Solvation effect of guest, supramolecular host, and host-guest compounds on the thermodynamic selectivity of calix(4)arene derivatives and soft metal cations

This paper reports thermodynamic data for the transfer of calixarene derivatives and their metal-ion complexes in dipolar aprotic solvents. These data are used to assess the effect of solvation of these compounds on the selective complexation shown by these macrocycles for soft metal cations in different media. Thus, solubilities and derived Gibbs energies of solution of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl[25,27-bis(hydroxyl)-26,28-bis(ethylthioethoxy)]calix(4)arene, 1, and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-[25,27-bis(ethylenethanoate)-26,28-bis(ethylthioethoxy)]-calix(4)arene, 2, in various solvents at 298.15 K are reported. Solvation of these ligands in one medium relative to another is analyzed from their standard transfer Gibbs energies using acetonitrile as the reference solvent. These data are combined with transfer enthalpies (derived from standard solution enthalpies obtained calorimetrically) to calculate the corresponding entropies of transfer of these calix(4)arene derivatives from acetonitrile to methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide. As far as the metal-ion salts (silver and mercury) in their free and complex forms are concerned, standard solution enthalpies were determined in acetonitrile, methanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide. These data are used to derive their transfer enthalpies from one medium to another. It is concluded that the extent of complexation of these macrocycles with soft metal cations is controlled by not only the solvation changes that the free cation undergoes in moving from one medium to another but also those for the ligand and its complex cation in these solvents.     

Anion complexation by calix[3]thieno[1]pyrrole: the medium effect

The interaction of calix[3]thieno[1]pyrrole, 1, and halide and dihydrogen phosphate anions in a variety of solvents (acetonitrile, propylene carbonate, N,N-dimethylformamide, and dimethyl sulfoxide) has been investigated through 1H NMR, conductance measurements, and titration calorimetry. 1H NMR measurements reveal the sites of interaction of the ligand with the anions in CD3CN while the composition of the complex was determined through conductance measurements. A quantitative assessment of anion-ligand interactions is provided. Thus the thermodynamics of complexation of 1 with halide and dihydrogen phosphate anions in dipolar aprotic media at 298.15 K is reported. These data are interpreted in terms of the thermodynamics of transfer of reactants and product from a reference solvent (acetonitrile) to other solvents. The crucial role played by the solvent on the ability of the ligand to interact with anions and on the composition of the complex is demonstrated.     

Sulfur-containing hetero-calix[4]pyrroles as mercury(II) cation-selective receptors: thermodynamic aspects

Two sulfur-containing hybrid calix[4]pyrrole derivatives (III and IV) have been synthesized and fully characterized. Several analytical techniques (1H NMR, conductance measurements, UV-vis spectrophotometry, titration potentiometry, and titration calorimetry) have been used to assess the interaction between these hybrid calixpyrrole receptors and metal cations in acetonitrile and dimethylsulfoxide. The partition constants of calix[4]pyrrole, I, II, and IV in the acetonitrile-hexane solvent system and the solubilities of the ligands in various solvents at 298.15 K were determined. 1H NMR measurements reveal the sites of interaction of calixpyrrole ligands with metal cations in CD3CN. Conductance and UV-vis spectrophotometric measurements were performed to establish the composition of mercury(II) calixpyrrole complexes in acetonitrile at 298.15 K. Titration calorimetry was used to quantitatively assess Hg(II)-calixpyrrole interactions. Thus the thermodynamics of complexation of calixpyrrole ligands with the mercury(II) cation in acetonitrile at 298.15 K are reported. Potentiometric titrations were also used to establish the stepwise stability constants for the complexation of calix[3]thieno[1]pyrrole with the Hg(II) cation in acetonitrile at 298.15 K. The results show that replacement of one or more pyrrole units by thiophene rings in calix[4]pyrrole has tuned significantly the discrimination ability of these ligands between anions and enables the produced hybrid calixpyrroles to bind selectively with Hg(II) in acetonitrile. No interaction was observed between these ligands and other metal cations in acetonitrile.     

