25,26-Dialkoxycalix[4]arenes. Part 2: 1-Alkoxy-3-benzoyloxy route

Benzoylation of calix[4]arene monoalkyl ethers with benzoyl chloride yielded the corresponding 3-benzoates and/or 2,3-dibenzoates in different reaction conditions. A simple recrystallization process was able to isolate the 3-benzoates in good yield. In the presence of NaH as reaction base, the 1-alkoxy-3-benzoyloxycalixarenes were alkylated with active alkyl halides at proximal position and yielded the corresponding 1,2-dialkoxy derivatives. Basic hydrolysis of compounds afforded the expected 25,26-dialkoxycalix[4]arenes. For the less active alkyl halides, alkylation of 1-alkoxy-3-benzoyloxycalix[4]arenes afforded both the 1,2-dialkoxy derivatives and the benzoyl-migrated 1,3-dialkoxy derivatives. Only the highly symmetrical 1,3-diethoxy-2-benzoyloxycalix[4]arene was able to be isolated upon the deliberate recrystallization process. After basic hydrolysis of the dialkylated crude products, 25,26-dialkoxycalix[4]arenes were chromatographic separated.     

Scandium triflate-catalyzed cyclocondensation of 1,3-dialkoxybenzenes with 1,3,5-trioxane. Formation of resorcin[4]arenes and confused resorcin[4]arenes

The cyclocondensation of 1,3-dialkoxybenzenes with 1,3,5-trioxane was catalyzed by Sc(OTf)₃ to produce resorcin[4]arene octaalkyl ethers as the major products. In addition, ‘confused’ resorcin[4]arene octaalkyl ethers bearing one alkoxy group at the intra-annular position were obtained as the minor products. The variable temperature ¹H NMR spectroscopy showed that the alkoxy group at the intra-annular position cannot pass through the macrocyclic annulus, indicating a rigid molecular framework. The structure of the ethoxy derivative of the confused resorcin[4]arene was determined by X-ray crystallography.     

Synthesis and metal ion complexation studies of proton-ionizable calix

A series of novel N-chromogenic calix[4]arene azacrown ethers were synthesized as selective extractants of potassium ion. 1,3-Alternate calix[4]arene azacrown ethers were prepared by reacting 25,27-dipropyloxy-26,28-bis(5-chloro-3-oxapentyloxy) calix[4]arenes with p-toluenesulfonamide in the presence of potassium carbonate. The coupling reaction of calix[4]arene azacrown ether with 2-hydroxy-5-nitrobenzyl bromide in the presence of triethylamine in THF gave the chromogenic calix[4]arene azacrown ether in moderate yield. These compounds show high potassium selectivity over other metal ions as shown by two-phase extraction, bulk liquid membrane, and 1H NMR studies on a ligand-metal complex. It is assumed that the OH of the chromogenic group attached on nitrogen can assist the complexation by encapsulation of the metal.     

Inherently chiral biscalixarene cone–cone conformers consisting of calix[4]arene and calix[5]arene subunits

Inherently chiral biscalixarenes with hetero-cavities were synthesized by a covalent assembly of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene with a 1,3-substituted calix[4]arene via 1,3-alkylation reaction and subsequent desymmetrization. The racemates were resolved by chiral HPLC method. ¹H NMR spectra, VT-NMR spectra, and theoretical calculations support that the calix[5]arene subunit of the inherently chiral calix[4][5]arene ester adopts a cone-in conformation, with the aromatic ring bearing the CH₂CO₂Et group tilting inward the calix[5]arene cavity. By contrast, such a cone-in structural feature of the calix[5]arene subunit disappears for the corresponding inherently chiral calix[4][5]arene carboxylic acid, due to the intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the carboxyl group and an ethereal oxygen of the glycolic chain.     

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⁺.     

On the importance of the pore inner cavity for the ionophoric activity of 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene/steroid conjugates

1,3-Alternate calix[4]arenes, decorated with four nonpolar ‘all-trans’ tetracyclic nuclei and cation-stabilizing β-methoxyethoxy appendages, were synthesized from commercially available starting materials and through straightforward functional groups transformations/couplings. Their Na⁺-transport activities, when compared with those exerted by the known conformationally-rigidified 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene AB/cis cholic acid conjugates, suggest that the cation conductance is related to the morphology of the pendant steroids.     

