Allosteric coextraction of sodium and metal ions with calix[4]arene derivatives 1

Solvent extraction of three alkali metal ions with p-t-octylcalix[6]arene hexacarboxylic acid, p-t-octylcalix[4]arene tetracarboxylic acid, corresponding linear trimeric and monomeric analogs was investigated. Cyclic tetramer selectively extracts sodium ion among alkali ions at extremely low pH, while the corresponding cyclic hexamer, the trimer, and the monomer exhibited only poor extraction ability for all alkali metals examined. The detailed extractive investigation of sodium ions with the cyclic tetramer was carried out. It was found that two sodium ions are simultaneously extracted by a single molecule of calix[4]arene derivative and that the second sodium extraction is facilitated by the uptake of the first sodium. The self-coextraction mechanism of sodium ions proposed in the present paper also strongly supports allosteric coextraction of sodium and other metal ions. In the competitive extraction of four alkali metal ions, potassium ion was slightly extracted as the second ion at low pH region, whereas it was hardly extracted in the individual extraction system. The result also supports the coextraction mechanism and role of the first-extracted sodium ion as an allosteric trigger. The extraction equilibrium constants of the cyclic tetramer and two sodium ions, K _ex1 and K _ex2, were estimated.     

Kinetically and thermodynamically controlled synthesis of tetraoxa[14]metacyclophanes and hexaoxa[16]metacyclophanes

The nucleophilic aromatic substitution of 1,5-difluoro-2,4-dinitrobenzene with 2-propylresorcinol in Et₃N/CH₃CN produces a mixture of syn and anti conformers of the cyclic tetramer and the cyclic hexamer with a kinetically controlled product distribution. Moreover, the reaction in DMF was catalyzed by CsF to also produce a mixture of these cyclic oligomers. In this case, however, the C-O bond is cleaved by the fluoride ion and the cyclization reaction is reversible; therefore, in the presence of excess CsF, the thermodynamically favored product (syn-isomer of cyclic tetramer) is obtained as the major product. The structures of the two conformational isomers of cyclic tetramers were determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Organic clays. Synthesis and structure of Na5[calix[4] arene sulfonate] · 12 H2O,K5[calix[4]arene sulfonate]·8 H2O,Rb5[calix[4]arene sulfonate]·5 H2O,and Cs5[calix[4] arene sulfonate] ·4 H2O

The title calixarenes all exist in the solid state as bilayers of anionic calixarenes in the cone configuration. These layers alternate with inorganic regions which contain the cations and the water molecules. The overall structures bear a close resemblance to those found for clay minerals. The sodium salt crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP witha = 10.998(6),b = 13.582(5),c = 14.472(5) Å, = 74.01(3), = 89.09(4), = 86.50(4)°, andZ = 2 forD _calc = 1.72 g cm^–3. Refinement based on 4727 observed reflections led to a conventionalR = 0.050. The potassium salt crystallizes in the triclinic space groupP witha = 11.815(9),b = 13.636(6),c = 14.040(9) Å, = 100.24(5), = 111.86(9), = 95,14(9)°, andZ = 2 forD _calc = 1.77 g cm^–3. Refinement based on 2977 observed reflections led toR = 0.15. The rubidium and cesium salts are isostructural and crystallize in the monoclinic space groupP2₁/n with parameters for Rb[Cs]a = 11.603(5) [11.704(3)],b = 28.607(8) [29.747(9)],c = 12.512(5) [12.604(4)] Å, = 91.70(4) [91.63(2)°], andZ = 4 forD _calc = 2.01 [2.24] g cm^–3. Refinement based on 1750 [4257] observed reflections led toR = 0.108 [0.075]. Disorder of the cations was observed for the rubidium and cesium salts. Supplementary Data relating to this article are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82074 (95 pages).     

Electrochemical oxidation of a tetraester calix[4]arene

The electrochemical oxidation of tetraethyl ester p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene 1 was observed in acetonitrile solution at a platinum electrode, using either cyclic or square wave voltammetry. The oxidation occurred in a number of processes, with the lowest, process I at a peak potential of 1.10 V vs. Ferrocene, being the best defined response. This was attributed to the one-electron oxidation of the aryl ether functionality present in the calixarene and so should provide a route to the electrochemical detection of calixarenes in non-aqueous mixtures. The oxidation behaviour was dependent on the presence of alkali metal cations in solution. Shifts in the oxidation potentials observed were in good agreement with the order of selectivity for the alkali metal cations.     

