Synthesis of （p—Substituted phenyl）azo Calix[4] arenes

A novel method for the preparation of chromogenic calixarenes with azo groups was reported.p-Substituted(-NO2,-CH3,-Cl)amilines were diazotized with isoamyl nitrite in EtONa/EtOH under refluxing condition.Fifteen mono-,bis-,tris-and tetrakis(p-substituted phenyl)azo calix[4]arenes (including proximal and distal isomers) were obtainged respectively by diazo-coupling in different molar ratio to calix[4]arenes(1) under pH=7.5-9.0 in non-aqueous solution at 0-5℃.^1H NMR and ^13C NMR spectra of (p-substtituted phenyl)azo calix[4]-arenes indicated that they existed in cone conformation in solution.     

Excitonically Coupled Cyclic BF2 Arrays of Calix[8]‐ and Calix[16]phyrin as Near‐IR‐Chromophores

Two giant calix[n]phyrin derivatives namely calix[8]‐ ( 4 ) and calix[16]phyrin ( 5 ), involving two and four BF₂ units, respectively, were prepared through the condensation of the bis‐naphthobipyrrolylmethene‐BF₂ complex ( 3 ) with pentafluorobenzaldehyde. Calix[n]phyrins 4 and 5 display extremely high extinction coefficients (3.67 and 4.82×10⁵ m ^?1 cm^?1, respectively) in the near‐IR region, which was taken as initial evidence for strong excitonic coupling within these cyclic multi‐chromophoric systems. Detailed insights into the effect of excitonic coupling dynamics on the electronic structure and photophysical properties of the macrocycles came from fluorescence, time‐correlated single‐photon counting (TCSPC) and transient absorption (TA) measurements. Support for these experimental findings came from theoretical studies. Theory and experiment confirmed that the coupling between the excitons depends on the specifics of the calix[n]phyrin structure, not just its size.     

Fullerene encapsulation with calix[5]arenes

This paper presents the synthesis of the fullerene hosts based on the calix[5]arenes and their binding properties. Calix[5]arenes 1a, 2, 3a bind C₆₀ or C₇₀ in organic solvents. The solvent effect of the fullerene complexation was clearly observed; the association constant decreases in a solvent with high solubility for C₆₀. Covalently linked double-calix[5]arenes 4-6 were also investigated on their binding properties for fullerenes in organic solvents. Their binding abilities for both C₆₀ and C₇₀ are extremely high in toluene solution. Higher binding selectivity toward C₇₀ is observed by all the double-calix[5]arenes. The selectivity of 5a toward C₇₀/C₆₀ is highest in toluene with a value of 10. The structures of the supramolecular complexes of the calix[5]arene hosts and C₆₀ or C₇₀ were investigated by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR studies. The molecular mechanics calculation and X-ray structure reveal that the interior of the calix[5]arene is complementary to the exterior of C₆₀ molecule. In contrast, the host-guest complexes of C₇₀ with the simple calix[5]arenes take many conformational options due to its less symmetric shape. The molecular mechanics calculation and our chemical shift simulation nicely worked to estimate the reliable structures; the calix[5]arene cavity takes up C₇₀ molecule, and the C₇₀ molecule tilts significantly from the C5 axis of the calix[5]arene. In the case of the host-guest complex of C₇₀ with the double-calix[5]arene, the molecular dynamics simulation of the host-guest complex represented the realistic movement of the bound C₇₀ inside the cavity. The combination of the molecular dynamics simulation and the chemical shift simulation of the host-guest complex suggested that the C₇₀ molecule rapidly moves inside the cavity.     

Design of Organoiron Macromolecules Based on Upper Rim Functionalized Calix[4]arenes

The versatility of cationic cyclopentadienyliron complexes is demonstrated for the generation of calix[4]arene‐based dendrimers and polymers. Dendrimers were prepared from a branched organoiron calix[4]arene through subsequent reactions of azo dyes and organoiron complexes. The resulting azo dye‐containing metallocalix[4]arenes were soluble in polar organic solvents and displayed λ_max ranging between 430 and 456 nm. Upon addition of various acids, the λ_max shifted to higher wavelengths (513–535 nm). In the solid state and in solution, the azo dye‐containing metallocalix[4]arenes reversibly changed colour in the presence of acid and base, indicating their potential use as acid sensors. Cyclic voltammetric studies showed that the iron centres of the metallocalix[4]arenes were reversibly reduced at E_1/2 = −1.49 V. When non‐branching organoiron‐based calix[4]arene were reacted with dithiols, polymers containing calix[4]arenes either in their side chains or main chains were obtained. The polymers possessed weight average molecular weights between 35 000 and 53 000. The polymers were determined to be thermally stable with backbone decomposition occurring above 500 °C.

