Rational synthesis of multicyclic bis[2]catenanes

Bis-loop tetraurea calix[4]arene 6 has been prepared by acylation of the wide-rim calix[4]arene tetraamine 1 with the activated bis(urethane) 8 under dilution conditions. Similarly the bis(Boc-protected) tetraamine 2 is converted into the mono-loop derivative 3 which after deprotection and acylation gives the bisalkenyl derivative 5. In apolar solvents this tetraurea calix[4]arene 5 forms regioselectively a single hydrogen-bonded homodimer, from which the bis[2]catenane 10a is formed in 49% by a metathesis reaction followed by hydrogenation. Bis-loop derivative 6 forms no homodimers for steric reasons, but a stoichiometric mixture with the open-chain tetraalkenyl derivative 7a contains exclusively the heterodimer. Metathesis and subsequent hydrogenation now yields 65 % of the pure bis[2]catenane 10a which could not be isolated from the complex reaction mixture obtained from the homodimer 7a.7a. The chirality of 10a (D(2) symmetry) has been verified by optical resolution using HPLC on a chiral stationary phase.     

(1+1) or (2+2) Coupling for bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzenes with calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene

As bifunctional reagents, bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzenes can react with p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene or p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene to afford intramolecularly bridged (1+1) or intermolecularly bridged (2+2) products. It was found that the bridging pattern strongly depended on the structure of bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzene and the kind of calixarene. For the ortho-isomer of bis(tosyloxyethoxy)benzene, intramolecularly bridged calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene were the main products. For the para-isomer, the bridging reaction was in a (2+2) fashion. As for the meta-isomer, double thiacalix[4]arene and intramolecularly bridged calix[4]crown were synthesized.     

Synthesis and Conformational Properties of Bis（calix [4] arene）

The bis(calix [4] arene)3 was synthesized in moderate yield by the reaction of p-tert-butylcalix [4] arene (1) with 1,4-bis(chloromethyl) benzene (2). The conformation of all alkylated product 4 was investigated by the variable-temperature ^1H-NMR.     

Calix[4]arene-based bis[2]catenanes: synthesis and chiral resolution

The exclusive formation of hydrogen-bonded dimers between tetraaryl and tetratosylurea calix[4]arenes has been used to prepare a series of ten "bisloop" tetraurea calix[4]arenes 3, in which adjacent phenylurea groups are covalently linked through alpha,omega-dioxyalkane chains. This dimerization with tetratosylurea 2 as template preorganizes the alkenyl residues of tetra(m-alkenyloxyphenyl) ureas 1 and enables their selective connection in high yield (up to 95 %) by olefin metathesis followed by hydrogenation. The "bisloop" calixarenes 3 also exclusively form heterodimers with 1. Thus, in a separated metathesis/hydrogenation sequence, a series of 14 cyclic bis[2]catenanes 4, in which two calix[4]arenes are connected through their wide rims by two pairs of interlocked rings (total size 29 to 41 atoms), were prepared in yields of up to 97 %. Optical resolution of these chiral bis[2]catenanes was studied by HPLC on chiral stationary phases. The single-crystal X-ray structure of one example (4(P,10)) confirmed the interlocking rings and revealed that the hydrogen-bonded dimeric capsule of the calix[4]arene can be "completely" opened.     

Calix[n]bispyrrolylbenzenes: synthesis, characterization, and preliminary anion binding studies