Design, synthesis, characterization, and preliminary complexation studies of chromogenic vanadophiles: 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene tetrahydroxamic acids

New chromogenic supramolecular vanadophiles were designed and synthesized by incorporating hydroxamic acid chains on a 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene scaffold and were found to show high affinity toward vanadate ions. The article describes a comprehensive design process to devise a tailor-made co-ordination cavity for vanadate ions by pre-organization of hydroxamic acid chelating moieties on a 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene scaffold. These receptors simultaneously co-ordinate two vanadate ions giving a highly ‘staggered’ geometry with almost D_2d symmetry. Proposed structures and complexation behavior of the receptors were explained by critical examination of FTIR, UV-visible, mass, and ¹H NMR data.     

Synthesis, structure, and properties of nitronyl nitroxyl tetraradical with calix[4]arene framework

A reaction of calix[4]arene tetraaldehyde with 2,3-bis(hydroxyamino)-2,3-dimethylbutane in DMF resulted in the corresponding 1,3-dihydroxyimidazolidine tetraadduct, whose oxidation gave a calix[4]arene (1,3-alternate) bearing four nitronyl nitroxyl-containing substituents at the upper rim.     

Syntheses and properties of functionalized oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins

Six new functionalized oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins have been synthesized via a high-yielding ‘3+1’ condensation between meso-(3,5-dihydroxyphenyl)triphenylporphyrin and readily available new fluorodinitrobenzene-containing trimers. The X-ray structure of one linear trimer is presented. The synthesis of a porphyrin containing two oxacalix[4]arene moieties is also reported using a similar strategy. ¹H NMR data and computer calculations using the AM1 semiempirical method incorporated into the Spartan program indicate that the oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins adopt 1,3-alternating conformations. The photophysical properties of the oxacalix[4]arene porphyrins were investigated.     

A novel method for the upper rim alkoxy-substitution of calix[4]arene via a bis(spirodienone) route

A mild and efficient one-step procedure for the upper rim modification of calix[4]arene via a bis(spirodienone) is described. The bis(spirodienone) on reaction with alcohols in the presence of p-TSA affords mono- and 1,3-disubstituted alkoxy derivatives in moderate to good yields.     

Isolation and structural analysis of novel conformational isomers of the m-xylylene-bridged calix[6]arenes: the ‘partial cone’ and ‘inverted cone’ isomers

In the benzylation of a m-xylylene-bridged calix[6]arene tetrol, the first example of the ‘partial cone’ isomer of a calix[6]arene was obtained in addition to the corresponding cone and 1,2,3-alternate isomers, and its structure was established by X-ray crystallographic analysis. The synthesis and crystal structure of the ‘inverted cone’ isomer as well as its thermal conversion to the ‘normal cone’ isomer are also described.     

The enhancement of luminescent properties of Tb3+ complexes with tetra-1,3-diketone ligands promoted by the tetrathiacalix[4]arene scaffold

This is the first report on the synthesis and characterization of tetra-1,3-diketone derivatives of tetrthia- and calix[4]arenes substituted by acetylacetonyl or dipivaloylmethanyl moieties at the upper rim and bearing hydroxyl groups at the lower rim as ligands for Tb³⁺ complexes. The spatial structure and tautomeric content for the synthesized ligands have been determined by means of X-ray, IR and NMR spectroscopy. Comparison of the sensitizing properties of tetrathiacalix[4]arenes and their calix[4]arene analogues on the Tb³⁺-centered luminescence in DMF solutions has been performed. A substantial enhancement of the luminescent properties of Tb³⁺- complexes with tetra-1,3-diketone ligands promoted by the tetrathiacalix[4]arene scaffold was established.     

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.     

Glycoclusters presenting lactose on calix[4]arene cores display trypanocidal activity

A new series of water-soluble tetravalent glycoclusters incorporating β-lactosyl residues attached to a central calix[4]arene core was synthesised using azide-alkyne Cu(I)-catalysed cycloaddition (‘click chemistry’). Carbohydrate moieties were attached either to the upper or lower rim of rigid cone-shaped or partial cone macrocycles via 14-21 atom spacer arms. The glycoclusters with a C₄-symmetrical arrangement of β-lactosyl residues showed trypanocidal activity, with one of them showing comparable activity to established anti-trypanosomal drug benznidazole in in vitro anti-parasite assays.     

Competitive Self and Induced Aggregation of Calix[4]arene Ethers and Their Interaction with Pinacyanol Chloride and Methylene Blue in Nonaqueous Media

Long chain calix[4]arene ethers have been examined for aggregation in nonaqueous solvents by using UV-vis molecular absorbance spectroscopy. It has been observed that tetraalkylated (alkyl = hexadecyl and octadecyl, respectively) calix[4]arene ethers tend to aggregate in chloroform and tetrahydrofuran, possibly via π–π stacking interactions of the phenyl moieties, and the aggregation process appears to be facilitated by the alkyl chains. The analogous dialkylated compounds do not show any self-aggregation, plausibly due to strong hydrogen bonding between the –OH and the –O– of calix aryl ether which seems to disrupt the aggregation process. Addition of the anionic surfactant sodium dodecylsulfate (SDS) appears to hinder the aggregation process in nonpolar chloroform but the same surfactant facilitates aggregation in the polar tetrahydrofuran. The cationic surfactant (cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide) and the nonionic surfactant (Brij-35) have no effect on this aggregation process. Unexpectedly, SDS induces aggregation of dialkylated calix[4]arene ethers in chloroform. It has been observed that the aggregated form of the tetraalkylated calix[4]arene ethers tend to increase the dimerization efficiency of cationic dyes (pinacyanol chloride and methylene blue) in chloroform.     