     

Aminolysis reaction of calix [ 4 ] arene esters and crystal structures and conformational behaviors of calix[4]arene amides

We first make use of aminolysis of calix[4]arene esters to synthesize calix[4]arene amides. When the two ethyl esters of the calix[4]arene esters are aminolysized, the 1, 3-amide derivative is formed selectively. The crystal structures of the calix-[4]arene with two butyl amide (3b) and four butyl amide moieties (4b) were determined. The intermolecular hydrogen bonds make 4b form two-dimensional net work insolid state. The 1H NMR spectra prove that 3b is of a pinched cone conformation, while 4b and tetraheptylamide-calix[4]arene (6b) take fast interconversion between two C2v isomers in solution and appear an apparent cone conformation at room temperature. As decreasing temperature, the interconversion rate decreases gradually and, finally, the interconversion process is frozen at Tc = -10℃, which makes both conformations of 4b and 6b the pinched cone structures. The hydrogen bond improves the interconversion barrier, and the large different values of the potential barrier between 6b and 4b (or 6b) may     

Dimeric Capsules Formed by Tetra‐CMPO Derivatives of (Thia)Calix[4]arenes

Thiacalix[4]arene 2 , calix[4]arene 3 a and its tetraether fixed in the cone conformation 3 b form homo‐ and heterodimeric capsules in apolar solvents, which are held together by a seam of NH???O=P hydrogen bonds between carbamoylmethyl phospine oxide functions attached to their wide rim. Their internal volume of ～370 ų requires the inclusion of a suitable guest. Although neutral molecules such as adamantane (derivatives) or tetraethylammonium cations form kinetically stable complexes (¹H‐ and ³¹P‐time scale), the included solvent is rapidly exchanged. The internal mobility of the included tetraethylammonium cation is distinctly higher (ΔG=42.5 and 49.7 kJ mol^?1 for 3 a and 3 b ) than that for similar capsules of tetraurea calix[4]arenes 1 . Mixtures of 1 with 2 , 3 a , or 3 b contain only the two homodimers but the heterodimerization occurs with the tetraloop tetraurea 6 , which cannot form homodimers. Two dimers with cationic guests ( 2? (C₅H₅)₂Co⁺ ?2 and 3 a? Et₃NH⁺ ? H₂O ?3 a ) were confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray analysis.     

Exploring the structural landscape of 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole: high‐Z′ packing polymorphism and cocrystallization with calix[4]tube

We report here for the first time a cocrystal of the so‐called neutral calix[4]tube, which is two tail‐to‐tail‐arranged and partially deprotonated tetrakis(carboxymethoxy)calix[4]arenes, including three sodium ions, with 2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole, namely trisodium bis(carboxymethoxy)bis(carboxylatomethoxy)calix[4]arene tris(carboxymethoxy)(carboxylatomethoxy)calix[4]arene–2‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)‐1,3‐benzothiazole–dimethyl sulfoxide–water (1/1/2/2), 3Na⁺·C₃₆H₃₀O₁₂^2?·C₃₆H₃₁O₁₂^?·C₁₁H₇NS₂·2C₂H₆OS·2H₂O, which provides a new approach into the host–guest chemistry of inclusion complexes. Three packing polymorphs of the same benzothiazole with high Z′ (one with Z′ = 8 and two with Z′ = 4) were also discovered in the course of our desired cocrystallization. The inspection of these polymorphs and a previously known polymorph with Z′ = 2 revealed that Z′ increases as the strength of intermolecular contacts decreases. Also, these results expand the frontier of invoking calixarenes as a host for nonsolvent small molecules, besides providing knowledge on the rare formation of high‐Z′ packing polymorphs of simple molecules, such as the target benzothiazole.     

Synthesis of （p-Formylphenyl）azo Calix[4]arenes

Five novel azo calix[4]arenes were reported. The p-aminobenzaldehyde was diazotized with sodium nitrite in aqueous hydrochloride solution. Mono-, bis-, tris- and tetrakis(p-formylphenyl)azo calix[4]arenes (including proximal and distal isomers) were obtained respectively by diazo-coupling in different molar ratio to calix[4]arene(1) under pH=7.5--8.5 at 0-5℃. All (p-formylphenyl)azo calix[4]arenes were characterized by ^1H NMR, ^13C NMR, IR, MS (ESIMS) spectroscopies and elemental analysis.     