A series of novel calixpyrrole-like macrocycles, calix[n]bis(pyrrol-2-yl)benzene (calix[n]BPBs, n=2-4) 9 a-11 a, have been synthesized by means of the TFA-catalyzed condensation reaction of bis(pyrrol-2-yl)benzene 8 a with acetone. Calix[2]BPB 9 a represents an expanded version of calix[4]pyrrole in which two of the four meso bridges are replaced by benzene rings. By contrast, systems 10 a and 11 a, which bear great considerable to calixbipyrroles 2 and 3, represent higher homologues of the basic calix[n]BPB motif. Solution-phase anion binding studies, carried out by means of (1)H NMR spectroscopic titrations in [D2]dichloromethane and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) in 1,2-dichloroethane, reveal that 9 a binds typical small anions with substantially higher affinities than 1, even though the same number of hydrogen bonding donor groups are found in both compounds. The basic building block for 9 a, benzene dipyrrole 8 a, also displays a higher affinity for anions than the building block for 1, dimethyldipyrromethane 16. Structural studies, carried out by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses, are consistent with the solution-phase results and reveal that 9 a is able to stabilize complexes with chloride and nitrate in the solid state. Structures of the PF6- and NO3- complexes of 10 a were also solved as were those of the acetone adduct of 9 a and the ethyl acetate adduct of 11 a.     

Self-assembled dendrimers with uniform structure

Calix[4]arenes substituted at their wide rim by four aryl urea residues (1) form hydrogen-bonded dimers in apolar solvents. Replacement of one urea residue by an acetamido moiety leads to calix[4]arene derivatives (5) which form hydrogen-bonded tetramers under the same conditions. Both self-assembly processes occur independently. Therefore, molecules have been prepared in which a tetra-urea calix[4]arene and a tri-urea mono acetamide derivative are covalently connected between their narrow rims by a long, mainly aliphatic chain [-O-(CH(2))(n)-C(O)-NH-(CH(2))(m)-O-] (7). In the presence of an equimolar amount of tetra-tosyl urea calix[4]arene () they form dendritic assemblies since the well known heterodimerization of tetra-tosyl and tetra-aryl urea calix[4]arenes prevents the formation of a cross-linked structure. Covalent connection of adjacent urea residues leads to tetra-loop derivatives (3) that cannot form homodimers, but instead form heterodimers with tetra-aryl or tetra-tosylureas. Therefore, similar dendrimers should be available using the selective dimerization observed for 3. The formation of a single, structurally uniform dendrimer from eight building blocks is confirmed by (1)H NMR spectra, showing only peaks that are also found for respective model assemblies. Translational diffusion coefficients of the assemblies have been determined using (1)H DOSY NMR.     

Synthesis of huge macrocycles using two calix[4]arenes as templates

Macrocycles with up to 100 atoms have been synthesised using two calix[4]arenes as templates: first, (3,5-dialkenyloxy)phenyl groups are attached to the wide rim of a calix[4]arene via urea links, then the alkenyl groups are connected via a metathesis reaction using a tetratosylurea calix[4]arene for their correct prearrangement and finally the urea functions are cleaved to detach the newly formed macrocycles.     

Gold(I) macrocycles and topologically chiral [2]catenanes

The design and synthesis of a new type of topologically chiral [2]catenane is reported. The compounds are formed easily by self-assembly on reaction of the oligomeric digold(I) diacetylide precursor complex [[4-BrC(6)H(4)CH(4-C(6)H(4)OCH(2)CCAu)(2)](n)] with diphosphine ligands. Reactions with the diphosphines PP = bis(diphenylphosphinophoshino)acetylene, trans-1,2-bis(diphenylphosphino)ethylene, bis(diphenylphosphino)ethane, and 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene yield simple ring complexes [4-BrC(6)H(4)CH(4-C(6)H(4)OCH(2)CCAu)(2)(mu-PP)] as the only products, since the spacer groups in the diphosphines are not long enough or are too bulky to allow catenane formation. Reaction with PP = bis(diphenylphosphino)propane or bis(diphenylphosphino)butane gave [2]catenane complexes [[4-BrC(6)H(4)CH(4-C(6)H(4)OCH(2)CCAu)(2)(mu-PP)](2)], whose structures are confirmed crystallographically. The macrocyclic ring compounds have C(s) symmetry but, as a result of the presence of the unsymmetrical "hinge group" 4-BrC(6)H(4)CH, the [2]catenanes have C(2) symmetry and so are topologically chiral. In favorable cases, the formation of the [2]catenane can be proved by NMR spectroscopy since catenane formation leads to nonequivalence of most ring atoms. The formation of the [2]catenanes was successfully predicted based on the conformation of the precursor bis(phenol), and it is argued that the methods used should be more generally applicable to the synthesis of functionally substituted supermolecules of interest for application in molecular devices.     

