Efficient divalent metal cation extractions with di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-4 compounds

Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-4 ethers in the cone conformation were synthesized and their conformation and regioselectivity verified by NMR spectroscopy. These new ligands exhibited high Ba²⁺ selectivity in competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform. The selectivity order was Ba²⁺>>Sr²⁺>Ca²⁺>Mg²⁺ with Ba²⁺/Sr²⁺ selectivity exceeding 100. The ligands also exhibited high extraction ability for Pb²⁺ and for Hg²⁺ in single species extraction. With variation of proton-ionizable groups, which are oxyacetic acid moieties and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide units with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, ‘tunable’ ligand acidity was obtained.     

Di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations: synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Two series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-5 and -crown-6 ethers in cone conformations are synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid moieties and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide units with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ their acidity. For competitive solvent extraction of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform, the new ligands with N-(X)sulfonyl carbamoyl groups are efficient extractants with Ba²⁺ selectivity. On the other hand, the dicarboxylic acid analogues exhibit little selectivity in extraction of alkaline earth metal cations. For single species extractions of Pb²⁺, the ligands with both types of ionizable groups show very good extractions abilities. In single species extractions of Hg²⁺, the N-(X)sulfonyl carboxamide ligands are highly efficient, in contrast to the dicarboxylic acid compounds. Influences of the ionizable group identity, the crown ether ring size, and the presence of upper-rim p-tert-butyl groups on divalent metal ion extraction are explored.     

Stilbene-bridged 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene crown ether for selective alkali ion extraction

A series of stilbene-bridged calix[4]arenes was synthesized through an intramolecular reductive McMurry coupling of bisbenzaldehyde calix[4]arene in high yields. Tetra- and pentaethylene glycol chains were tethered to the phenolic groups of calix[4]arene to form stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene crown-5 and crown-6, respectively. The presence of stilbene bridge over the calix[4]arene rim effectively prevented the connection of the polyether chains in the cone conformation resulting in the exclusive formation of 1,3-alternate stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene crown product. Compared to the cone analogues, the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene crown ethers showed a greater extraction ability and selectivity toward Cs⁺.     

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,2-monothiacrown-3 ligands in the cone conformation: synthesis and metal ion extraction

A series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,2-crown-3 compounds with a sulfur-containing unit bridging the proximate phenolic oxygens have been synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide groups with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl, and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ the acidity of the latter. The efficiency and selectivity of these novel ligands are assessed for competitive solvent extractions of alkali metal cations and of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform. Also the efficiencies for single species extractions of Pb²⁺ and of Hg²⁺ are determined. The results are compared with those reported previously for related ligands in which only oxygen heteroatoms are present in the crown ether unit.     

Lower-rim versus upper-rim functionalization in di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-5 isomers. Synthesis and divalent metal ion extraction

Two series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-crown-5 isomers in the cone conformation are synthesized to probe the effect of the pendant acidic group location on their metal ion extraction properties. In one series, the ionizable groups are attached to the lower rim of the calix[4]arene scaffold, which orients them near the crown ether cavity. In the second series, the ionizable groups are connected to the upper rim positioning them away from the crown ether ring, but close to the hydrophobic pocket of the calix[4]arene unit. The metal ion extraction behaviors of the two series of ligands are compared in extractions of alkaline earth metal cations, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺.     

Di-ionizable p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-crown-4 ligands: synthesis and alkaline earth metal cation extraction

A series of di-ionizable calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-4 compounds has been synthesized. The ionizable groups are oxyacetic acid and N-(X)sulfonyl oxyacetamide groups with X=methyl, phenyl, 4-nitrophenyl and trifluoromethyl, which ‘tunes’ the acidity of the latter. The efficiency and selectivity of these novel ligands are assessed with competitive solvent extractions of alkaline earth metal cations from aqueous solutions into chloroform. The results are compared with those reported previously for calix[4]arene-crown analogues with crown-6 and crown-5 rings.     

Upper rim tetrathiafulvalene-bridged calix[4]arenes

The synthesis of novel upper rim calix[4]arene-tetrathiafulvalene conjugates 1a-d has been performed by bridging the tetrachloromethylated calix[4]arene derivative 4 with the corresponding tetrathiafulvalene-dithiolates. The cyclic voltammetry of 1a-d shows a two-step oxidation behavior, whereas NMR binding titrations showed their binding affinity to pyridinium salts. X-ray structure of 4 features calixarene fixed in the pinched cone conformation; its crystal packing is defined by the network of C-H···Cl weak hydrogen bonds.     

