Conformational analysis of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives with trans-alkyl substituents on opposite methylene bridges: destabilization of the cone form by axial alkyl substituents

The stereochemistry of calix[4]arenes substituted by a pair of identical alkyl substituents in a trans fashion at two distal bridges is analyzed. MM3 calculations suggest that increasing the bulk of the alkyl group at the bridges destabilizes those conformations possessing an axial disposition of the substituent. In contrast to the 1,3-dimethyl ether of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, which adopts a cone conformation, solution NMR data indicate that the 1,2-alternate conformation is preferred in the dimethyl ether derivatives 5b (alkyl = i-Pr) and 5c (alkyl = t-Bu). In the derivative substituted by the less bulky methyl substituent (5a), both the cone and 1,2-alternate forms coexist in CDCl3. Increasing the polarity of the solvent increases the relative population of the cone form of 5a and 5b. The steric destabilization ensuing from the presence of the axial substituent is so large in the cone conformation of 5c that the 1,2-alternate conformer is the major form even in polar solvents. The cone --> 1,2-alternate interconversion barrier of 5a is 18.2 kcal mol(-1), indicating that the presence of an axial methyl group both destabilizes the cone conformation and decreases its rigidity.     

Conformation, Inversion Barrier, and Solvent-Induced Conformational Shift in Exo- and Endo/Exo-Calix[4]arenes

Calixarenes 4a and 4b having hydroxyl groups in endo and exo positions and the ethanediyl-bridged exo-calixarene 5a were synthesized by a stepwise strategy. Single-crystal X-ray structures were obtained for 4a and for the exo-calixarene 3d, showing the molecules to exist in the 1,2-alternate conformation which is also found for 4a,b in solution. The inversion barriers of 4a and 4b (10.3 and 10.8 kcal mol(-1)) are similar to that determined for the endo-dihydroxycalixarene 12, indicating that the additional intramolecular hydrogen bond between the exo OH groups does not decrease the flexibility of the molecule. In CDCl(3) solution exo-calixarene 5a adopts a 1,2-alternate conformation with the methyl group at the bridge located in an axial position, while in DMSO-d(6) the conformation adopted is the partial cone. Similar solvent-induced conformational shifts were found for the exo-calixarenes 3b and 3d. MM3 calculations predict that the cone form is the lowest energy conformation of 4 and the exo-calixarenes 3 and 5. The calculations suggest that the conformational preferences of the methyl group at the bridge for either the axial or equatorial positions are in large part determined by the repulsive steric interactions with the hydroxyl groups. The inversion barrier of 4b is satisfactorily reproduced by calculations, which indicate that the rotation of the exo rings is less energetically demanding than the rotation of the endo rings.     

A "classical" tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene adopting the 1,2-alternate conformation

The first example of a "classical" tetrahydroxycalixarene, which adopts the 1,2-alternate conformation both in solution and in the crystal, is described. Calixarene derivatives with two distal methylene groups substituted in a trans fashion by phenyl (5a) or mesityl (5b) groups were synthesized via addition of PhMgBr/CuCN or MesMgBr/CuCN to the bis(spirodiene) derivative 3. Whereas the phenyl-substituted calixarene derivative 5a adopts the usual "cone" conformation, solution NMR data and X-ray crystallography indicate that the more crowded mesityl derivative 5b adopts a 1,2-alternate conformation with the two mesityl groups located at isoclinal positions of the macrocycle.     

Preparation and conformation of dioxocalix[4]arene derivatives

CrO(3) oxidation experiments conducted on atropisomeric forms of 2 (2(paco), 2(1,3)(-)(alt), and 2(1,2)(-)(alt)) indicate that under the reaction conditions only methylene groups located between pairs of geminal rings oriented in an anti disposition are oxidized to carbonyls. NMR data suggest that the tetrahydroxydioxocalix[4]arenes 7 and 9 adopt the partial cone and 1,2-alternate conformations, respectively. In the crystal structure of 7.2EtOAc the dioxocalixarene adopts a partial cone conformation, whereas 9 adopts in the crystal a 1,2-alternate conformation. In both conformations, pairs of geminal rings connected to a carbonyl are oriented in an anti fashion. The relative stability of the partial cone and 1,2-alternate conformations of 7 and 9 is underestimated by MM3 calculations. The topomerization barriers of 7 and 9 are 12.8 and 13.6 kcal mol(-)(1), respectively.     