Selective interaction of lower rim calix[4]arene derivatives and bivalent cations in solution. Crystallographic evidence of the versatile behavior of acetonitrile in lead(II) and cadmium(II) complexes

The interaction of lower rim calix(4)arene derivatives containing ester (1) and ketone (2) functional groups and bivalent (alkaline-earth, transition- and heavy-metal) cations has been investigated in various solvents (methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, acetonitrile, and benzonitrile). Thus, 1H NMR studies in CD3OD, C3D7NO, and CD3CN show that the interaction of these ligands with bivalent cations (Mg2+, Ca2+, Sr2+, Ba2+, Hg2+, Pb2+, Cd2+) is only observed in CD3CN. These findings are corroborated by conductance measurements in these solvents including benzonitrile, where changes upon the addition of the appropriate ligand (1 or 2) to the metal-ion salt only occur in acetonitrile. Thus, in this solvent, plots of molar conductance against the ligand/metal cation ratio reveal the formation of 1:1 complexes between these ligands and bivalent cations. Four metal-ion complex salts resulting from the interaction of 1 and 2 with cadmium and lead, respectively, were isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. All four structures show an acetonitrile molecule sitting in the hydrophobic cavity of the ligand. The mode of interaction of the neutral guest in the cadmium(II) complexes differs from each other and from that found in the lead(II) complexes and provides evidence of the versatile behavior of acetonitrile in binding processes involving calix(4)arene derivatives. The thermodynamics of complexation of these ligands and bivalent cations in acetonitrile is reported. Thus, the selective behavior of 1 and 2 for bivalent cations is for the first time demonstrated. The role of acetonitrile in the complexation process in solution is discussed on the basis of 1H NMR and X-ray crystallographic studies. It is suggested that the complexation of 1 and 2 with bivalent cations is likely to involve the ligand-solvent adducts rather than the free ligand. Plots of complexation Gibbs energies against the corresponding data for cation hydration show a selectivity peak which is explained in terms of the predominant role played by cation desolvation and ligand binding energy in complex formation involving metal cations and macrocycles in solution. A similar peak is found in terms of enthalpy suggesting that for most cations (except Mg2+) the selectivity is enthalpically controlled. The ligand effect on the complexation process is quantitatively assessed. Final conclusions are given highlighting the role of the solvent in complexation processes involving calix(4)arene derivatives and metal cations.     

A calix(4)arene pyridine derivative and its monomeric component: structural and thermodynamic aspects of their complexation with metal cations

The interaction of a calix(4)arene derivative, namely 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetra[2-(4-pyridyl)methoxy]calix(4)arene, 1a, and its monomeric component, p-tert-butylphenoxy-4-pyridine, 1b, with metal cations has been investigated in acetonitrile and methanol. (1)H NMR measurements carried out in CD(3)CN show the primary role played by the pyridyl nitrogens in their complexation with metal cations. Conductance measurements demonstrated that for all cations (except mercury) the composition of the metal ion complexes of 1a is 1:1 (ligand:metal cation). However, 1a hosts two mercury cations per unit of ligand. For the monomer 1b, complexes of 2:1 (ligand:metal cation) stoichiometries are formed with the exception of Pb(2+) (1:1 composition). The thermodynamics of complexation of these systems are reported in acetonitrile. Data in methanol are limited to stability constant values for mercury(II) and these ligands. This paper demonstrates for the first time that thermodynamic data for the complexation of the monomeric component of the ligand and metal cations contribute significantly to the interpretation of systems involving cation-calixarene interactions in solution.     

