Synthesis of p‐tert‐Butyl‐calix[6] ‐biscrown‐3 via Intramolecular Ring‐closure of 1,4‐Bis (2‐(2‐chloroethoxy) ethoxy) ‐p‐tert‐butyl‐calix[6]arene

With a variation in reaction conditions, 1, 4‐bis (2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethoxy)‐calix[6]arene (3) and l,3,5‐tris(2‐(2‐chloroethoxy) ethoxy)‐calix [6] arene (4) or 4 and 4‐chloroethoxyethoxy‐calix[6]crown‐3 (5) were selectively synthesized from p‐tert‐butyl‐calix [6] arene and 2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethyltosylate. l,3–4,6‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[6]‐bis‐crown‐3 (6) with (u,u,u,d,d,d) conformation and 1,3–4,5‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[6]‐biscrown‐3 (7) with self‐anchored (u,u, u, u, u, d) conformation were synthesized through an intramolecularly ring‐closing condensation of 1, 4‐bis (2‐(2‐chloroethoxy)ethoxy)‐p‐tert‐butyl‐calix[6]arene (3) in 25% and 15% yield, respectively. Using 5 instead of 3, only 7 was obtained in 65% high yield. 6 and 7 show different complexation properties toward alkali metal and ammonium ions.     

Proparacaine complexation with β‐cyclodextrin and p‐sulfonic acid calix[6]arene,as evaluated by varied 1H‐NMR approaches

This study focused on the use of NMR techniques as a tool for the investigation of complex formation between proparacaine and cyclodextrins (CDs) or p‐sulfonic acid calix[6]arene. The pH dependence of the complexation of proparacaine with β‐CD and p‐sulfonic acid calix[6]arene was studied and binding constants were determined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy [diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY)] for the charged and uncharged forms of the local anesthetic in β‐CD and p‐sulfonic acid calix[6]arene. The stoichiometries of the complexes was determined and rotating frame Overhauser enhancement spectroscopy (ROESY) 1D experiments revealed details of the molecular insertion of proparacaine into the β‐CD and p‐sulfonic acid calix[6]arene cavities. The results unambiguously demonstrate that pH is an important factor for the development of supramolecular architectures based on β‐CD and p‐sulfonic acid calix[6]arene as the host molecules. Such host–guest complexes were investigated in view of their potential use as new therapeutic formulations, designed to increase the bioavailability and/or to decrease the systemic toxicity of proparacaine in anesthesia procedures. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Synthesis of Flavin–Calix[4]arene Conjugate Derivatives

The synthesis of two new flavin substituted calix[4]arene derivatives, 9 and 10 , is described. The first flavin substituted calix[4]arene derivative 9 was synthesized by the reaction of 3‐methylalloxazine ( 5 ) with 25,27‐bis(3‐bromopropoxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxy‐5,11,17,23‐tetra(tert‐butyl)calix[4]arene ( 4 ) in high yield (92%). The other derivative 10 was prepared from 3‐methylalloxazine‐1‐acetic acid ( 7 ) and 25,27‐bis(3‐cyanopropoxy)calix[4]arene ( 3 ). All new compounds were characterized by a combination of FT‐IR and ¹H‐NMR spectroscopy, and elemental‐analysis techniques.     

Influences of Hard Donor on Cation Selectivities Closing to Soft Selenium Donor in Tweezer-like Calix[4]arene Receptors

Three novel 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-benzylselenopropoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4]-arene (2),25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis[3-(2-hydroxyethylseleno)propoxy]-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (3) and 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-propylselenoproppxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (4) were synthesized for the comparison of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes (ISE). X-ray structure of the CH/π complex of 4.CH2Cl2 was elucidated. ISEs based on 2-4 as neutral ionophores were prepared, and their selectivity coefficients for Ag (logKAg,M^pot) were investigated against some main group metal ions and transition metal ones using the fixed interference method (FIM). These ISEs showed excellent Ag^ selectivity over most of the interfering cations examined. It is evident that the stronger Hg^2 interference may not be produced while hard donors (hydroxy) are close to the soft selenium donors.     