Lewis acid-catalyzed synthesis of dodecamethoxycalix[4]arene from 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene and its conformational behavior and host-guest property

Lewis acid-catalyzed condensation of 1,2- and 1,3-dimethoxybenzenes with paraformaldehyde afforded an ortho-bridged cyclic trimer (1) and a meta-bridged cyclic tetramer (2), respectively. Furthermore, condensation of 1,3,5-trimethoxybenzene with paraformaldehyde in the presence of Lewis acid catalyst successfully rendered the first dodecamethoxy-substituted calix[4]arene (3) with high yield. From X-ray crystallography, it was found that 3 formed the partial cone conformation. The conformational behavior of 3 in the solution was investigated by variable temperature ¹H NMR measurements. The partial cone structure observed in the solid state was retained in the solution at low temperatures. Furthermore, because of the slow conformational exchanges of 3 on the NMR time scale, bimodal conformational exchanges were found. The host-guest property of 3 with the electron accepting guest, tetracyanoethylene (TCNE) was examined by UV-Vis measurements, and the ability to associate with the 3-TCNE complex was three times higher than that of the 2-TCNE complex. The observation is due to the superior electron donating property and slow conformational exchanges of 3 compared with those of analogous 2.     

Asymmetric calix[4]-thiacalix[4]arene tubes: Synthesis and ionophore properties

Asymmetric p-tert-butylcalix[4]-p-R-thiacalix[4]arene tubes (R = tert-Bu, H, 1-adamantyl) were prepared for the first time by reaction of tosyloxyethoxy derivative of p-tert-butylcalix-[4]arene and the corresponding p-R-thiacalix[4]arenas in acetonitrile in the presence of K₂CO₃. Complex formation of compounds obtained with sodium, potassium, and rubidium iodides in CDCl₃-CD₃OD, 4:1, was studied by means of ¹H NMR. The ionophore properties of the molecule were governed by the character of substituents on the upper rim of the thiacalixarene fragment, and only the molecular tube containing a fragment of the p-(1-adamantyl)-thiacalix[4]arene quantitatively bound potassium ions (quickly) and rubidium ions (slowly).     

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.     

Synthesis of conformationally diverse tetrathiacalix[4]arene(amido)crowns and tetrathiacalix[4]arene amides with pendant amine functions

A series of conformationally diverse novel tetrathiacalix[4]arene(amido)crowns and amides from tetrakis((ethoxycarbonyl)methoxy)p-tert-butyl tetrathiacalix[4]arene and its debutylated analog have been prepared by their reaction with diamines [H₂N(CH₂)_nNH₂; n=2,3,4, and 6] and polyamines. It has been determined that the length of the alkyl spacer in diamines is pivotal for the formation of either the tetrathiacalix[4]arene bis(amido)crowns or tetrathiacalix[4]arene amides with pendant amine functions. The synthesized compounds represent potential building blocks for achieving sophisticated molecular assemblies for molecular organization and recognition. Single crystal X-ray analysis of tetrathiacalix[4]arene bis(amido)crown 6a revealed that it has a 1,3-alternate conformation, which forms supramolecular complexes with chloroform.     

Preparation of p-nitrocalix[n]arene methyl ethers via ipso-nitration and crystal structure of tetramethoxytetra-p-nitrocalix[4]arene

Nitration of p-tert-butylcalix[n]arene methyl ethers under a variety of reaction conditions has been examined. It has been determined that amongst different nitration procedures adopted (AlCl₃/KNO₃, HNO₃/CH₃COOH, HNO₃/(CH₃CO)₂O, cerium(IV) ammonium nitrate/CH₃COOH), ipso-nitration with CH₃COOH/HNO₃ gives best yields of p-nitrocalixarenes and work up conditions. ipso-Nitration of tetramethoxytetra-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene gives tetramethoxytetra-p-nitrocalix[4]arene as triclinic crystals with space group with a=9.102(3) Å, b=11.623(3) Å, c=18.368(3) Å and α=77.99(2)°, β=81.10(2)°, γ=73.37(2)°. Its conformation is partial cone and it forms an exocylic 1:1 complex with DMF.     

