Conformational polymorphism and amphiphilic properties of resorcinarene octapodands

o-Nitroaniline functionalized resorcinarene octapodands 1-5 with pendant methyl, ethyl, pentyl, nonyl or 1-decenyl groups, respectively, were synthesized and their structural properties investigated using X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy. The upper rim of each podand is identical containing flexible side arms, in which rotation around the -OCH(2)CH(2)N- linkers create excellent possibilities for polymorphism. Two conformational polymorphs of acetone solvate of 2 were identified containing different side arm orientation and crystal packing. Compound 1 crystallized from acetone and nitromethane yielding two pseudopolymorphs with different packing motifs. The longer alkyl chains of 3-5 lead to differences in solubility and induce amphiphilic properties, which were studied at the air-water interface using the Langmuir-film technique. Crystals of amphiphilic compound 5, which has hydrophobic alkyl tails at the lower rim and hydrophilic nitroaniline groups at the upper rim, showed an interesting packing motif with alternating aromatic and aliphatic layers. Versatile structures of the octapodands in solid state and in solution serve as an example of how conformational flexibility can be utilized in crystal engineering and creating self-assembling monolayer structures.     

Synthesis of calix[4]arenes modified with germanium‐containing side chains on the upper rim

With the expectation to prepare a new type of heteroditopic host, a series of calix[4]arenes modified with germanium‐containing side chains at the upper rim was prepared. Compounds 1 and 2 bear two or four triethylgermyl moieties respectively, and compounds 3 and 4 bear two or four trimethylgermyl moieties respectively. For 1 and 2 , the hydroxy groups at the lower rim are either tosylated (series a) or kept free (series b). For reference, a carbon analog of 3 , compound 5 , was also prepared. Unfortunately, all calixarenes prepared failed to show any appreciable cation transport property, indicating that the structure designed, i.e. a calixarene with germanium‐containing side chains at the upper rim, cannot meet the requirement for an appropriate heteroditopic host. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Functionalization of Calix[4]resorcinolarenes with Trimethylsilyl Isocyanate

Calix[4]resorcinolarenes and their dialkylaminomethylated derivatives react with trimethylsilyl isocyanate to form addition products containing four silylcarbamate groups. These compounds are unstable and, depending on the nature of alkyl groups at the lower rim of the macrocycle, undergo two types of transformations. Intramolecular silylation yields calixarenes containing four carbamate and four trimethylsilyloxy groups at the upper rim. In the case of dialkylaminomethylated calixarenes, the initially formed addition products can undergo intramolecular cyclization to form a cavitand with four six-membered fragments at the upper rim.     

Spectroscopic studies on inclusion properties of fullerenocalix[4]arene conjugates with metal ions

Metal-chelating properties-in the ground and excited states-of fullerenocalix[4]arenes containing two malonamide substituents at the upper rim and four alkyl ester chains at the lower rim have been studied by means of steady-state absorption, fluorescence spectroscopy, and time-resolved transient absorption spectra. In particular, the influence that Ag+ enforces on the fullerene electronic spectra is due to direct interactions between Ag+ and the surface of C60. The effects stemming from Na+, Mg2+, and Ba2+, on the other hand, are indirect and are introduced through chelating the metal ions to the calix[4]arene moiety. They strongly depend on the molecular structure of the fullerenocalix[4]arenes. No spectroscopic evidence was obtained for any influence caused by Mn2+, although the malonamide groups provide good chelating ability even for this transition metal ion.     

Binding properties and self-assembly of C2v-symmetrical resorcin[4]arene tetrabenzoates

In the crystalline state two molecules of resorcin[4]arene tetrabenzoates and four chloride anions form molecular wraps containing two Et₃NH⁺ cations. The structure and composition of the wraps depend on the length of the alkyl chains at the narrow rim of the macrocycle. Resorcin[4]arene tetrabenzoates interact with ammonium salts in CDCl₃.     

Synthesis of new <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-<Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives containing photopolymerizable 1,3-butadiyne fragments

Successive functionalization of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene afforded a bifunctional derivative containing photopolymerizable pentacosa-10,12-diynoic acid fragments on the upper rim and propargyl groups on the lower rim of the macrocycle having a cone structure. The functionalization can be readily accomplished via copper-catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition under mild conditions.     