Selective Upper-Rim Adamantylation of Calix[4]arenes

Lower-rim mono- and diacylated calix[4]arenes [acyl = C₆H₅CO, 3,5-(NO₂)₂C₆H₃CO] undergo selective adamantylation with 3-Y-1-adamantanols (Y = H, i-Pr, 4-MeC₆H₄) in trifluoroacetic acid at the free phenolic fragments of the macroring. The reaction provides a convenient preparative route to di-, tri-, and tetraadamantylated calix[4]arenes.     

A,C-Bridged Calix[6]arene： Relationship between the Length of Bridge and Conformation

Three new A,C-diamide bridged p-tert-butylcalix[6]arenes were synthesized from p-tert-butylcalix[6]arenes by bridging ClCH2CONH(CH2)nNHCOCH2Cl(n=3,4,6) in acetonitrile using K2CO3 as a base in 17%-25% yields.It was found that the bridged calix[6]arenes with shorter bridges (n=2,3,4 in N′,N′-bischloroacetodiamines) adopt cone conformation, but the last one (n=6) adopts alternate conformation, i.e., accompanying the lengthening of bridge, the conformation of A,C-bridged calix[6]arenes changes from cone to alternate.     

Unusual conformations of 1,3‐dialk­oxy­thia­calix[4]arenes in the solid state

The structures of three syn‐1,3‐dialkoxy­thia­calix[4]arenes with unusual conformations in the solid state are reported. The pinched cone conformation of syn‐2²,4²‐dihydroxy‐1²,3²‐bis­(prop‐2‐enyl­oxy)thia­calix[4]arene, C₃₀H₂₄O₄S₄, (3a), is stabilized by two intra­molecular hydrogen bonds, remarkably formed from both OH groups to the same ether O atom. In syn‐2²,4²‐dihydroxy‐1⁵,2⁵,3⁵,4⁵‐tetra­nitro‐1²,3²‐bis­(prop‐2‐enyl­oxy)thia­calix[4]arene acetone disolvate, C₃₀H₂₀N₄O₁₂S₄·2C₃H₆O, (3b1), the mol­ecule is found in the 1,3‐alternate conformation. The crystallographic C2 symmetry is due to a twofold rotation axis running through the centre of the calixarene ring. The hydroxy groups cannot form intra­molecular hydrogen bonds as in (3a) and both are bonded to an acetone solvent mol­ecule. The mol­ecule of the pseudo‐polymorph of (3b1) in which the same compound crystallized without any solvent, viz. (3b2), is located on a crystallographic mirror plane. Only one of the two hydroxy groups forms a hydrogen bond, and this is with a nitro group of a neighbouring mol­ecule as acceptor. Mol­ecular mechanics calculations for syn‐1,3‐diethers suggest a preference of the 1,3‐alternate over the usual cone conformation for thia­calix[4]arene versus calix[4]arene and for para‐nitro versus para‐H derivatives.     

Isomeric Squaraine‐Based [2]Pseudorotaxanes and [2]Rotaxanes: Synthesis,Optical Properties,and Their Tubular Structures in the Solid State

On the basis of formation of [2]pseudorotaxane complexes between triptycene‐derived tetralactam macrocycles 1 a and 1 b and squaraine dyes, construction of squaraine‐based [2]rotaxanes through clipping reactions were studied in detail. As a result, when two symmetrical squaraines 2 d and 2 e were utilized as templates, two pairs of isomeric [2]rotaxanes 3 a – b and 4 a – b as diastereomers were obtained, owing to the two possible linking modes of triptycene derivatives. It was also found, interestingly, that when a nonsymmetrical dye 2 g was involved, there existed simultaneously three isomers of [2]rotaxanes in one reaction due to the different directions of the guest threading. The ¹H NMR and 2D NOESY NMR spectra were used to distinguish the isomers, and the yield of [2]rotaxane 5 a with the benzyl group in the wider rim of the host 1 a was found to be higher than that of another isomer 5 b with an opposite direction of the guest, which indicated the partial selection of the threading direction. The X‐ray structures of 3 b and 4 a showed that, except for the standard hydrogen bonds between the amide protons of the hosts and the carbonyl oxygen atoms of the guests, multiple π???π stacking and C? H???π interactions between triptycene subunits and aromatic rings of the guests also participated in the complexation. Crystallographic studies also revealed that the [2]rotaxane molecules 3 b and 4 a further self‐assembled into tubular structures in the solid state with the squaraine dyes inside the channels. In the case of 4 a , all the nonsymmetrical macrocyclic molecules pointed in one direction, which suggests the formation of oriented tubular structures. Moreover, it was also found that the squaraines encapsulated in the triptycene‐derived macrocycles were protected from chemical attack, and subsequently have potential applications in imaging probes and other biomedical areas.     