Thermodynamics of sublimation of calix[4]arene complexes with solvent molecules

The inclusion of small neutral organic guests (C₆H₁₄, CH₂Cl₂, CH₃OH) by calix[4]arene receptors was found by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and microanalysis. The studied calix[4]arenes can form stable intramolecular complexes with solvent molecules which keep the stoichiometric composition without changing under conditions of the sublimation experiment. The saturated vapour pressures of calix[4]arenes and complexes of calix[4]arenes with solvent molecules were determinated for the first time by the Knudsen’s effusion method in the wide temperature range. The changing of standard thermodynamic parameters of complexation by transfer process from condensed state to vapour phase was estimated. It was shown that the large flexibility of the calixarene ligand structure corresponds to a strongly negative entropic contribution as well as negative enthalpy term to the Gibbs energy of formation of host–guest complexes in the gas phase.     

ICT-based Cu(II)-sensing 9,10-anthraquinonecalix[4]crown

A series of calix[4]arene-based chromogenic sensors bearing the 9,10-anthraquinone moiety have been synthesized and examined for their abilities to recognize various cations such as Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, Cs⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Zn²⁺, Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Co²⁺, and Cu²⁺ by UV-vis spectroscopy. In acetonitrile, the presence of Cu²⁺ induces the formation of the 1:1 ligand/metal complex, which exhibits a new absorption band centered at 450 nm, and leads to an obvious color change from yellow to red.     

Monomeric and polymeric dinuclear complexes of Co(II) or Ni(II) with calix[4]arene-tetraphosphineoxide

Monomeric and polymeric 1:2 complexes of a novel calix[4]arene-tetraphosphineoxide with Co(II) or Ni(II) nitrates were synthesized and analyzed by the X-ray method. In the monomeric complexes each metal cation is coordinated by two bidentate NO₃-ligands as well as by two proximal P=O groups at the calixarene skeleton. In the nickel metallopolymer one sort of the cations is bound by the two proximal P=O-groups but other cations link neighboring calixarene molecules through Р=О···Ni···O=P chains. The complexes possess molecular cavities or channels filled by solvent molecules. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

Liquid-liquid extraction of transition and alkali metal cations by a new calixarene: Diphenylphosphino calix[4]arene methyl ether

The liquid-liquid extraction of various metal ions by a diphenylphosphino calix[4]arene (1) using picrate counter ion has been studied and compared with those ofp-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene methyl ether (2) and triphenylphosphine (3). The calixarene 1 shows strong binding ability to almost all metal cations examined, but calixarene 2 shows little ability to extract any of them. Based on the continuous variation method, calixarene 1 formed 1: 2 complexes with copper(II) ion.     

Synthesis and host–guest properties of a calix[6]arene based receptor closed by an internal ion-paired cap

The straightforward synthesis of a C_s symmetrical calix[6]arene possessing carboxylic acid groups as well as an ammonium arm is described. This calixarene can encapsulate ammonium ions through a highly selective recognition process thanks to the presence of an internal ion-paired cap that preorganizes the cavity and constitutes an efficient binding site.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of a germanium(II) calix[6]arene containing unusual diamidosilyl ether groups

The reaction of Ge[N(SiMe₃)₂]₂ with calix[6]arene furnishes a novel macrocyclic product having two divalent germanium atoms incorporated into a Ge₂NO rhombus which contains a μ₂-oxygen atom and a μ₂-NH₂ group. The crystal structure of the product indicates the presence of a conformationally rigid molecule where three of the six oxygen atoms of the calix[6]arene are bound to the germanium atoms while the remaining three have been converted into –OSiMe₃ or unusual –OSi(H)(NH₂)₂ groups. Spectral (¹H, ¹³C, and ²⁹Si NMR) data in solution are consistent with the solid-state structure and indicate the germanium calix[6]arene retains its structure in solution.     

Synthesis of (thia)calix[4]arene oligomers: towards calixarene-based dendrimers

Thiacalix[4]arenes bearing two or four carboxylic functions on the lower rim served as starting compounds for the synthesis of novel calixarene oligomers connected by amidic functions. The cone conformers react smoothly with four molecules of 5-amino-calix[4]arene to yield the corresponding pentakis-calixarenes. On the other hand, because steric hindrance, the 1,3-alternate condenses only with two molecules leading thus to tris-calixarene, possessing a novel type of inherent chirality based on the 25,26-substitution pattern. The title compounds, which connect together ‘classical’ calixarene and thiacalixarene building blocks, represent a first step towards calixarene-based dendritic structures.     