Thermodynamics of Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by a Lower-Rim Calix[4]arene Amino Acid Derivative

Complexation of alkali metal cations with 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-26,28,25,27-tetrakis(O-methyl-d-α-phenylglycylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L) in methanol and acetonitrile was studied by means of direct and competitive microcalorimetric titrations at 25 °C. The thermodynamic parameters of complexation reactions showed that all the reactions investigated were enthalpically controlled. In both solvents the reaction enthalpy was most favorable for Na⁺ binding with L leading to the highest affinity of the examined calix[4]arene derivative towards this cation. The solubilities (and consequently the solution Gibbs energies) of the ligand were determined, as were the corresponding solution enthalpies and entropies. No significant difference was observed between the solution thermodynamic quantities of L in the two solvents, whereas the transfer of complex species from methanol to acetonitrile was found to be quite favorable. The interactions of solvent molecules with the free and the complexed ligand were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. It was concluded that in both cases inclusion of an acetonitrile molecule into the hydrophobic cavity of L occurred, which significantly affected the cation complexation in this solvent. The thermodynamic data were discussed regarding the structural properties of the ligand, the free and the complexed cations as well as the solvation abilities of the solvents examined. In this respect, the specific solvent-solute interactions and the intramolecular NH⋅⋅⋅O=C hydrogen bonds at the lower rim of L were particularly addressed.     

Solvent control on the selective, nonselective, and absent response of a partially substituted lower rim calix(4)arene derivative for soft metal cations (mercury(II) and silver(I)). Structural and thermodynamic studies

The solvent control on the ability of a partially substituted lower rim calix(4)arene derivative 5,11,17,23,tetra-tert-butyl[25,27-bis(hydroxy)-26,28-bis(ethylthioethoxy)]-calix(4)arene, 1 to host soft metal cations (Hg(II) and Ag(I)) is demonstrated through 1H NMR, electrochemical (conductance measurements), and thermodynamic characterization of the complexation process in a wide variety of solvents. Solvent-ligand interactions were assessed from 1H NMR measurements involving 1 and various solvents in CDCl3. Thus, the formation of a 1:1 1-CH3CN adduct is reported. As far as metal cations are concerned, depending on the medium their complexation with 1 was only observed for Hg(II) and Ag(I). Thus, in acetonitrile, 1 is more selective for Hg(II) relative to Ag(I) by a factor of 2.2 x 10(3). In methanol the selectivity is reversed to an extent that the affinity of 1 for Ag(I) is 1.4 x 10(3) higher than that for Hg(II). However, 1 is unable to recognize selectively these cations in N,N-dimethylformamide while in propylene carbonate the ability of 1 to interact with these cations is lost. An outstanding feature of thermodynamics emerges when an assessment is made of the ligand effect on the complexation of these cations and analogues calix(4)arene derivatives. Thus, in acetonitrile the thermodynamics of cation complexation by the hydrophilic cavity of a calix(4)arene containing mixed pendant groups is built up from thermodynamic data for the same process involving derivatives with common functionalities at the narrow rim. This is a unique example of the additive contribution of pendant arms in the field of thermodynamics of calixarene chemistry.     

New insights on anion recognition by isomers of a calix pyrrole derivative

Two isomeric structures of meso-tetramethyltetrakis(3-hydroxyphenyl)calix[4]pyrrole, 4-alphaalpha betabeta and 4-alphabeta alphabeta, have been isolated and characterized by 1H NMR in different solvents (CD3CN, CD3OD, and DMSO-d6) at 298 K. Standard Gibbs energies of solution derived from solubility data in various solvents were used to calculate the transfer Gibbs energy, delta(t)G(o), of these ligands using acetonitrile as the reference solvent. These results are consistent with the 1H NMR studies in different media that show chemical shift changes observed in the resonances of the NH and the OH protons of these ligands. Solvate formation was observed when these isomers were exposed to saturated atmosphere of N,N-dimethylformamide, dimethyl sulfoxide and propylene carbonate. Anion interaction involving 4-alphaalpha betabeta and 4-alphabeta alphabeta was investigated by 1H NMR in CD3CN while the complex composition was assessed through conductance measurements. Significant differences are observed in the affinity of these ligands for anions as well as in the composition of the fluoride complexes. Thus 4-alphaalpha betabeta shows selectivity for H2PO4(-) in acetonitrile while its isomer 4-alphabeta alphabeta is selective for the fluoride anion. Again the complex composition is altered for the fluoride anion when complexed with 4-alphaalpha betabeta in acetonitrile (1:1 complex) relative to 4-alphabeta alphabeta in the same solvent. The latter isomer shows an enhanced hosting ability for this anion. Thus two anions are taken up per unit of ligand. The thermodynamics of complexation of H2PO4(-) and these ligands in acetonitrile is discussed, and the results are compared with those involving calix[4]pyrrole and this anion in this solvent. It is shown that the isomers interact with two H2PO4(-) anions while one calix[4]pyrrole unit interacts with this anion. This paper demonstrates for the first time that the enthalpy parameter may be a suitable reporter of the number of hydrogen bonds formed when calix[4]pyrrole and its derivatives interact with the dihydrogen phosphate anion in acetonitrile. In moving from acetonitrile to N,N-dimethylformamide, 4-alphaalpha betabeta is unable to enter complexation with most anions, except fluoride, with which the formation of a 1:2 (ligand:anion) complex is demonstrated. The rather versatile behavior of these receptors for anions is explained on the basis of 1H NMR evidence and solvation effects. These investigations highlight the importance of the medium effect on the stability of the complex and reflect the inherent nature of the solvent and its highly significant involvement in the complexation process.     