Synthesis and Conformations of Adamantylated Calix[5]- and -[6]arenes

Procedures have been developed for the preparation of completely and partially adamantylated calix[n]arenes (n = 5, 6) by reaction of 3-R-substituted 1-hydroxyadamantanes (R = H, 4-MeC₆H₄, 4-MeSO₂C₆H₄, 4-HO-3-HOCOC₆H₃, HOCOCH₂) with p-H-calix[n]arenes (n = 5, 6) and 5,11,23,29-tetra-tert-butylcalix[6]arene in trifluoroacetic acid. Lower- and upper-rim modification of the prepared compounds has been studied. According to the ¹H NMR data, adamantylcalix[6]arenes possessing carboxymethyl groups in the adamantane moieties are characterized by reduced conformational mobility.     

Electrochemical Studies of Calixarene-[60]Fullerene Inclusion Processes

[60]Fullerene (C₆₀)-calix[n]areneinteractions were studied in toluene:MeCN = 10:1 (v/v)using an electrochemical method. In the presence ofhomooxacalix[3]arenes and calix[5]arenes, bothE_pc and _pa shifted to the negativepotential, whereas they were scarcely affected by theaddition of calix[4]arenes. The₂values electrochemically determined forthe association with C₆₀ ^- are generallysmaller than the ₁ valuesspectroscopically determined for the association withC₆₀. The tendency indicates that thecharge-transfer-type interaction is one of thedriving forces for C₆₀ inclusion.thanks|Author for correspondence     

Determination of Tryptophan using a p-Sulfonated Calix [4,6,8]arene Modified Gold Electrode

The ability of p-sulfonated calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) to form complexes with tryptophan was studied. The electrochemical properties of these complexes immobilized on gold surfaces were examined by cyclic voltammetry. Parameters affecting the performance of the modified electrodes including the arene concentration, scan rate, applied potential, and pH were optimized. Under the optimal conditions, the method had a linear response to tryptophan between 1 × 10^?7 M and 1 × 10^?5 M with a detection limit of 3 × 10^?8 M. The interaction of the tryptophan–p-sulfonated calix[4]arene complex was more stable than the tryptophan–p-sulfonated calix[6]arene and p-sulfonated calix[8]arene complexes. Molecular modeling calculations indicated that electrostatic interactions and structural matching effects were predominant stabilizing factors. The modified electrodes demonstrated good reproducibility and high selectivity, illustrating their effectiveness for analytical measurements.     

Stereochemical control of calixarenes useful as rigid and conformationally diversiform platforms for molecular design

Stereochemical problems and related functions of calix[4]arenes, calix[6]arenes and their chiral derivatives have been reviewed. In p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1H₄) and its mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-O-alkyl derivatives (1H₃R, 1H₂R₂,1HR₃, and 1R₄, respectively), 23 different homologues can exist (including 1H₄). We found that the OH group in the unmodified phenol unit is permeable through the calix[4]arene ring. Thus, several conformational isomers become equivalent after the ‘oxygen-through-the-annulus’ rotation of the OH group and the number of possible homologues is reduced to 13 (including 1H₃). We report in this paper the syntheses of all of these possible conformational isomers using a protection-deprotection method with a benzyl group and metal template effects. On the other hand, all possible chiral isomers that can be derived from calix[4]arene by modification of the OH groups have been systematically classified. Molecular asymmetry can be generated not only by different substituents but also by conformational isomerism. The numbers of chiral isomers are 17 for tetra-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, 9 for tri-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, 3 for di-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, and 0 for mono-O-substituted calix[4]arenes. Chiral calix[4]arenes can also be designed by the introduction of a substituent into the m-position of a phenol unit or by the use of a dissymmetric ‘stapling reaction’ in proximal phenol units. In p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, the conformational behaviour is totally different from that in p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. A large degree of conformational freedom remains in the framework, and both ‘oxygen-through-the-annulus rotation’ and ‘para-substituent-through-the-annulus rotation’ can take place. However, when metal cations are bound to calix[6]aryl esters, the conformation is changed to a cone type. Bridging and capping are powerful methods to immobilize the conformation of calix[6]arenes. In addition, definitive evidence for ring immobilization was obtained from the absence of racemization in the chiral calix[6]arene. A successful example of chiral recognition for α-amino acid derivatives was achieved by using chiral homooxacalix[3]arene which has ‘pseudo C₂ symmetry’. These examples indicate that calixarenes serve as rigid and conformationally diversiform platforms for the design of novel functional supramolecules.     