Hydrogen-bonding effects in calix

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of self-assembling calix[4]arene based capsules 1a.1a and 1b.1b are described. These compounds feature four urea substituents at the upper rims and four secondary amide fragments at the lower rims that can participate in inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding in apolar solution. Communication between the calixarene rims in 1a, b influences the self-assembled cavity's size and shape. Specifically. dimerization results in a perfect cone conformation of the calixarene skeleton in 1a, b and stabilizes a seam of intramolecular amide C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds at the lower rim. This seam is cycloenantiomeric, with either clockwise or counterclockwise arrangements of the head-to-tail amides. Complexation of Na+-cation breaks hydrogen bonds at the lower rim but maintains the capsular assembly. Encapsulation properties of 1a.1a and 1b.1b were studied in nonpolar solvents and their binary mixtures as well as through heterodimerization experiments. The presence of amide groups at the lower rim causes notable differences in the capsule's binding affinities when compared to the corresponding tetraester capsules 1c.1c and 1d.1d. In the monomeric state calixarenes 1a, b are in a pinched cone conformation. The solid state X-ray crystallographic studies with monomeric 1a reveal only two intramolecular C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds between the adjacent amides at the lower rim, and an extensive network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between urea groups at the upper rim.     

Syntheses and conformations of tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene tetraamides and tetrathioamides

A series of tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene tetraamides and tetrathioamides with four p-phenyl groups on their upper rim were synthesized. From the (1)H and (13)C NMR and crystal structure, N-butylamido homooxacalix[4]arene (4) was found to be in the 1,3-alternate conformation and has intramolecular hydrogen bonding between N-H and facing oxygen atoms of the carbonyl O=C group. This hydrogen bonding decreased the metal ion complex ability. Transformation of the 1,3-alternate N-butylamido (4) into N-butylthioamido homooxacalix[4]arene (5) using Lawesson's reagent gave a conformational change to the C-1,2-alternate.     

Syntheses and conformational structures of functionalized tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines

The syntheses and conformational structures of various functionalized tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines were studied. Applying the fragment coupling approach and the post-macrocyclization chemical manipulations, a number of tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines that contain, on the lower rim, one or two aldehyde, ester, carboxylic acid, hydroxymethyl, and aminomethyl functional groups were prepared in moderate to high chemical yields from cheap and commercially available materials. On the basis of X-ray crystallography and NMR spectroscopy, all tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines containing electron-withdrawing group(s) adopted 1,3-alternate conformation both in solution and in the solid state, while tetraoxacalix[2]arene[2]triazines bearing hydroxymethyl and aminomethyl substituent(s) existed as pinched or distorted partial cone conformers due to the formation of intramolecular hydrogen bond between hydroxyl or amino group and triazine ring.     

Metal-organic anion receptors: arranging urea hydrogen-bond donors to encapsulate sulfate ions

A new class of synthetic receptors for anions can be prepared by arranging urea hydrogen-bond donor groups on a simple metal-organic scaffold. The complex cation [PtL4]2+ (L = 8-(n-butylurea)iso-quinoline) can adopt four conformations reminiscent of calix[4]arene-based receptors; "cone", "partial cone", "1,2-alternate", or "1,3-alternate". 1H NMR solution data and solid-state X-ray structures show that a "1,2-alternate" conformation is used to bind spherical halide ions while a "cone" conformation is involved in strong binding with the tetrahedral oxy-anions such as the sulfate ion; even in a strongly competitive solvent such as DMSO.     

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).     

