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.     

Synthesis and structure of lower rim C-linked tetra-N-tosyl peptidocalix[4]arenes

Chiral p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes perfunctionalised at the lower rim with amino acid residues have been prepared. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra indicate that the macrocycles adopt a cone conformation. Calix[4]arenes bearing amino acid moieties 5a shows strong complexation towards Cl⁻, Br⁻, HSO₄⁻, H₂PO₄⁻ and N-tosyl-(l)-alaninate.     

DNA condensation and cell transfection properties of guanidinium calixarenes: dependence on macrocycle lipophilicity, size, and conformation

Calix[n]arenes functionalized with guanidinium groups at the upper rim and alkyl chains at the lower rim bind to DNA, condense it, and in some cases, promote cell transfection depending on their structure and lipophilicity. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) studies indicate that upon DNA binding the hydrophobic association of the lipophilic chains of cone guanidinium calix[4]arenes drives the formation of intramolecular DNA condensates, characterized by DNA loops emerging from a dense core. Furthermore, hexyl and octyl chains confer to these calixarenes cell transfection capabilities. Conversely, larger and conformationally mobile calix[6]- and calix[8]arene methoxy derivatives form intermolecular aggregates characterized by "gorgonlike" structures composed of multiple plectomenes. These adducts, in which interstrand connections are dominated by electrostatic interactions, fail to promote cell transfection. Finally, calix[4]arenes in a 1,3-alternate conformation show an intermediate behavior because they condense DNA, but the process is driven by charge-charge interactions.     

Inclusion of naturally occurring amino acids in water soluble calix[4]arenes: a microcalorimetric and 1H NMR investigation supported by molecular modeling

The thermodynamic parameters for the inclusion of some naturally occurring amino acids into a series of p-sulfonated calix[4]arenes, were determined via both 1H NMR and calorimetric titrations in buffered aqueous solution at 25 degrees C. The calorimetric data show that inclusion is enthalpically driven in all cases, regardless of flexibility of the host and the nature of the guest. The most efficient receptor is the calix[4]arene tetrasulfonate 1, which exists in solution at pH 7 in a cone conformation, stiffened by H-bonding at the lower rim.Molecular mechanics data help in the understanding of why some hosts do not form inclusion complexes at all. The comparison of our data with literature reports shows that there are dramatic buffer-dependent changes in the binding affinities.     

Hydrogen bonded homo- and heterodimers of tetra urea derivatives of calix[4]arenes

Calix[4]arene ethers fixed in the cone conformation and substituted at the upper rim by various urea residues have been synthesized by reaction of the amino calix[4]arenes with isocyanates. Their dimerisation in apolar solvents has been established by the formation of mixed dimers consisting of two different urea derivatives.     

Synthesis and Conformational Studies of Lower Rim Cyanomethyl Substituted Calix[4]arenes

The conformational inversion characteristics of calix[4]arenes carrying cyanomethyl groups on the lower rim have been investigated. Complete conversion from a 1,3-alternate to a partial cone conformation was observed for the 1,3-dicyanomethyl ether of calix[4]arene at room temperature, while at higher temperatures further inversion to a 1:1 mixture of partial cone and cone conformers occurred.     

Fourfold tetraurea calix[4]arenes--potential cores for the formation of self-assembled dendrimers

Wide rim tetraurea calix[4]arenes monofunctionalized at the narrow rim by COOH or NH2 have been synthesized in five steps from t-butylcalix[4]arene tripropylether. Their covalent linkage via the narrow rim to a central calix[4]arene fixed in the 1,3-alternate conformation led to pentacalix[4]arenes 9 bearing four tetraurea derivatives in the cone conformation in a flexible tetrahedral arrangement. Their self-assembly via the formation of hydrogen bonded dimeric capsules has been studied under different conditions. A fourfold heterodimerisation of tetrakis-tetraurea derivatives of type 9 with tetratosylurea 10 has been confirmed by 1H NMR-spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering.     

