that they exist as pinched‐cone conformation in crystal or cone conformation in solution. EFISH experiments at 1064 nm in CHCl₃, indicated that tetra‐p‐nitro‐tetra‐O‐butyl‐calix[4]arene (1) has higher hyperpolarizability β, values than the corresponding reference compound p‐nitro‐phenyl butyl ether, without red shift of the charge transfer band. Compounds 2, 3 and 4 with longer alkyl chains can form monolayer at the air/water.     

Calix[4]quinones. Part 4: The ClO2 oxidation of calix[4]arene dialkyl ethers

Except for the special case of calix[4]arene diethyl ether 1, the chlorine dioxide oxidation of dialkyl ethers 2-5 yielded only the corresponding calix[4]diquinone dialkyl ethers 8-11. Chlorine dioxide oxidation of calix[4]arene diethyl ether 1 produced two isomeric products 6 and 7, which were stable enough to be isolated by column chromatography. However, a slow conformational interconversion between isomeric pair 6 and 7 was observed at room temperature, and the equilibrium was reached after 400 h at 18 °C with an amount of 5:3 in favor of syn-isomer.     

Calix[4]quinones III: The Synthesis of p‐Hydroxycalix[4]arenes by Wolff‐Kishner Reduction

The Wolff‐Kishner reduction of the half‐protected ketal calix[4]monoquinone 3 and its basic hydrolysis product 4 produced a partially reducing product 5 . When the same reduction conditions were applied to the calix[4]quinone benzoates 1 and 2 , the corresponding title compounds, p‐hydroxycalix[4]arenes ( 6 and 7 ), were afforded in one step.     

Thiocalix[4] arenes. I. Synthesis and structure of ethylthiocalix[4]arene methyl ether and the related structure of bromocalix[4]arene methyl ether

Bromocalix[4]arene methyl ether serves as a precursor in the synthesis of the title thiocalixarene via the reagent CuSEt. Ethylthiocalix[4]arene methyl ether crystallizes in the monoclinic space groupP2₁/c witha = 20.577(9),b, = 10.722(5),c = 20.315(9) Å, = 120.46(4)°, andD _c = 1.24 g cm^–3 forZ = 4. Refinement based on 1441 observed reflections led toR = 0.080. The configuration of the calixarene lies between the partial cone and the 1,3-altemate conformations. Bromocalix[4]arene methyl ether crystallizes in the triclinic space groupPI witha = 12.283(7),b = 17.658(9),c = 18.118(6) Å, = 90.25(6), = 105.95(4), = 105.11(6)°, andD _c = 1.68 g cm^–3 forZ = 4. Refinement based on 3028 observed reflections led toR = 0.083. The unit cell also contains four CHCl₃ molecules which exist pairwise enclathrated by six calixarenes. The partial cone conformation of the bromocalixarene is identical to that of ethylthiocalix[4]arene methyl ether.     

Crystal and molecular structures of binuclear caesium complexes with 1,3-calix[4]-bis-crown-6 and 1,3-calix[4]-bis-benzo-crown-6

The crystal structures of two binuclear complexes between caesium and 1,3-calix[4]-bis-crowns have been determined. Cs₂ Bis-benzoC6(NO₃)₂. 3CHCl₃ (1) in whichBis-benzoC6 is 1,3-calix[4]-bis-benzo-crown-6, crystallizes in the orthorhombic system: space groupPca2 ₁ a=19.513(10),b=15.382(5),c=23.708(9) Å,V=7116(5) ų,Z=4. Refinement led to a final conventionalR value of 0.065 for 2321 reflections. The structure of (1) is analogous to those already reported withBis-C6, (in whichBis-C6 is, 1,3-calix[4]-bis-crown-6) and NO ₃ ^– as a counter-ion. Cs₂ Bis-C6(NCS)₂ (2) crystallizes in the monoclinic system: space, groupC2 a=36.57(2),b=11.47(1),c=13.65(1) Å, =109.03(5)°.,V=5415(6) ų,Z=4. Refinement led to a final conventionalR value of 0.063 for 2227 reflections. Compound (2) is made of dimers bridged by a disordered NCS^– ion. The crown ether chain conformations are discussed. Supplementary data relating to this article (atomic coordinates, anisotropic displacement parameters, bond distances and angles and observed and calculated structure factors) are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82199 (52 pages).     

Synthesis and Characterization of a Novel Calix[4]arene‐Based Periodic Mesoporous Organosilica

Summary: A new calix[4]arene‐based periodic mesoporous organosilica has been synthesized using tetraethoxysilane (TEOS) and a calix[4]arene‐based silane monomer as the precursors and cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) surfactant as the structure‐directing template, and is shown to be capable of visual detection and entrapment of NO₂.

Synthesis of the novel mesoporous organosilica material containing covalently bound tetra‐O‐alkylated calix[4]arene hosts.     

Studies on Properties of p—Nitrophenylazo Calix[4]arene Derivatives

The p-nitrophenylazo calix[4] arene derivatives la-ld with nonlinear optical(NLO)properties were prepared by the diazo-coupling reaction of calix[4]arene with p-nitrophenyl diazonium.The diazotization reaction of p-nltroaniline was caried out with isoamyl nitrite as a source of nitrous acid in EtONa/EtOH under refluxing conditon.X-Ray crystallographic analysis and ^1H NMR sptectra reveal that they exist as cone conformation in crystal state or in soution.HRS measurements at 1064 nm in THF indicate that p-nitrophenylazo calix[4]arenes have higher hyperpolarizability βz values than the corresponding reference compound 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)-2,6-dimethyl-phenol,without red shift of the charge transfer band.The tetrakis p-nitropheylazo calix[4]arene(2)with longer alkyl chains can form monolayer aht the air/water interface.     