Paramagnetic Properties and Moderately RapidConformational Dynamics in the Cobalt(II) Calix[4]arene Complex by NMR

¹H NMR measurements are reported for the CD₂Cl₂/CDCl₃ solutions of the Co(II) calix[4]arenetetraphosphineoxide complex (I). Temperature dependences of the ¹H NMR spectra of I have been analyzed using the line shape analysis, taking into account the temperature variation of paramagnetic chemical shifts, within the frame of the dynamic NMR method. Conformational dynamics of the 2:1 Co(II) calix[4]arene complexes was conditioned by the pinched cone ↔pinched cone interconversion of I (with activation Gibbs energy ΔG^≠(298K) = 40 ± 3 kJ/mol. Due to substantial temperature dependence of paramagnetic shifts, complex I can be used as model compound for designing an NMR thermosensor reagent for local temperature monitoring.     

Sterically and guest-controlled self-assembly of calix[4]arene derivatives

In solvents such as chloroform or benzene, tetraurea calix[4]arenes 1 form dimeric capsules in which one solvent molecule is usually included as guest. To explore the structural requirements for the formation of such hydrogen-bonded dimers we replaced one p-tolylurea residue by a simple acetamide function. The resulting calix[4]arene 2 a, substituted at its wide rim with one acetamide and three p-tolylurea functions, assumes a C(1)-symmetrical conformation in apolar solvents as shown by (1)H NMR, which is not compatible with the usual capsule. In the crystalline state, four molecules of 2 a, adopting a pinched cone conformation, assemble into a quasi S(4)-symmetrical tetramer stabilized by a cyclic array of 24 NH.O==C hydrogen bonds and four NH.pi interactions. Four acetamide groups are hydrogen-bonded to each other and pack tightly in the center of the assembly. All polar residues are buried inside the tetramer, the surface of which is lipophilic. Extensive NMR studies revealed similar structures in apolar solvents such as [D]chloroform or [D(6)]benzene for calixacetamides 2 a-c. The formation of these tetramers in solution is critically dependent on the size of the amide fragment, so that propionamide 2 d, butyramide 2 e, and p-tolylamide 2 f form only ill-defined aggregates. This is caused by steric crowding inside the tetrameric assembly. The tetramers persist during molecular dynamics simulations, and the optimized average structure of the MD run is similar to that found in the crystalline state. Theoretical studies revealed that cooperation of hydrogen bonds with multiple NH.pi, C--H.pi, and pi.pi attractions make the tetramer more stable than the capsular dimer with the solvent as guest. In the presence of tetraethylammonium salts, however, compounds 2 a-e form dimeric capsular assemblies, each incorporating a single ammonium cation. Only one of two possible regioisomeric dimers is formed, in which both acetamide groups are surrounded by two urea residues. These examples give striking evidence of how self-assembly in solution can be strongly dependent on subtle structural factors and of how the formation of dimeric capsules can be induced by the presence of an appropriate guest.     

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.     

Selenacalix[4]dithienothiophene: Synthesis,Structure, and Complexation of a Cyclic Tetramer of Selenide‐Bridging Dithienothiophene

An efficient cyclization toward a cyclic tetramer of dithienothiophene (DTT) linked by divalent selenium atoms has been developed via palladium‐catalyzed coupling reaction of (nBu₃Sn)₂Se. X‐ray analysis revealed its highly symmetrical structure had an alternate arrangement of DTT units. There are several Se???π interactions forming a supramolecular network leading to large void channel space. The cyclic tetramer possesses moderate electron‐donating ability. Furthermore, the cyclic tetramer undergoes complexation with C₆₀ in a 1:2 ratio in the solid state to give a highly symmetrical three‐dimensional array of C₆₀.     