Synthesis and conformational evaluation of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene-crowns

Bridging of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene afforded 1,3-dihydroxythiacalix[4]arene-monocrown-5 (3b), 1,2-alternate thiacalix[4]arene-biscrown-4 and -5 (4a,b), and 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arene-biscrown-5 and -6 (5a,b), depending on the metal carbonates and oligoethylene glycol ditosylates used. Starting from 1,3-dialkylated thiacalix[4]arenes, the corresponding bridging reaction gave 1,3-alternate, partial-cone, and cone conformers 10-19, depending on the substituents present. Temperature-dependent studies revealed that the conformationally flexible 1,3-dimethoxythiacalix[4]arene-crowns 10a-c exclusively occupy the 1,3-alternate conformation. Demethylation exclusively gave the cone 1,3-dihydroxythiacalix[4]arene-crowns (3a,c), which could not be obtained by direct bridging of thiacalix[4]arene. The different structures were assigned on the basis of several X-ray crystal structures and extensive 2-D (1)H NMR studies.     

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.     

Synthesis, NMR, X-ray structural analyses and complexation studies of new Ag selective calix[4]arene based dipodal hosts—a co-complexation of neutral and charged species

New podands based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene unit with substitution at the lower rim incorporating imine units, have been synthesized in high yield by simple condensation method. These podands have been shown to extract and transport Ag⁺ selectively over alkali, alkaline earth metal cations, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, from neutral aqueous phase to organic phase. In all the ligands the calix unit has been found to be present in a cone conformation except for the one having pyridine as end group, at the ortho position. It has been isolated in two conformations; cone and 1,2-alternate. To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first 1,3-lower rim substituted calix[4]arene to exist in a 1,2-alternate conformation and is among a few known compounds with this conformation in the general class of calix[4]arenes. A complex of this ligand, which happens to be the highest extractant of Ag⁺ has been isolated and characterized using mass, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy's and elemental analysis. The spectroscopic evidence and molecular modelling studies performed on the complex suggest a participation of the imine and pyridine nitrogens and two of the ether oxygens in coordination to the metal ion. The X-ray crystal structures of three of the ligands establish the formation of inclusion complexes with polar acetonitrile solvent molecules. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of all the compounds, taken in CDCl₃, show the presence of acetonitrile molecules in the cavity of the calix[4]arene, indicating inclusion of the neutral guest molecules in the solution phase as well. For one of the podands X-ray crystal structure has shown a formation of clatharate complex of chloroform with the ligand which has rarely been found in the case of calix[4]arenes.     

Synthesis and conformational studies on hexa-O-alkyl p-unsubstituted calix[6]arenes

[structure: see text] In this article we describe the selective O-benzylation of para-unsubstituted calix[6]arene 1 in rings 1 and 4 (2a-c) and the subsequent alkylation of phenol groups with alpha-haloesters (methyl esters 3a, 3c, and 3e; tert-butyl esters 3b, 3d, and 3f) to determine the effect of these groups on their conformational behavior. 2D NMR studies at 188 K reveal that compounds 2a-c, 3b, 3d, and 3f are less flexible, showing a 1,2,3-alternate conformation. The same conformation has been observed in the solid state.     

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.     

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     

Liquid crystal and crystal structure of octahomotetraoxacalix[4]arenes

Octahomotetraoxacalix[4]arenes bearing long alkyl chains on their lower rim were prepared. Ester 4a existed in a 1,2-alternate conformation in its crystal structure, which was examined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. To prepare liquid crystalline materials possessing calixarene moieties by self-assembling, carboxylic acid derivatives 5 were synthesized. Among them, 5c, the octadecyloxy derivative, showed smectic liquid crystal phase. Homooxacalixarenes 5 also formed liquid crystal phases with longer layer distances when two equivalent moles of 1,2-ethylenediamine were added as a linker. These phases were investigated with X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, and polarized optical microscopy.     

Complexation of quaternary ammonium ions by tetraester derivatives of [3.1.3.1]homooxacalixarene in mobile and in fixed conformation

In the tetraalkylation of p-tert-butyl[3.1.3.1]homooxacalixarene with BrCH2CO2R and K2CO3 in acetone, the initially formed cone conformer is converted into the more stable 1,4-alternate conformer when R = Me or Et, but not when R = i-Pr or t-Bu. In the case of R = i-Pr, derivatives in fixed 1,4-alternate conformation and in partial cone conformation were also isolated. Compounds in fixed cone conformation are good ligands for tetramethylammonium, acetylcholine, and N-methylpyridinium salts in CDCl3, but the partial cone isomer proved to be somewhat better and even the 1,4-alternate conformer turned out to be active. The possible involvement of the ester functions as additional binding sites is discussed; moreover, an insight into the energetics of the complexation and conformational isomerization processes is given.     