Liquid chromatographic behavior of two alanine‐substituted calix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phases

Two new kinds of alanine‐substituted calix[4]arene stationary phases of 5,11,17,23‐p‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐bis(l ‐alanine‐methylester‐N‐carbonyl‐methoxy)‐26,28‐dihyroxycalix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phase (BABS4) and 5, 11, 17, 23‐p‐tert‐butyl‐25,26,27,28‐tetra(l ‐alanine‐methylester‐N‐carbonyl‐methoxy)‐calix[4]arene‐bonded silica gel stationary phase (TABS4) were prepared and characterized in the present study. They were compared with each other and investigated in terms of their chromatographic performance by using polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, disubstituted benzene isomers, and mono‐substituted benzenes as solute probes. The results indicated that both BABS4 and TABS4 exhibited multiple interactions with analytes. In addition, the commonly used Tanaka characterization protocol for the evaluation of commercially available stationary phases was applied to evaluate the properties of these two new functionalized calixarene stationary phases. The Tanaka test results were compared with Zorbax Eclipse XDB C₁₈ and Kromasil phenyl columns, respectively. BABS4 has stronger hydrogen‐bonding capacity and ion‐exchange capacity than TABS4, and features weaker hydrophobicity and hydrophobic selectivity. Both of them behave similarly in stereoselectivity. Both BABS4 and TABS4 are weaker than C₁₈ and phenyl stationary phases in hydrophobicity and hydrophobic selectivity.     

硫杂杯[4]芳烃氧化膦衍生物的合成与晶体结构

合成了部分取代的硫杂杯[4]芳烃氧化膦衍生物, 二(亚甲基二苯基氧化膦)对叔丁基硫杂杯[4]芳烃(化合物1), 培养了化合物的单晶, 用Smart 1000 CCD衍射仪测定了其晶体结构. 结果表明, 1的组成为: C₆₆H₇₀O₆P₂S₄•2CH₃OH, 属三斜晶系, P1空间群, 晶胞参数a＝1.3453(6) nm, b＝1.5289(7) nm, c＝1.7893(9) nm; α＝75.707(9)°, β＝69.131(8)°, γ＝79.734(9)°, Z＝2; V＝3.316(3) nm³, d＝1.215 g/cm³, F(000)＝1288, μ (Mo Kα)＝0.244 mm^－1, R₁＝0.0625, wR₂＝0.1372. 杯芳烃分子采取了锥式构象.     

pH‐Responsive Pillar[6]arene‐based Water‐Soluble Supramolecular Hexagonal Boxes

We describe the preparation of the first water‐soluble pH‐responsive supramolecular hexagonal boxes (SHBs) based on multiple charge‐assisted hydrogen bonds between peramino‐pillar[6]arenes 2 with the molecular “lid” mellitic acid ( 1 a ). The interaction between 2 and 1 a , as well as the other “lids” pyromellitic and trimesic acids ( 1 b and 1 c , respecively) were studied by a combination of experimental and computational methods. Interestingly, the addition of 1 a to the complexes of the protonated form of pillar[6]arene 2 , that is, 3 , with bis‐sulfonate 4 a or 4 b , immediately led to guest escape along with the formation of closed 1 a₂2 supramolecular boxes. Moreover, the process of the openning and closing of the supramolecular boxes along with threading and escaping of the guests, respectively, was found to be reversible and pH‐responsive. This study paves the way for the easy and modular preparation of different SHBs that may have myriad applications.     

Inclusion of p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene and its metal complexes

As a new member of the water‐soluble calixarene family, p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene possesses unique properties resulting from its inherent structural characteristics. In our recent research, we have investigated the self‐assembly of bowl‐like p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arenes with or without transition‐metal ions in the presence of suitable guests. We have obtained a series of compounds with different structural motifs, such as capsules, tetranuclear clusters, and molecular clefts. In addition, p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arenes show good inclusion abilities and can capture different guests by utilizing their hydrophobic cavities through supramolecular interactions. Even when a cone‐like conformation is fixed, the p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene can also splay its opposite aromatic rings apart to adjust its cone‐like conformations from C_4v to C_2v and even lower symmetries. All of these show that it is a good candidate for the research of inclusion phenomena. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 155–168; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200800033     

Spectrophotometric study of the supramolecular complexes of [60]- and [70]Fullerenes with biscalix[6]arene and crown[4]calix[6]arene

[60]- and [70]Fullerenes have been shown to form 1:1 supramolecular complexes with bis[2-(5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-tert-butyl-37,38,39,40,41-pentahydroxycalix[6]arenyl-oxy ethyl ether) (1) and 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-tert-butyl-37,38,40,41-tetra hydroxyl-39,42-(crown-4)calix[6]arene (2) in CHCl3 medium by electronic absorption spectroscopy. Formation constants (K) of the complexes of [60]- and [70]fullerenes with 1 and 2 have been determined at room temperature from which free energy of formation values of the complexes have been estimated. The very high formation constant value of [60]fullerene/1 complex (5900 dm3 mol-1) in indicative of formation of inclusion complex. Moreover, PM3 calculations reveal that intermolecular interaction between [60]fullerene and 1 proceeds through quite deep energy molecular orbital.     

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