Selectively formylated and bridged calix[6]arene derivatives at the upper rim

The strategy of bridging the anisole units at the upper rim of calix[6]arene has been applied to strain the conformations of calix[6]arene. Based on the selective formylation of the 1,3,5-tri-p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, several new calix[6]arene derivatives with different 1,3-bridged chains or a 1,3,5-tripod bridge at the upper rim have been prepared with moderate yields. The ¹H NMR spectra indicate that these calix[6]arene derivatives adopt a cone conformation, which has also been confirmed by the theoretical calculation at AM1 level. X-ray crystal structure of 1,3,5-tripod bridged compound 5 discloses that the calix[6]arene host stands in a cone conformation with approximate C_3v symmetry, and that a methanol molecule is enclosed in its hydrophobic cavity and stabilized by multi hydrogen bonds.     

Selective functionalization at the small rim of calix[6]arene. Synthesis of novel non-symmetrical N3, N4 and N3ArO biomimetic ligands

Eight novel calix[6]arene-based biomimetic ligands for transition metal ions have been synthesized. They display a non-symmetrical N₃, N₄ or N₃ArO binding core that mimics enzyme active sites presenting histidine and tyrosine residues. The key step for their synthesis is the mono-alkylation at the small rim of the C_3v symmetrical trimethyl ether derivative of tBu-calix[6]arene with N-Boc-2-chloroethylamine to yield a novel calix[6]arene synthon. Its combined O-alkylation with a chloromethyl aromatic amine and N-deprotection or alkylation or reductive alkylation with a salicylaldehyde derivative yielded the calix[6]arene-based ligands with mixed N/O donors.     

Preparation of Calix[4]arene Alkylamine Derivatives by Mannich Reaction and use as Phase-Transfer Catalysts for Esterification Reaction

In this study, 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(N-ethylpiperazine)methyl]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (3) and 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(4-carboethoxy-N-piperidino) methyl]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene (4) were synthesized in one step according to the Mannich reaction by the treatment of calix[4]arene with a secondary amine (N-ethylpiperazine, ethyl-4-piperidincarboxylate) and formaldehyde. The calix[4]arene derivatives (3, 4) were characterized by a combination of FTIR, ¹H NMR and elemental analyses. The synthesized compounds were used in an esterification reaction as the phase transfer catalyst. The catalytic efficiency of the calix[4]arenes 3 and 4 was evaluated by carrying out the ester-forming reaction of alkali metal carboxylates (sodium butyrate or sodium caprylate) with p-nitrobenzyl bromide. It was observed that the ester-forming reaction of alkali metal carboxylates with p-nitrobenzyl bromide, using calix[4]arene-based catalyst 3 as a phase-transfer catalyst in dichloromethan, provided the best yields.     

Synthesis and crystal structures of novel calix[4]azacrowns

A series of novel 1,3‐altemate calix[4]arene azacrowns having mono and bis crown ethers on the lower rim of the calix[4]arene framework were synthesized. Solid‐state structures confirmed the three dimensional conformation of compounds 1–3.     

Calix[4]arene stabilized Transition Metal Imido Complexes

The usage of calix[n]arenes as ancillary poly(phenolate) ligands is a rapidly developing area in coordination chemistry. This article focuses on the synthesis, structure and reactivity of calix[4]arene‐ and calix[4]arene ether‐stabilized imido complexes of group 4 — 6 transition metals as well as on the comparison of calix[4]arene dialkyl ethers in particular with other widely employed related ligand systems such as salenes, porphyrins and tetraazaannulenes. Contrary to these nitrogen containing systems, it is much easier to control the charge of the ligand system through the degree of alkylation of the calixarene's lower rim without a major change in the geometry of the resulting metal complex. This could lead to isoelectronic and structurally closely related transition metal complex fragments for metals in neighboring groups of the periodic table or for metals in different oxidation states. The “intrinsic” reactivity of metal imido linkages might therefore be explored using calix[4]arenes and calix[4]arene ethers and first results are summarized in this research report.