Selective synthesis and isolation of all possible conformational isomers of proximally para-disubstituted calix[4]arene

All six possible conformational isomers of the proximally p-dibrominated calix[4]arene tetraalkyl ether, 1a-f*, were selectively synthesized by appropriate control of stereochemistry during di-O-alkylation reactions of 5,11-dibromocalix[4]arene syn-dialkyl ethers, namely, 5,11-dibromo-27,28-dihydroxy-25,26-dipropoxy-, 5,11-dibromo-25,26-dihydroxy-27,28-dipropoxy-, 5,11-dibromo-25,28-dihydroxy-26,27-propoxy-, and 5,11-dibromo-26,28-dihydroxy-25,27-dipropoxycalix[4]arenes. Their conformations were confirmed by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy and are cone for 1a (u(Br)(Pr), u(Br)(Pr), u(H)(Pr),u(H)(Pr)), partial cone for 1b (u(Br)(Pr), d(Br)(Pr), u(H)(Pr),u(H)(Pr)) and 1d (u(Br)(Pr), u(Br)(Pr), u(H)(Pr),d(H)(Pr)), 1,2-alternate for 1c (u(Br)(Pr), u(Br)(Pr), d(H)(Pr),d(H)(Pr)) and 1e (u(Br)(Pr), d(Br)(Pr), d(H)(Pr),u(H)(Pr)), and 1,3-alternate for 1f (u(Br)(Pr), d(Br)(Pr), u(H)(Pr),d(H)(Pr)). Although both 1c and 1e are in the 1,2-alternate conformation, the conformation of 1e was found to be strongly distorted and distinct from that of 1c.     

Exchange coupling mediated through-bonds and through-space in conformationally constrained polyradical scaffolds: calix[4]arene nitroxide tetraradicals and diradical

Calix[4]arenes constrained to the 1,3-alternate conformation and functionalized at the upper rim with four and two tert-butylnitroxides have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray crystallography, magnetic resonance (EPR and (1)H NMR) spectroscopy, and magnetic studies. The 1,3-alternate nitroxide tetraradical and diradical provide unique polyradical scaffolds for dissection of the through-bond and through-space intramolecular exchange couplings. In addition, detailed magnetic studies of the previously reported calix[4]arene nitroxide tetraradical, which possesses cone conformation in solution, reveal conformational dependence of exchange coupling. Through-bond coupling between the adjacent nitroxide radicals is mediated by the nitroxide-m-phenylene-CH(2)-m-phenylene-nitroxide coupling pathway, and through-space coupling is found between the diagonal nitroxide radicals at the conformationally constrained N...N distance of 5-6 A. Magnetic studies of the calix[4]arene polyradical scaffolds in frozen solutions show that the through-bond exchange coupling in the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraradical is antiferromagnetic, while that in cone calix[4]arene tetraradical is ferromagnetic. The through-space exchange couplings are antiferromagnetic in both cone and 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene tetraradical, as well as in the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene diradical. The exchange coupling constants (|J/k|) are of the order of 1 K.     

Unique inclusion behaviour of 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26,27,28-tetraaminothiacalix[4]-arene towards small organic molecules

Tetraaminothiacalixarene 3, bearing four amino groups instead of the hydroxy groups of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene 2, exhibits inclusion properties different from those of compound 2 towards small organic molecules upon crystallisation from neat solvents or guest solutions. X-ray crystallographic analyses reveal that nitromethane and acetonitrile are included into the cone-shaped cavity of compound 3, as is often seen in inclusion crystals of compound 2, whereas dichloromethane occupies a space between two distal benzene rings of compound 3, adopting a 1,3-alternate conformation. Acetic acid, which forms a dimer, fills a pore surrounded by four host molecules with a pinched cone conformation. Furthermore, guest-free crystals of compound 3 with a 1,3-alternate conformation absorb acetonitrile to give inclusion crystals with the same crystal structure as that obtained by the crystallisation. Thus, compound 3 flexibly changes its conformation according to the structures of guest compounds.