Cone di-ionisable calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 ligands with elongated pendant side arms: synthesis and metal ion extraction

Abstract

Syntheses of p-H-calix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 and p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-1,3-crown-5 ligands with two elongated, proton-ionisable side arms in the cone conformation are described. For solvent extractions from aqueous solution into chloroform, the influence of lengthening the lower rim proton-ionisable side arms and addition of para substituents to the upper rim of the calix[4]crown scaffold on the efficiency and selectivity of metal cation solvent extraction are evaluated.     

Endo-cavity Complexes between Calix[6]arene Dianions and Aliphatic Ammonium Cations: Structure of a Hexylammonium Complex by X-ray Crystallography

The interactions of calix[6]arene and p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene with aliphatic amines in acetonitrile solution were studied by spectrophotometric titrations in the UV region and ¹H NMR spectrometry. Calix[6]arenes can undergo two deprotonations by aliphatic amines and the extent of the second proton transfer is mainly governed by the size of the α-substituent of the amine. ¹H NMR spectra show that the macrocycle adopts a 1,2,3-alternate conformation and that the α-hydrogens of the ammonium ions are shielded by the π-clouds of the aromatic rings. The X-ray crystal structure of the dihexylammonium complex of the p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene dianion, reported here, confirms the 1,2,3-alternate conformation and shows one of the two ammonium moieties encapsulated in the inner cavity of the macrocycle.     

Novel 2,2′-bipyridine-modified calix[4]arenes: ratiometric fluorescent chemosensors for Zn ion

Two calix[4]arene derivatives with modified bipyridine as binding sites have been designed and synthesized. Compounds 1 and 2 are the first 2,2′-bipyridine-modified calix[4]arene-based sensors that can detect Zn²⁺ selectively with respect to ratiometric fluorescent changes and red shift. A binuclear complex structure has been demonstrated in the binding modes of 1-Zn²⁺ and 2-Zn²⁺ complexes.     

Molecular octopus: octa functionalized calix[4]resorcinarene-hydroxamic acid [C4RAHA] for selective extraction, separation and preconcentration of U(VI)

A solvent extraction separation of uranium, in the presence of thorium, cerium and lanthanides with a new calix[4]resorcinarene bearing eight hydroxamic acid groups (C4RAHA) is described. Quantitative extraction of uranium is possible in ethyl acetate solution of C4RAHA at pH 8.0. The lambda(max) and molar absorptivity (varepsilon) for uranium is 356nm and 8352Lmol(-1)cm(-1). The Binding ratio of uranium with C4RAHA as evaluated by Job's method is 4:1. The system obeys Beer's law over the range 0.075-6.0mugml(-1) of uranium with Sandell sensitivity 0.0284mugcm(-2). A preconcentration factor of 142 was achieved by directly aspirating the extract for GF-AAS measurements. The two-phase stability constant evaluated at 25 degrees C for uranium is 15.91. The complexation is characterized by favorable enthalpy and entropy changes. A liquid membrane transport study of uranium was carried out from source to the receiving phase under controlled conditions and a mechanism of transport is proposed. Uranium has been determined in standard and environmental samples.     

Water-soluble pentasulfonatocalix[5]arene: selective recognition of ditopic trimethylammonium cations by a triple non-covalent interaction

The inclusion of tetramethylammonium and ditopic trimethylammonium cations by the water-soluble pentasulfonatocalix[5]arene 1 has been studied at neutral pH by ¹H NMR and compared with the homologous tetrasulfonatocalix[4]arene 2. Unlike host 2, host 1 selectively binds the ditopic trimethylammonium ions by three different non-covalent interactions. Remarkably the flexible host 1 exhibits both more efficiency and selectivity in the complexation of ditopic methylammonium ions with respect to similar more preorganised calix[4]arene receptors.     

Sensitive determination of inorganic anions at trace levels in samples of snow water from sierra nevada (Granada, Spain) by capillary ion electrophoresis using calix[4]arene as selective modifier

Summary A highly sensitive and selective capillary ion electrophoretic (CIE) method has been established to show the applicability of this separation technique to the determination of some of the anions usually found in water samples. The ions were monitored by UV spectrophotometry with diode-array detection in presence of sulfonated calixarene compounds as organic modifiers in the electrophoretic buffer medium. The instrumental variables affecting the sensitivity and resolution of the mixture were carefully optimized. Snow water samples were been selected for analytical determination of iodide, chloride, sulfate, nitrite, phosphate, and nitrate anions at ng mL⁻¹ levels. The repeatability and reproducibility were calculated and were in the range 2.1 to 5.4% for the analytes determined.