Unusual functionalization of the lower rim of thiacalix[4]arene: competition of alkylation and transalkylation

Thiacalix[4]arenes mono-, 1,3-di-, tri-, and tetrasubstituted at the lower rim, including those containing different substituents, were synthesized by the method based on the ability of the phenacyl moiety to serve as the protecting group, as well as to be involved in transalkylation.     

Phosphonated calix[4]arene-based amphiphiles as scaffolds for fluorescent nano-fibres

p-Phosphonic acid calix[4]arene bearing lower rim O-C(18)H(37) alkyl chains assemble into 6 nm diameter fibres, which deposit from toluene onto mica and graphite, as characterised using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM). Molecular simulations support a micelle-like arrangement of calixarenes with the alkyl chains directed inwards, and they form a composite material with a fluorescent molecule.     

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.     

Dithiolene complexes containing N coordinating groups and corresponding tetrathiafulvalene donors

The chemistry of transition metal dithiolene complexes containing N coordinating groups and the corresponding TTF donors, is reviewed starting from the ligand synthesis to the coordination structures where these dithiolene complexes are used as bridging units. The dithiolene ligands containing N coordinating atoms present two coordination poles which can selectively bind different metals and act as bridging units in a variety of coordination architectures. The transition metal dithiolene complexes based on these N containing ligands and the corresponding TTF donors can be themselves regarded as ligands. These can be used to coordinate other metals, potentially leading to a diversity of hetero metallic coordination architectures. With the use of appropriate auxiliary ligands they can lead to discrete metal complexes. In addition they can lead to more extended polymeric structures of different dimensionality such as 1D chains, 2D layers or even 3D polymers can also be obtained.     

Planar Complexes Containing Metal-Metal Bonds

Planar complexes, and particularly those of platinum, can form structures containing linear chains of heavy metal atoms with metal-metal distances as short as 3.1 Å. The bonding in these chains can be strengthened by partial oxidation, and the bond lengths can be reduced to 2.8 Å in this way. Model structures for the novel nonstoichiometric products, such as K₂[Pt(CN)₄]Cl_0·32 · 2.6 H₂O, are considered. The bonding is also discussed on the basis of a one-dimensional band model.     

The selective functionalisation and difunctionalisation of p-substituted calix[6]arene and calix[8]arenes using hydrophilic moieties

Methodologies to access water soluble large ringed calixarenes in good yield using efficient synthetic procedures have been investigated. Symmetrical partial functionalisations at the lower rim are described using activated [n]ethylene glycol chains and the addition behaviour contrasted with that of bromoalkanenitriles which proceeds with no observed regioselectivity. Full functionalisations of the calixarenes bearing hydrophilic groups are then investigated and a two-step procedure established which appears to be generally applicable for the addition of different [n]ethylene glycol chains. Furthermore, difunctionalisation under different reaction conditions are described. Throughout, strategies for the characterisation of these high mass compounds are outlined.     

Lariat-crown ether based fluorescence sensors for heavy metal ions

Exploratory investigations were conducted to probe several aspects of a new strategy for the design of metal ion fluorescence sensors. The results of the investigation show that lariat-crown ethers that contain amine and thioether side chains, and a naphthalene chromophore can be efficiently prepared by using sequences that rely on key single electron transfer promoted photocyclization reactions. Members of this novel family of lariat-crown ethers serve as selective fluorescence sensors for the divalent metal cation of Mg, Hg, and Pb. The response of the sensors to the divalent metal ion is modulated by the nature of the heteroatom(s) incorporated into the side chains. Specifically, lariat-crown ethers that contain tertiary amine groups in their side chains display an off-on type response to Mg(II), Hg(II), and Pb(II). In contrast, thioether side chain containing lariat-crown ethers behave differently in that their fluorescence intensities decrease in the presence of increasing concentrations of these divalent metal cations. These responses can be understood on the basis of selective divalent metal ion induced disruption of intramolecular single electron transfer (SET)-quenching (for side chain amine containing lariat-crown ethers) and the enhancement of intersystem crossing (for side chain thioether containing lariat-crown ethers) of the singlet excited state of the naphthalene fluorophore.     