A partially substituted calix[4]resorcarene receptor and its selective recognition for soft metal cations (silver and mercury)

A partially substituted calix[4]resorcarene receptor, namely, 5,17-ethylthiomethylated calix[4]resorcarene, 1, has been synthesized and characterized by 1H NMR in CD3OD, CDCl3, and CD3CN and 13C NMR in CD3OD, as well as by 2D NMR. Partition data in the methanol-hexane and acetonitrile-hexane solvent systems show that the monomeric species are predominant in these solvents. The solubility of 1 in various solvents was determined at 298.15 K. These data were used to calculate the standard solution Gibbs energy of 1 in these solvents. Taking hexane as the reference solvent, the standard transfer Gibbs energy of 1 to various solvents was calculated. Good agreement is found between the DeltatG(o) values in the hexane-methanol and hexane-acetonitrile and the DeltapG(o) values of this ligand in these solvent systems. The higher partition constant of 1 in the hexane-methanol relative to the hexane-acetonitrile solvent system contrasts with corresponding data for the fully functionalized receptor, 2. This is explained in terms of the solvation differences of these receptors in these solvents as reflected in the DeltatG(o) values. The cation complexing properties of this receptor were investigated through 1H NMR, conductance, calorimetric, and potentiometric methods. Among the metal cations (alkali, alkaline earth, heavy, and transition), 1 interacts only with Ag+ in methanol and Hg2+ in propylene carbonate, acetonitrile, methanol, and N,N-dimethylformamide. While 1 forms a 1:1 complex with Ag+ in methanol, the hosting ability of the receptor for the mercury cation is enhanced in methanol, acetonitrile, and N,N-diethylformamide. Thus, Hg2+ complexes of 1:2 (ligand:metal cation) stoichiometry are found in these solvents. In moving to propylene carbonate, the composition of the mercury complex is altered from 1:2 to 1:1. The results are compared with corresponding data for 2 and these metal cations in the appropriate solvents. The lack of stability observed for 2 and Hg2+ in acetonitrile resulting from the departure of pendant arms from the resorcarene backbone greatly contrasts with the high stability observed for 1 and this metal cation in the various solvents. Preliminary results on the extraction of silver picrate by this ligand in the water-dichloromethane solvent system are reported. Final conclusions are given.     

Modified calix[4]pyrrole receptor: solution thermodynamics of anion complexation and a preliminary account on the phosphate extraction ability of its oligomer

A modified calix[4]pyrrole, namely meso-tetramethyl-tetrakis-(4-hydroxyphenyl) calix[4]pyrrole, 1, has been synthesized and characterized. (1)H NMR investigations in various deuterated solvents seems to indicate that this receptor interacts with acetone-d(6). The solution thermodynamics of 1 in various solvents is reported. Complexation studies in CD(3)CN show that the NH and OH functionalities of 1 are the active sites of its interaction with the fluoride and the dihydrogen phosphate anions. The composition of the anion complexes was established through conductance measurements. In all cases, 1:1 complexes are formed. The thermodynamics of anion complexation in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide is discussed comparatively with previous reported data for the parent calix[4]pyrrole, 2, and these anions in these solvents. The medium effect on anion complexation is discussed in terms of the solvation properties of the reactants and the product in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide. An oligomeric material containing 1 as anchor group was synthesized and characterized by mass spectrometry. Preliminary studies have been performed to assess the extracting properties of this oligomer for the removal of phosphates from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, temperature on the extraction of this anion salt from water, as well as the kinetics of the process (fast) were investigated.     