1,3-Alternate calix[4]arenes, selectively functionalized by amino groups

General strategies are described to synthesize calix[4]arenes which are fixed in the 1,3-alternate conformation and substituted selectively by amino groups. These derivatives are useful starting materials for the attachment of various groups via amide bonds, as demonstrated by several examples, but may be converted also to ureas, imides or azomethines. Four amino groups may be attached to the narrow rim via(several) methylene groups as spacer by O-alkylation with omega-bromophthalimides or omega-bromonitriles. From the resulting tetraethers the amino functions are obtained by cleavage with hydrazine or by hydrolysis, allowing a selective functionalisation of both sides of the molecule (phenolic units A, C versus B, D). Amino functions at the wide rim are introduced by ipso-nitration of the respective t-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives and subsequent reduction. Selective ipso-nitration of a 1,3-diether, followed by O-alkylation with allylbromide to obtain the tetraether in the 1,3-alternate conformation, hydrogenation of allyl and nitro groups (in one step), protection of the amino functions as phthalimides followed by ipso-nitration of the remaining t-butyl phenol rings, allows again to distinguish both sides of the molecule (units A, C versus B, D). Reaction of a wide rim tetraamine in the 1,3-alternate conformation by Boc-anhydride allows not only to obtain the mono- and tri-Boc derivative, but also in nearly 60% yield the C2-symmetrical di-Boc derivative, in which two adjacent phenolic units are protected (distinction of A, B from C, D). This paves the way for the preparation of chiral derivatives or assemblies. O-Alkylation with omega-bromophthalimides followed by ipso-nitration leads to precursors for octaamines in the 1,3-alternate conformation, in which the potential amino functions on both rims can be selectively "activated" by reduction or hydrazinolysis. The structures of the newly synthesized molecules were mainly confirmed by their 1H NMR spectra, which allow a distinction from isomeric derivatives in the cone and partial cone conformation. Single crystal X-ray analyses were obtained for two analogous derivatives in the 1,3-alternate conformation (27, n = 3,4), an isomeric compound in the cone conformation (27, n = 3,4), and a derivative in the partial cone conformation (11).     

Upper Rim Diester—bridged Calix[4] arenes and Oligocalix [4]—arenes：the Effects of the Length of Bridged Reagents on Their Distribution

A series of monobridged calix [4] arenes 3a-f,cyclic biscalix-[4] arenes 4a-f ,diametrically bridged at the upper rim with saturated aliphatic diester chians,have been synthesized,The results at diluted conditions show that the percentage of yields of mono-,bis- and oligo-calix[4] arenes are related to the legth of the chains ,With the shortening of the chains ,the percent-age of monocalix[4] arenes decreased ,All the calix [4] arene moieties are in a cone conformaiton according to the AB quar-tet pattern of the methylene protons between the phenolic rings in the ^1H NMR spectra.     

The first synthesis and characterisation of elusive cone 1,2-diformyl tetralkoxycalix[4]arenes and their derivatives

The synthesis and isolation of elusive tetralkoxycalix[4]arenes 2 in the cone conformation and bearing two formyl groups in proximal (1,2) positions at the upper rim are described for the first time. They were obtained as a mixture with the distal (1,3) regioisomers 3 by optimizing the Gross formylation reaction on the tetralkoxycalix[4]arenes 1. After reduction to the corresponding alcohols, compounds 4 could be isolated and oxidized to 1,2-diformyl (2) and 1,2-diacid (6) tetralkoxycalix[4]arenes. These 1,2-difunctionalized derivatives are useful intermediates for the synthesis of calixarene-based molecular receptors having proximal binding groups.     

Calixarene-based surfactants: evidence of structural reorganization upon micellization

The self-aggregation of five amphiphilic p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes bearing alkyl chains at the lower rim was investigated by NMR spectroscopy and electrical conductivity. The critical micelle concentration was determined, and the tendency of this special class of surfactants to self-aggregate in aqueous solution was analyzed as a function of the alkyl chain length and the number of aromatic units in the macrocyclic ring. The structure of the surfactants in the monomeric and micellized states was elucidated by means of (1)H NMR and, in the case of the calix[6]arene derivative, with 2D NMR experiments. While all amphiphilic calix[4]arenes studied here are blocked in the cone conformation, in the monomeric state the calix[6]arene adopts a pseudo-1,2,3-alternate conformation and the calix[8]arene is conformationally mobile. These calixarenes undergo an aggregation-induced conformational change, adopting the cone conformation in the micelles. The structure and size of the aggregates were studied by diffusion ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments, and the results indicate that these surfactants self-assemble into ellipsoidal micelles.     

Calix[4]arene-functionalized naphthalene and perylene imide dyes

[reaction: see text] Calix[4]arenes bearing one, two, or four 1,8-naphthyl imide groups at the wide rim and bis-calix[4]arenes connected via perylene-bisimide dye spacers have been synthesized. The low-temperature NMR spectrum of the tetranaphthylimide suggests, in agreement with a crystal structure, a C2-symmetrical pinched cone conformation stabilized via face-to-face pi-pi interactions between opposite naphthylimide groups. UV-vis and fluorescence studies have been carried out for the perylene bis-calix[4]arene dyes.     

Thiacalix[4]arene derivatives with proximally bridged lower rim

New types of lower rim proximally bridged thiacalix[4]arenes have been prepared by direct aminolysis of starting tetraacetate derivative in the cone conformation using aliphatic α,ω-diamines. X-ray crystallography revealed the highly preorganized array of -C(O)NH- bonds resulting in strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding between amide groups of both bridges. The length of the corresponding diamine was found to have an essential influence on the yield of these bridged molecules.     