Virus-sized DNA nanoparticles for gene delivery based on micelles of cationic calixarenes

Macrocyclic amphiphilic molecules based on calix[4]arenes are highly attractive for controlled supramolecular assembly of DNA into small nanoparticles, since they present a unique conical architecture and can bear multiple charged groups. In the present work, we synthesized new amphiphilic calixarenes bearing cationic groups at the upper rim and alkyl chains at the lower rim. Their self-assembly in aqueous solution was characterized by fluorescent probes, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, gel electrophoresis and atomic force microscopy. We found that calixarenes bearing long alkyl chains (octyl) self-assemble into micelles of 6 nm diameter at low critical micellar concentration and present the unique ability to condense DNA into small nanoparticles of about 50 nm diameter. In contrast, the short-chain (propyl) analogues that cannot form micelles at low concentrations failed to condense DNA, giving large polydisperse DNA complexes. Thus, formation of small DNA nanoparticles is hierarchical, requiring assembly of calixarenes into micellar building blocks that further co-assemble with DNA into small virus-sized particles. The latter showed much better gene transfection efficiency in cell cultures relative to the large DNA complexes with the short-chain analogues, which indicates that gene delivery of calixarene/DNA complexes depends strongly on their structure. Moreover, all cationic calixarenes studied showed low cytotoxicity. Thus, this work presents a two-step hierarchical assembly of small DNA nanoparticles for gene delivery based on amphiphilic cone-shaped cationic calixarenes.     

Upper Rim Diester-bridged Calixarenes and Oligocalix-arenes: the Effects of the Length of Bridged Reagents on Their Distribution

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Ordering of a lateral crown ether and terminal short POE chains in some symmetrical nematogens by 13 C NMR

A lateral crown ether fragment can be introduced on symmetrical mesogens containing only three aromatic rings. The replacement of the terminal alkoxy chains by chains containing oxyethylene units decreases the melting and clearing temperatures allowing one to obtain nematic compounds near room temperature. These compounds dissolve LiBF 4 salt only to a small extent, but the nematic arrangement, is thereby destroyed. The carbon chemical shift anisotropy and the local C-H bond order parameters were obtained for the nematic phase for the crown ether fragment and the terminal chains. This study indicates that the crown ether average conformation changes insignificantly on decreasing the temperature. The lateral crown ether protrudes markedly from the core with the consequence that the molecular shape is far from rod-like in geometry.     

Oriented assembly of Au nanorods using biorecognition system

The design and formation of a linear assembly of gold nanorods using a biomolecular recognition system are described. Anti-mouse IgG was immobilized on the {111} end faces of gold nanorods through a thioctic acid containing a terminal carboxyl group. The biofunctionalized nanorods can be assembled with the desired length using mouse IgG for biorecognition and binding. The gold nanorods can be assembled to extended nanorod chains, which can be as long as 3 microm. These assembled nanostructures may be used as the precursors for future nanodevices.     

10-十一烯酸衍生物混合体系的表面化学

自表面张力测定对１０－十一烯酸胆碱衍生物（三甲基－［２－（１０－十一烯酰氧乙基）］碘化铵）与１０－十一烯酸钠混合体系的表面吸附和胶团形成作了研究；对该体系中的囊泡形成进行了电镜观察。结果表明，疏水链端基为不饱和烯基的正、负离子表面活性剂混合体系和有饱和疏水链的混合体系一样，也有很高的表面活性，易于表面吸附和形成胶团，并且容易在水及乙醇－水溶液中形成相当稳定的囊泡。这些结果的原因可归之于正、负表面活     

Ordering of a lateral crown ether and terminal short POE chains in some symmetrical nematogens by 13 C NMR

A lateral crown ether fragment can be introduced on symmetrical mesogens containing only three aromatic rings. The replacement of the terminal alkoxy chains by chains containing oxyethylene units decreases the melting and clearing temperatures allowing one to obtain nematic compounds near room temperature. These compounds dissolve LiBF₄ salt only to a small extent, but the nematic arrangement, is thereby destroyed. The carbon chemical shift anisotropy and the local C-H bond order parameters were obtained for the nematic phase for the crown ether fragment and the terminal chains. This study indicates that the crown ether average conformation changes insignificantly on decreasing the temperature. The lateral crown ether protrudes markedly from the core with the consequence that the molecular shape is far from rod-like in geometry.     

Amphiphilic calixarenes: Probing monolayer stability by selective modification of the hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance

Abstract

The synthesis of calix[4]arenes permuting 1 or 4 C12 acyl chains at the upper rim and 1 or 4 methylene ethyl ester groups at the lower rim is described. The Langmuir compression isotherms of the compounds show that in the case of 1 acyl + 1 ester, there is probably orientation parallel to the air-water interface. For the other systems, orientation is orthogonal to the interface, and for the 4 +4 compound a pseudo collapse with reorientation of the hydrophilic ester groups is observed.