Solute-solvent interactions. VII. Proton magnetic resonance and infrared study of ion solvation in dipolar aprotic solvents

The solvation of a variety of ions by the dipolar aprotic solvents acetonitrile, sulfolane, and dimethylsulfoxide was studied through the influence of salts on the proton magnetic resonance chemical shifts of the solvents. In the case of acetonitrile the results were supplemented with infrared measurements, which showed that in general anions affect only the C–H and cations both the C–C and particularly the CN stretching frequencies of acetonitrile. The results are discussed in conjunction with transport and other data already in the literature. Current views on the structure of these solvents are summarized.From the Ph.D. thesis of this author, University of Pittsburgh, 1972.     

A new calix[4]pyrrole derivative and its anion (fluoride)/cation (mercury and silver) recognition

A new calix[4]pyrrole-based macrocycle, meso-tetramethyl-tetrakis{4-[2-(ethylthio)ethoxy]phenyl}calix[4]pyrrole, 7, has been synthesized and fully characterized. Unlike other calixpyrrole derivatives that show selective interaction with anions, calixpyrrole 7 described in the present work forms stable complexes with both metal cations and anions. The thermodynamics of complexation of this ditopic calixpyrrole derivative with metal cations (Hg2+ and Ag+) and the fluoride anion in nonaqueous solutions have been determined by titration calorimetry, and the host-guest composition has been investigated by using conductance measurements at 298.15 K. 1H NMR studies provide clear evidence about the sites of complexation of 7 with the ionic species, which show that the NH groups are taking part in the complexation of this ligand with the fluoride anion while the sulfur donor atoms are responsible for the interaction with metal cations. Using the present data on 7 and structurally related analogues (1-6), the complexation behavior is discussed comparatively from the thermodynamic point of view. Possessing four sulfur-containing pendent arms, 7 displays an enhanced hosting ability for Hg2+ in acetonitrile. As compared with 1, the calixpyrrole derivative, 7, shows a unique interaction with fluoride among the anions investigated in acetonitrile and dimethyl sulfoxide. As far as the fluoride complex is concerned, the medium effect is assessed in terms of the thermodynamics of the transfer of reactants and product from acetonitrile (reference solvent) to dimethyl sulfoxide.     

The Role of Triazole and Glucose Moieties in Alkali Metal Cation Complexation by Lower-Rim Tertiary-Amide Calix[4]arene Derivatives

The binding of alkali metal cations with two tertiary-amide lower-rim calix[4]arenes was studied in methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide, and acetonitrile in order to explore the role of triazole and glucose functionalities in the coordination reactions. The standard thermodynamic complexation parameters were determined microcalorimetrically and spectrophotometrically. On the basis of receptor dissolution enthalpies and the literature data, the enthalpies for transfer of reactants and products between the solvents were calculated. The solvent inclusion within a calixarene hydrophobic basket was explored by means of ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Classical molecular dynamics of the calixarene ligands and their complexes were carried out as well. The affinity of receptors for cations in methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide was quite similar, irrespective of whether they contained glucose subunits or not. This indicated that sugar moieties did not participate or influence the cation binding. All studied reactions were enthalpically controlled. The peak affinity of receptors for sodium cation was noticed in all complexation media. The complex stabilities were the highest in acetonitrile, followed by methanol and N,N-dimethylformamide. The solubilities of receptors were greatly affected by the presence of sugar subunits. The medium effect on the affinities of calixarene derivatives towards cations was thoroughly discussed regarding the structural properties and solvation abilities of the investigated solvents.     