Synthesis of chiral calix[4]arenes bearing tartaric ester moieties

The synthesis of chiral calix[4]arenes with tartaric acid ester moieties has been achieved by the reactions of tartaric ester chloroacetates with calix[4]arenes in moderate yields. All the chiral calix[4]arene derivatives are in a cone conformation according to the ¹H NMR doublet–doublet pattern of the protons of the methylene groups between the phenol rings. The results of NMR and specific rotations indicate that the molecules have C₂ symmetry with asymmetric features.     

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.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Fluxionality of Strained Hypercoordinate Silicon‐Bridged [1]Ferrocenophanes

The first hypercoordinate sila[1]ferrocenophanes [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)] ( 5 b ) (fc=(η⁵‐C₅H₄)Fe(η⁵‐C₅H₄)) were synthesized by low‐temperature (?78 °C) reactions of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] with the appropriate chlorinated sila[1]ferrocenophanes ([fcSiMeCl] ( 1 a ) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Cl] ( 1 d ), respectively). Single‐crystal Xray diffraction studies revealed pseudo‐trigonal bipyramidal structures for both 5 a and 5 b , with one of the shortest reported Si???N distances for an sp³‐hybridized nitrogen atom interacting with a tetraorganosilane detected for 5 a (2.776(2) Å). Elongated Si? C_ipso bonds trans to the donating NMe₂ arms (1.919(2) and 1.909(2) Å for 5 a and 5 b , respectively) were observed relative to both the non‐trans bonds ( 5 a : 1.891(2); 5 b : 1.879(2) Å) and the Si? C_ipso bonds of the non‐hypercoordinate analogues ([fcSiMePh] ( 1 b ): 1.879(4), 1.880(4) Å; [fcSi(CH₂Cl)Ph] ( 1 e ): 1.881(2), 1.884(2)). Solution‐state fluxionality of 5 a and 5 b , suggestive of reversible coordination of the NMe₂ group to silicon, was demonstrated by means of variable‐temperature NMR studies. The ΔG^≠ of the fluxional processes for 5 a and 5 b in CD₂Cl₂ were estimated to be 35.0 and 37.6 kJ mol^?1, respectively (35.8 and 38.3 kJ mol^?1 in [D₈]toluene). The quaternization of 5 a and 5 b by MeOTf, to give [fcSiMe(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 a‐ OTf) and [fcSi(CH₂Cl)(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₃)][OTf] ( 7 b‐ OTf), respectively, supported the reversibility of NMe₂ coordination at the silicon center as the source of fluxionality for 5 a and 5 b . Surprisingly, low room‐temperature stability was detected for 5 b due to its tendency to intramolecularly cyclize and form the spirocyclic [fcSi(cyclo‐CH₂NMe₂CH₂C₆H₄)]Cl ( 9 ‐Cl). This process was observed in both solution and the solid state, and isolation and Xray characterization of 9 ‐Cl was achieved. The model compound, [Fc₂Si(2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂)₂] ( 8 ), synthesized through reaction of [Fc₂SiCl₂] with two equivalents of Li[2‐C₆H₄CH₂NMe₂] at ?78 °C, showed a lack of hypercoordination in both the solid state and in solution (down to ?80 °C). This suggests that either the reduced steric hindrance around Si or the unique electronics of the strained sila[1]ferrocenophanes is necessary for hypercoordination to occur.     

Novel Cesium‐Selective Electrodes Based on Lipophilic 1,3‐Bisbridged Cofacial‐calix[6]crowns

Five bisbridged calix[6]crowns have been investigated as Cs⁺ ionophore in PVC membrane electrodes. As ionophores, three 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐4‐ethers( I–III ), 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐5‐ether( IV ), and 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐6‐ether( V ) have been evaluated. The membranes all give good Nernstian response in the concentration range from 1×10^?7 to 1×10^?1 M of cesium ion. The best detection limits (?log aequation/tex2gif-inf-1.gif=7.08–7.36) are obtained for electrode membranes containing 1,3‐bisbridged cofacial‐calix[6]crown‐4‐ethers( I‐III ), and the values are the lowest compared with those reported previously. The highest selectivity coefficients [ 3.74(Cs/K), 2.63(Cs/Rb)] are obtained for the membrane of 1,3‐bisbridged calix[6]crown‐4‐ether( II ), and these values are also the highest compared with previous reports for Cs⁺‐ISEs. The highest selectivity towards cesium ion is attributed to the geometrically cofacial positions of two crown‐ethers in calix[6]crowns in order to provide the complex of cesium ion and eight oxygens of cofacial crowns.