Calix[4]arene‐based Bis‐phosphonites,Bis‐phosphites,and Bis‐O‐acyl‐phosphites as Ligands in the Rhodium(I)‐catalyzed Hydroformylation of 1‐Octene

New calix[4]arene‐based bis‐phosphonites, bis‐phosphites and bis‐O‐acylphosphites were synthesized and characterized. Treatment of these P‐ligands with selected rhodium and platinum precursors led to mononuclear complexes that were satisfactorily characterized. The solid state structure of the dirhodium(I) complex 14 has been determined by X‐ray diffraction. The two rhodium centres are bridged by two chloro ligands; one rhodium atom is further coordinated by calix[4]arene phosphorus atoms and the other by cyclooctadiene. The new calix[4]arene P‐ligands were tested in the Rh(I) catalyzed hydroformylation of 1‐octene. All Rh(I) complexes catalyzed the reaction leading to high chemoselectivity with regard to the formation of aldehydes. Yields and n/iso‐selectivities depended on the reaction conditions. Average yields of 80 % and n/iso‐ratios of about 1.3 to 1.5 were observed. High yields of aldehydes can be achieved using the methoxy substituted P‐ligands at low Rh:ligand ratios.     

Calixarene Complexes of Anion-bridged Oligouranyl Species

The syntheses and structures of uranyl complexes of p-t-Bu-calix[6]arene (calix[6]H₆) and p-t-Bu-calix[9]arene (calix[9]H₉) are reported, further developing the role of calixarenes as 'cluster keepers'. The calix[6]arene complex, formulated as [(HO){UO₂(calix[6]H₄)(dmso)}₃H], is trinuclear and linked symmetrically by the hydroxyl O atom. The calix[9]arene complex is binuclear, with a carbonate atom bridging between the two uranyl cations to give the complex, (HNEt₃)₃[(OCO₂)(UO₂)₃(calix[9]H₄)].     

para‐Sulfonated Calixarenes Used as Synthetic Receptors for Complexing Photolabile Cholinergic Ligand

The water‐soluble tetra‐, hexa‐ and octasulfonated calix[4]arenes, calix[6]arenes, and calix[8]arenes 1 – 3 , respectively, were investigated as potential synthetic receptors for photolabile cholinergic ligand A , a photolytic precursor of choline. Ligand A is a bifunctional molecule carrying a photolabile 2‐nitrobenzyl group at one end and a choline moiety at the other end. Results from NMR studies have shown that calixarenes 1 – 3 form stable 1 : 1 complexes with A , having similar binding potential to that observed with the cholinergic enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Further studies have suggested that calix[8]arene forms a ditopic complex by binding concomitantly to both the cationic choline moiety and the aromatic photolabile group of A , whereas calix[4]arene and calix[6]arene form monotopic complexes with A . The ditopic complex between calix[8]arene and A results from mutually induced fitting process, while the monotopic complexes between calix[4]arene and A can be regulated by pH: at neutral pH, calix[4]arene specifically binds the cationic choline moiety, while, at acidic pH, it complexes unselectively both the cationic choline moiety and the aromatic group of A . Our results show that para‐sulfonated calixarenes are versatile artificial receptors which bind in various ways to the bifunctional photolabile cholinergic ligand A , depending on their size, geometry, and state of protonation.     

Synthesis and Structure of Novel Double Flexible Spacer Bridged Biscalix[4]arenes

25, 25′, 27, 27′‐Bis(1,3‐dioxypropane)‐bis(5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐26,28‐diol) (4) and 25, 25′, 27, 27′‐bis(1, 4‐dioxybutane)‐bis (5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butylcalix‐[4]arene‐26, 28‐diol) (5) were synthesized by the reaction of p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (1) with preorganized 25, 27‐bis(3‐bromoproxyl)calix[4]arene‐26, 27‐diol (2) and 25, 27‐bis(3‐bromobutoxyl)calix[4]arene‐26, 27‐diol (3) in the presence of K₂CO₃ and KI. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized with X‐ray analysis and the selectivity of 4 and 5 toward K⁺ over other alkali metal ions, alkaline metal ions as well as NH₄⁺ were investigated with an ion‐selective electrode.     