一种新型杯[4]芳烃的合成

本文通过对特丁基杯[4]芳烃的酚羟基烷基化和苯环特丁基位上的IPSO-硝化制备了一系列对硝基杯[4]芳烃烷基醚,烷基分别是n-C~4H~9(3a)、n-C~8H~1~7(3b)、n-C~1~2H~2~5(3c)和n-C~1~6H~3~3(3d)。^1HNMR表明所有新的杯[4]芳烃都具有锥形(cone)构象。     

Calix[4]arenes with a Lid in their Upper Rims: 1,3-Dipolar Cycloaddition Reactions of Benzonitrile Oxides with 5-Allyl-, 5,11-Dially- and 5,17-Diallylcalix[4]arenes

The upper rim substituted mono- and diisoxazolinomethylcalix[4]arenes 9-23 are synthesized in good yields from 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition reactions of papa-substituted phenyl nitrileoxides with 5-allyl-, 5,11-diallyl-and 5,17-diallycalix[4]arenes 5-7 ; the structures of 9-23 are consistent with a ‘cone’ conformation and the ‘vase-with-a-lid’ structure of 11 was confirmed by a single-crystal x-ray analysis. Preliminary results show that the monoisoxazolinomethylcalix[4] arene can form an inclusion complex with ammonium cation.     

Synthesis and glycosidase inhibition properties of triazole-linked calixarene–iminosugar clusters

Calixarene–iminosugar derivatives bearing four 1-deoxynojirimycin units at the upper or lower rim of calix[4]arenes in a fixed cone conformation were synthesized by copper-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) and their inhibitory activity was evaluated against five glycosidases. Modest but significant affinity enhancements of up to seven per 1-deoxynojirimycin unit over the monovalent iminosugar derivative were observed for the inhibition of Jack bean (Canavalia ensiformis) α-mannosidase. It was also demonstrated that the residual copper ions did not contribute to the inhibitory properties of the newly prepared calixarene-based multivalent iminosugars.     

Conformationally Selective Synthesis of Mononitrocalix[4]arene in Cone or Partial Cone

Nitro‐substituted calixarenes in a cone and a partial cone conformation were prepared selectively using distinct synthetic routes. The selective nitration of tris‐ or penta‐substituted phenols of calix[4]arene or calix[6]arene provided mononitrocalix[n ]arenes (n  =  4, 6). Subsequent addition of ethylene glycol (EG) moieties to mononitrocalix[4]arene provided tetraEGylcalix[4]arene in locked partial cone conformation. By an alternative route – initial addition of EG moieties to the non‐derivatized calix[4]arene followed by the uncontrolled nitration – provided mononitro‐ and dinitro‐tetraEGylcalix[4]arenes locked in the cone conformation. These nitrocalix[4]arenes with locked cone or partial cone conformation are useful building blocks for further assembly of supramolecular systems, especially in the area of material sciences.     

新型偶氮杯[4]芳烃的合成与构象研究

使用相应的w-硫醚羧酸酰氯与杯[4]芳烃或者偶氮杯[4]芳烃酰化合成了一类新型的杯[4]芳烃衍生物。分离得到六个新化合物4a-4c和5a-5c，并使用MALDI, EA, ¹H和¹³C NMR进行了表征。NMR图谱表明偶氮杯[4]芳烃衍生物 5a-5c均为1,3-转换构型，而4a-4c则均为锥式构型。对偶氮杯[4]芳烃衍生物5a-5c的红外和紫外性质也进行了研究。     

Synthesis of upper rim calix[4]arene divalent glycoclusters via amide bond conjugation

Synthetic routes for linking two sugar units at the upper rim of cone calix[4]arenes, through the formation of amide bonds, have been explored. Steric effects prevent the coupling of calix[4]arene dicarboxylic acid with simple aminoglycosides, whereas the corresponding reaction with carbohydrates bearing a two or three carbon atoms spacer, terminating with a primary amino group, allows the synthesis of several difunctionalized calix[4]arene neoglycoconjugates, attractive in chemical glycobiology and supramolecular chemistry.     

Calix

Chiral calix[4]arene derivatives with four O-(N-acetyl-PhgOMe), (1), (Phg denotes R-phenylglycine), or O-(N-acetyl-LeuOMe) (2) strands have been synthesised. Both compounds exist in chloroform in stable cone conformations with a noncovalently organised cavity at the lower rim that is formed by circular interstrand amidic hydrogen bonds. Such organisation affects both the selectivity and extraction/transport properties of 1 and 2 toward metal cations. Calix[4]arene derivatives with one OCH2COPhgOMe strand (3), two OCH2COPhgOMe strands (5) and with 1,3-OMe-2,4-(O-CH2COPhgOMe) substituents (4) at the lower rim have also been prepared. For 3, a conformation stabilised by a circular hydrogen-bond arrangement is found in chloroform, while 4 exists as a time-averaged C2 conformation with two intramolecular NH ...OCH3 hydrogen bonds. Compound 5 has a unique hydrogen-bonding motif in solution and in the solid state with two three-centred NH-.. O and two OH...O hydrogen bonds at the lower rim. This motif keeps 5 in the flattened cone conformation in chloroform. The X-ray structure analysis of 1 revealed a molecular structure with C2 symmetry; this structure is organised in infinite chains by intra- and intermolecular H bonds. The solid-state and solution structures of the [1-Na]ClO4 complex are identical, C4 symmetric cone conformations.