Microwave-assisted synthesis of resorcin[4]arene and pyrogallol[4]arene macrocycles

A series of resorcin[4]arene and pyrogallol[4]arene macrocycles have been synthesized efficiently within 5 min, affording crystalline products suitable for single crystal X-ray diffraction, utilising microwave irradiation in a ‘one-pot’ reaction whilst controlling the selective formation of the rccc cone stereoisomer.     

Synthesis of a deep-cavity thiacalix[4]arene

A novel thiacalix[4]arene derivative bearing four phenyl groups on the upper rim was prepared by the direct condensation of biphenyl-4-ol with elemental sulphur. As revealed by X-ray diffraction analysis, this compound adopts the cone conformation in the solid state, thus creating a cavity with an extended π-aromatic system potentially applicable for solid-state inclusion of suitable molecules. Subsequent alkylation (RI/K₂CO₃/acetone, R=Me, Et, Pr) yielded tetraalkylated derivatives, which were studied for their conformational preferences using ¹H NMR spectroscopy. While the Me or Et derivatives are conformationally mobile and exhibit thermodynamic equilibria of several conformers in solution (CDCl₃ or CD₂Cl₂), the corresponding propoxy derivative is infinitely stable at room temperature.     

Lower rim substituted p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene; Part 14. Synthesis, structures and binding studies of calix[4]arene thioamides

A number of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene thioamides were synthesized and characterized by ¹H-NMR and elemental analysis. Compounds 1–5 are O-substituted derivatives with –CH₂–C(=S)–N–X groups, where NX = morpholidyl, NEt₂, NHC₂H₄Ph, NHCH₂Ph and NHEt, respectively. The X-ray structures of the ligands 1, 3, 5 and of the complex 3·Pb(ClO₄)₂, (compound 6), are presented and their slightly distorted cone conformation is established. The influence of the nature of the thioamide functions (secondary or tertiary) on the extractability of some selected metal cations was investigated. Whereas all these calixarenes show the highest extraction level for Ag⁺, tertiary thioamides are more efficient extractants for Pb²⁺ than secondary thioamides.     

Novel clicked tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]arene assemblies:Synthesis and intermolecular electron transfer toward p-chloranil

Two tetrathiafulvalene-calix[4]arene assemblies（TTF-calix-1 and TTF-calix-2） have been synthesized by the click reaction.Both their cyclic voltammograms show,as expected,two one-electron quasi-reversible redox behavior.The UV-vis absorption spectra studies show that these two assemblies undergo progressive oxidation at the TTF moiety in presence of increasing amounts of Cu²⁺ or Hg²⁺. Moreover,the absorption studies show intermolecular electron transfer between compounds TTF-calix- 1 or TTF-calix-2 and p-chloranil may be promoted by specific metal ions such as Pb²⁺,Sc³⁺ etc.     

Template-directed synthesis of macrocyclic aminopyridines: azacalix[n](2,6)pyridines (n = 3, 4)

Template-induced synthetic routes for azacalix[n](2,6)pyridines (n = 3, 4) have been elaborated. The proton and nickel ion served as the efficient template for the cyclization reactions, and the presence of the templates preferentially afforded the cyclic trimers and tetramers in moderate to good yields, respectively. The compatibility of the cyclic tetramer with nickel ion was also confirmed by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis, structure, and conformation of ortho-linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes

ortho-Linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes (n=2, 3) were prepared by one-step cyclooligomerization of catechol and meta-dichlorinated nitrogen containing heterocycles or via a two-step reaction process. Solid state structure of the ortho-linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes (n=2, 3) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. 1,3-Alternate and 1,3,5-alternate conformations were found for ortho-linked oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrazine (1) and oxacalix[3]arene[3]pyrazine (2), respectively. However, a core conformation with C₃ symmetry was found for ortho-linked oxacalix[3]arene[3]pyrimidine (4), which is completely different from that of its isomer, compound 2.     

Calixarenes. 5. Dynamic NMR characteristics of p-tert-butylcalix[4]-arene and p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene

The near identity of the temperature dependent ¹H-NMR spectra of p-tert-butylcalix-[4]- and calix[8]arene in CDCl₃ and bromobenzene-d₅ is shown to be drastically altered in pyridine-d₅, attributable to disruption of intramolecular hydrogen bonding.