Oligomeric calix[4]arene‐thiacrown ether for toxic heavy metals

A new oligomeric calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 ( 5 ) was synthesized via a condensation reaction of 5,11,17,23‐tetra‐tert‐butyl‐25,27‐bis‐(4‐aminobenzyloxy)‐calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 ( 4 ) with adipoyl dichloride. In this oligomerization reaction only five/six calix[4]arene‐thiacrown‐4 units were linked in the oligomeric chain. The complexation studies of 5 were made with liquid–liquid‐ extraction and solid–liquid‐sorption procedures. For comparison, the extraction efficiencies of monomers 1 , 3 , and 4 to selected transition metals are reported. The selectivity of monomers 3 and 4 toward Cu²⁺, Hg²⁺, and Pb²⁺ was lost after oligomerization in the two‐phase extraction systems. © 2003 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 186–193, 2004     

One‐Step Synthesis of Singly Bridged Biscalix[4]arenes with Oligooxyethyleneethyl Spacers

Here we describe the one‐step synthesis of a series of singly bridged biscalix[4]arene derivatives connected by ethylene or oligooxyethyleneethyl chain through the reaction of calix[4]arene with corresponding ethylene or oligoethylene glycol ditosylates in the presence of sodium hydride in toluene. A 1,2‐bis(ethylene) doubly bridged bis‐p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene was also obtained as a by‐product.     

单氧代-二硒烷基-1, w-二氧取代杯[4]衍生物的合成,结构及萃取性能研究

Novel macrocyclic monooxa-diselkylene-1,ω-dioxy substituted calix[4]arene derivatives 1a-5a were synthesized by the reaction of calix[4]arene dibromides 1-5 with the disodium salt of bis（2-selenylethyl）ether in the yields between 28% and 64%. Their structures were characterized by proton and carbon NMR spectra. X-Ray structure analysis of la further confirmed the cone conformation of compounds 1a-5a. An interesting host-guest complex of la with dichloromethane via CH/π and C1/π interactions was elucidated. Extraction experiments showed that these novel monooxa-diselkylene-1,ω-dioxy substituted calix[4]arene derivatives 1a-5a had strong extraction ability towards mercury ion. The interaction of Hg^2＋with the calix ligand has also been investigated by 1^H NMR titration.     

一对含有苯甲醛基修饰的杯芳烃异构体的晶体结构以及它们与铽离子配位的光物理性质

Two calix[4]arene isomers with benzaldehyde moieties, i.e., 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-(o-formyl-phenoxy)ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (3) and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-(p-formylphenoxy)-ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (4), were synthesized according to a newly designed route in high yields, and their crystal structures have been determined by X-ray crystallographic study. The photophysical behavior on complexation of calix[4]arene derivatives 3 and 4 with terbium(Ⅲ) nitrate was investigated in anhydrous acetonitrile at 25℃ by UV-Vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. The crystallographic structure of 3 indicated that the eight oxygen atoms formed a preorganized ionophoric cavity due to intramolecular π-π stacking, which could encapsulate lanthanide ions tightly. In sharp contrast, the compound 4 formed a linear array by intermolecular π-π stacking, hence the oxygen atoms of pendant arms could not coordinate with metal ions, giving a poor binding ability to Tb^3 . The absorption spectra of 3 with Tb^3 showed clearly a new broad intense absorption at 385nm. Interestingly, the narrow emission line spectrum has also been observed for compound 3 with Tb^3 , and the results obtained were discussed from the viewpoint of energy transfer mechanism between host structures and the properties of lanthanide ions.     