Cation- and anion-assisted binding of triethylenediamine by zinc bisporphyrinates

The complexation of zinc calix[4]arene or calix[4]pyrrole bisporphyrinates with alkali metal cations, halide anions, and triethylenediamine was studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. It was established that the binding of molecules and/or charged particles by various fragments of calix[4]arene and calix[4]pyrrole porphyrins are interrelated processes. This makes it possible to use one process (for example, complexation of the calix[4]arene fragment of the macrocycle with alkali metal cations or complexation of the calix[4]pyrrole fragment with halide ions) as a tool for controlling another process (complexation of the porphyrin fragments of the macrocycle with neutral molecules).     

Thermodynamics of ethyl p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene pentanoate and its cation complexes in nonaqueous media

The solution behavior of ethyl p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene pentanoate, EtCalix(5), in various protic and aprotic solvents has been assessed from the standard Gibbs energies of transfer of this ligand from acetonitrile to other solvents. These data were derived from solubility measurements of EtCalix(5) in different media. It is concluded that in solvents in which metal cation salts are predominant as ionic species in solution (within a low concentration range), the solvation of the ligand will not contribute significantly to the thermodynamics of cation complexation as a result of the medium effect. Various analytical techniques were used to identify the sites of ligand-cation interaction (1H NMR) and the composition (conductance and calorimetric measurements) of the metal-ion complexes in the various solvents. Titration calorimetry (direct and competitive) was used to thermodynamically characterize the cation binding ability of EtCalix(5) and gain quantitative information on the complex stability and the factors controlling it. Given the large bulk of data reported in the literature wrongly placed under the thermodynamic umbrella, particular emphasis is made about the need of identifying the process taking place in solution prior to proceeding with its thermodynamic characterization. The results are compared with those for the ethyl ester derivative of the cyclic tetramer, EtCalix(4). It is concluded that in moving from EtCalix(4) to EtCalix(5), (i) the selectivity of the latter for cations is swallowed toward the larger cations and (ii) although the number of binding sites increases, these are not able to exert the efficient control upon the ligand-cation binding ability as that found for the tetramer ester and these cations in these solvents.     

Double-cavity calix[4]pyrrole derivative with enhanced capacity for the fluoride anion

A double-cavity calix[4]pyrrole derivative, meso-tetramethyl-tetra[N-(2-phenoxyethyl)-N'-phenylurea]calix[4]pyrrole, 1, with enhanced hosting ability for the fluoride anion has been designed and characterized. Its interaction with anions (fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, perchlorate, nitrate, and trifluoromethane sulfonate) was qualitatively and quantitatively assessed through 1H NMR, conductance, and calorimetric studies. The outcome of these investigations demonstrates that 1 interacts only with fluoride and dihydrogen phosphate anions in dipolar aprotic media. However, the composition of these complexes differs in that two units of fluoride are taken per unit of 1, while a 1:1 anion/ligand complex is formed with the dihydrogen phosphate anion. Results from the 1H NMR studies are striking in that these not only provide information about the active sites of the ligand-anion interaction but also allow the establishment of the sequence of events taking place during fluoride complexation. Thus, hydrogen-bond formation between the pyrrolic hydrogen and the fluoride anion is followed by the uptake of a second anion through the same type of interaction, but with the phenyl urea. It is also the latter group that is responsible for the interaction of 1 with the dihydrogen phosphate anion. Finally, this paper illustrates the importance of structural information for the interpretation of the thermodynamics associated with these systems.     

Ion-pair recognition by a heteroditopic triazole-containing receptor

A new heteroditopic calix[4]diquinone triazole containing receptor capable of recognising both cations and anions through Lewis base and C-H hydrogen-bonding modes, respectively, of the triazole motif has been prepared. This ion-pair receptor cooperatively binds halide/monovalent-cation combinations in an aqueous mixture, with selectivity trends being established by (1)H?NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Cation binding by the calix[4]diquinone oxygen and triazole nitrogen donors enhances the strength of the halide complexation at the isophthalamide recognition site of the receptor. Conversely, anions bound in the receptor's isophthalamide cavity enhance cation recognition. (1)H?NMR investigations in solution suggest that the receptor's triazole motifs are capable of coordinating simultaneously to both cation and anion guest species. Solid-state X-ray crystallographic structural analysis of a variety of receptor ion-pair adducts further demonstrates the dual cation-anion binding role of the triazole group.     