Density functional theory study of calix[4]arene‐N‐azacrown‐5, calix[4]arene‐N‐phenyl‐azacrown‐5, and their complexes with alkali‐metal cations: Na+, K+, and Rb+

Theoretical studies of 1,3‐alternate‐25,27‐bis(1‐methoxyethyl)calix[4]arene‐azacrown‐5 ( L₁ ), 1,3‐alternate‐25,27‐bis(1‐methoxyethyl)calix[4]arene‐N‐phenyl‐azacrown‐5 ( L₂ ), and the corresponding complexes M⁺/ L of L₁ and L₂ with the alkali‐metal cations: Na⁺, K⁺, and Rb⁺ have been performed using density functional theory (DFT) at B3LYP/6‐31G* level. The optimized geometric structures obtained from DFT calculations are used to perform natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis. The two main types of driving force metal–ligand and cation–π interactions are investigated. The results indicate that intermolecular electrostatic interactions are dominant and the electron‐donating oxygen offer lone pair electrons to the contacting RY* (1‐center Rydberg) or LP* (1‐center valence antibond lone pair) orbitals of M⁺ (Na⁺, K⁺, and Rb⁺). What's more, the cation–π interactions between the metal ion and π‐orbitals of the two rotated benzene rings play a minor role. For all the structures, the most pronounced changes in geometric parameters upon interaction are observed in the calix[4]arene molecule. In addition, an extra pendant phenyl group attached to nitrogen can promote metal complexation by 3D encapsulation greatly. In addition, the enthalpies of complexation reaction and hydrated cation exchange reaction had been studied by the calculated thermodynamic data. The calculated results of hydrated cation exchange reaction are in a good agreement with the experimental data for the complexes. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

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.     

Synthesis and Rh(I)‐catalyzed polymerization of 1,3‐diphenylyne–calix[4]arene compounds: Novel conjugated,calixarene‐based polymers

The synthesis of two 1,3‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 1 ) and 25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene ( 2 ), was accomplished through Sonogashira coupling of appropriate calixarene derivatives. Methods for the polymerization of these bifunctional building blocks with Rh(I) as a catalyst, leading ultimately to conjugated polymers having calix[4]arene units incorporated into the main chain, were explored. Calixarenes 1 and 2 were efficiently polymerized with rhodium‐based initiators and afforded the conjugated polymers poly{5,11,17,23‐tetrakis(1,1‐dimethylethyl)‐25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene} ( poly 1 ) and poly{25,27‐bis(4‐ethynylbenzyloxy)‐26,28‐dihydroxycalix[4]arene}. Depending on the conditions, high conversions and good yields were obtained. The effects of adding cocatalysts (NHEt₂ and/or PPh₃) were studied in connection with the number‐average molecular weight and the molecular weight distribution of the resultant polymer ( poly 1 ) and tentatively correlated with the formation of low‐molecular‐weight materials. A catalytic system containing triphenylphosphine as the sole additive ([Rh(nbd)Cl]₂; [Rh]/[PPh₃] = 0.5) proved to be the best for the polymerization of p‐tert‐butylcalixarene compound 1 . Linear polymers having high number‐average molecular weights (up to 1.1 × 10⁵ g mol^?1) with low polydispersities were produced under these conditions. For debutylated homologue 2 , its polymerization was best carried out in the absence of any added cocatalyst. A cyclopolymerization route, comprising the intramolecular ring closing of the calix[4]arene pendant ethynyl groups followed by an intermolecular propagation step, is advanced to explain the results. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 44: 7054–7070, 2006     

Complexation of Calix[4]arene With Alkali Metal Cations: Conformational Binding Selectivity and Cation-π Driven Inclusion

Hartree-Fock, second order Møller-Plesset perturbation theory, and density functional theory calculations were carried out to analyse the complexation of calix[4]arene with cationic species including H + and the alkali metal cations (Li + , Na + , K + , Rb + , and Cs + ). Special emphasis has been placed on conformational binding selectivity, and on the structural characterization of the complexes. Li + and Na + cations are located in the calix[4]arene lower rim. The larger cations (K + , Rb + , and Cs + ) complex preferentially with the calix[4]arene cone conformer, and their endo (inclusive) complexation is driven by cation- ~ interactions, leading in the case of K + to a structure that reflects a preferential interaction with two phenol rings. The endo complexation of Cs + with calix[4]arene is in agreement with X-ray diffraction data.     

Synthesis of a Tweezer—like Bis（Phenylthiapropoxy）calix[4]—arene as a Cation／π Enhanced Sensor for Ion—Selective Electrodes

Two novel 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-phenylthiapropxy)-calix[4]arene(3) and 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-phenylthiapropoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4] arene (4) were synthesized for the evaluation of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes(ISEs).ISEs based on 3 and 4 as neutral ionophores were prepared,and their selectivity coefficients for Ag^ (lg KAg,M^pot)were investigated against other alkali metal,alkaline-earth metal,aluminum,thallium(Ⅰ）,Lead and some transition metal ions using the separate solution method (SSM).These ISEs showed excellent Ag^ seletivity over most of the interfering cations examined,except for Hg^2 and Fe^2 having relative smaller interference(lg KAg,M^pot≤-2.1).     

Synthesis of a calix[4]crown modified with germanium‐containing side chains

A germacalix‐crown, 25,27‐bis[1‐(3‐trimethylgermylpropyl)oxy]calix[4]arene‐crown‐6, 1,3‐alternate ( 1a ), and its carbon analog, 25,27‐bis‐[1‐(4,4‐dimethylpentyl)oxy]calix[4]arene‐crown‐6, 1,3‐alternate ( 1b ), were prepared and their structures were confirmed by elemental analysis and ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. A cation transport test indicated that both compounds exhibited much the same cation transport ability, so that the role of the germanium moiety in capturing and transporting counteranions is not yet clear. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Facile Interchange of 3d and 4f Ions in Single‐Molecule Magnets: Stepwise Assembly of [Mn4], [Mn3Ln] and [Mn2Ln2] Cages within Calix[4]arene Scaffolds

The central Mn^II ions in a series of calix[4]arene‐stabilised butterflies can be sequentially replaced with Ln^III ions, maintaining the structural integrity of the molecule but transforming its magnetic properties. The replacement of Mn^II for Gd^III allows for the examination of the transferability of spin‐Hamiltonian parameters within the family as well as permitting their reliable determination. The introduction of the 4f ions results in weaker intramolecular magnetic exchange, an increase in the number of low‐lying excited states, and an increase in magnetisation relaxation, highlighting the importance of exchange over single‐ion anisotropy for the observation of SMM behaviour in this family of complexes. The presence of the [TM^II/III(TBC[4])(OH)(solvent)] metalloligand (TM=transition metal, TBC=p‐tBu‐calix[4]arene) suggests that magnetic calix[n]arene building blocks can be employed to encapsulate a range of different “guests” within structurally robust “hosts”.     

Triptycene‐Derived Calix[6]arenes: Synthesis,Structures, and Their Complexation with Fullerenes C60 and C70

Two pairs of novel triptycene‐derived calix[6]arenes 4 a , b and 5 a , b have been efficiently synthesized through both one‐pot and two‐step fragment‐coupling strategies starting from 2,7‐bis(hydroxymethyl)‐1,8‐dimethoxytriptycene 1 . Subsequent demethylation of 4 a , b and 5 a , b with BBr₃ in dry dichloromethane gave the macrocyclic compounds 6 a , b and 7 a , b . Treatment of either 4 a or 6 a with AlCl₃ resulted in the same debutylated product 8 , while 9 was similarly obtained from either 5 a or 7 a . Structural studies revealed that all of the macrocycles have well‐defined structures with fixed conformations both in solution and in the solid state owing to the introduction of the triptycene moiety with a rigid three‐dimensional (3D) structure, making them very different from their classical calix[6]arene counterparts. As a consequence, it was found that all of these the triptycene‐derived calix[6]arenes could encapsulate small neutral molecules in their cavities in the solid state. Moreover, it was also found that the macrocycles 4 b and 5 b showed highly efficient complexation abilities toward fullerenes C₆₀ and C₇₀, forming 1:1 complexes with association constants ranging from (5.22±0.20)×10⁴ to (8.68±0.30)×10⁴ M ^?1.