Cation Complexation by a Lower Rim Calix(4)arene Derivative: Structural,Electrochemical and Thermodynamic Studies

The synthesis and characterization (¹H and ¹³C NMR) of a partially substituted lower rim p-tert-butylcalix(4)arene, namely, 5,11,17,23-tetra-4-tert-butyl-25,27-bis(diethylphosphate amino)ethoxy-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (1), are reported. The solution thermodynamics of the ligand in a variety of solvents at 298.15?K was investigated through solubility (hence standard Gibbs energy of solution) measurements while the calorimetric technique was used to derive the standard solution enthalpy. These data were used to calculate the standard entropy of solution. An enthalpy–entropy compensation effect is shown and, as a result, slight variations are observed in the transfer Gibbs energies of this ligand from the reference to other solvents. ¹H NMR, conductance and calorimetric measurements were carried out to establish the degree of interaction of the ligand with univalent (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺ and Ag⁺) and bivalent (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Hg²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺) cations in acetonitrile, methanol, N,N-dimethylformamide and propylene carbonate. No complexation was found between this ligand and univalent cations in these solvents. As far as the bivalent cations are concerned, interaction between 1 and these cations was found only in acetonitrile. The versatile behaviour of this ligand with bivalent cations in this solvent is reflected by the formation of complexes of different stoichiometry. Thus the interaction of 1 with alkaline-earth (Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺) and Pb²⁺ metal cations leads to the formation of 1:2 (cation:ligand) complexes. However, for other bivalent metal cations (Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Cd²⁺ and Hg²⁺) the complex stoichiometry was found to be 1:1. The results are discussed in terms of the key role played by acetonitrile in processes involving calix[4]arene derivatives.     

Anion binding studies of fluorinated expanded calixpyrroles

The anion binding properties of fluorinated calix[n]pyrroles (n = 4-6) in aprotic solvents (acetonitrile and DMSO) and modified reaction conditions allowing for the synthesis and isolation of the hitherto missing dodecafluorocalix[6]pyrrole from the condensation of 3,4-difluoro-1H-pyrrole and acetone are described. In acetonitrile solution containing 2% water, the association constants for the 1:1 binding interaction between octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole and chloride anion obtained with isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) and (1)H NMR titration methods were found to match reasonably well. As compared to its nonfluorinated congener, octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole was found to display enhanced binding affinities for several representative anions in pure acetonitrile as judged from ITC analyses. Similar analyses of the fluorinated calix[n]pyrroles revealed an increase in the relative affinity for bromide over chloride with increasing macrocycle size, as manifest in a decrease in the binding ratio K(a(Cl))/K(a(Br)). Anion binding studies in the solid state, involving single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses of the chloride and acetate anion complexes of octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole and decafluorocalix[5]pyrrole, respectively, confirmed the expected hydrogen bond interactions between the pyrrolic NH protons and the bound anions.     

Ion‐Pair Recognition by a Heteroditopic Triazole‐Containing Receptor

A new heteroditopic calix[4]diquinone triazole containing receptor capable of recognising both cations and anions through Lewis base and C? H hydrogen‐bonding modes, respectively, of the triazole motif has been prepared. This ion‐pair receptor cooperatively binds halide/monovalent‐cation combinations in an aqueous mixture, with selectivity trends being established by ¹H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Cation binding by the calix[4]diquinone oxygen and triazole nitrogen donors enhances the strength of the halide complexation at the isophthalamide recognition site of the receptor. Conversely, anions bound in the receptor’s isophthalamide cavity enhance cation recognition. ¹H NMR investigations in solution suggest that the receptor’s triazole motifs are capable of coordinating simultaneously to both cation and anion guest species. Solid‐state X‐ray crystallographic structural analysis of a variety of receptor ion‐pair adducts further demonstrates the dual cation–anion binding role of the triazole group.