A [2]catenane containing an upper-rim functionalized calix[4]arene for anion recognition

A novel [2]catenane is synthesized in good yield from an upper-rim functionalized calix[4]arene macrobicycle and a nitro-substituted isophthalamide threading component in the presence of a chloride anion template via a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction. After halide anion template removal the resulting catenane host exhibits a high degree of selectivity for chloride in competitive organic solvent mixtures.     

Stepwise synthesis and selective dimerisation of bis- and trisloop tetra-urea calix[4]arenes

Tetra-urea calix[4]arenes substituted with four mono- or bisalkenyl residues have been converted into bis- or tetraloop compounds by intramolecular olefin metathesis, with use of a tetratosylurea calix[4]arene as template. The same strategy has now been used to synthesise trisloop compounds and bisloop compounds with adjacent loops, completing the series of the loop-containing tetra-urea derivatives. A tetra-urea calix[4]arene of the AABB type, where A stands for a bisalkenyl- and B for a monoalkenyl-substituted urea unit, was used as precursor for the three loops. It was easily synthesised from a tetraamino calix[4]arene in which two adjacent amino groups were Boc-protected. The ABCB-type precursor for the two adjacent loops was prepared through protection of two opposite amino functions with trityl groups. The capabilities of the novel macrocyclic tetra-ureas for the selective formation of hydrogen-bonded dimers were studied.     

Sterically and guest-controlled self-assembly of calix[4]arene derivatives

In solvents such as chloroform or benzene, tetraurea calix[4]arenes 1 form dimeric capsules in which one solvent molecule is usually included as guest. To explore the structural requirements for the formation of such hydrogen-bonded dimers we replaced one p-tolylurea residue by a simple acetamide function. The resulting calix[4]arene 2 a, substituted at its wide rim with one acetamide and three p-tolylurea functions, assumes a C(1)-symmetrical conformation in apolar solvents as shown by (1)H NMR, which is not compatible with the usual capsule. In the crystalline state, four molecules of 2 a, adopting a pinched cone conformation, assemble into a quasi S(4)-symmetrical tetramer stabilized by a cyclic array of 24 NH.O==C hydrogen bonds and four NH.pi interactions. Four acetamide groups are hydrogen-bonded to each other and pack tightly in the center of the assembly. All polar residues are buried inside the tetramer, the surface of which is lipophilic. Extensive NMR studies revealed similar structures in apolar solvents such as [D]chloroform or [D(6)]benzene for calixacetamides 2 a-c. The formation of these tetramers in solution is critically dependent on the size of the amide fragment, so that propionamide 2 d, butyramide 2 e, and p-tolylamide 2 f form only ill-defined aggregates. This is caused by steric crowding inside the tetrameric assembly. The tetramers persist during molecular dynamics simulations, and the optimized average structure of the MD run is similar to that found in the crystalline state. Theoretical studies revealed that cooperation of hydrogen bonds with multiple NH.pi, C--H.pi, and pi.pi attractions make the tetramer more stable than the capsular dimer with the solvent as guest. In the presence of tetraethylammonium salts, however, compounds 2 a-e form dimeric capsular assemblies, each incorporating a single ammonium cation. Only one of two possible regioisomeric dimers is formed, in which both acetamide groups are surrounded by two urea residues. These examples give striking evidence of how self-assembly in solution can be strongly dependent on subtle structural factors and of how the formation of dimeric capsules can be induced by the presence of an appropriate guest.     

杯芳烃衍生聚合物用作毛细管气相色谱固定相的研究

合成了两种不同构象的杯芳烃衍生聚合物（杯芳冠醚聚硅氧烷ｃ－ｃ［４］ｃ５－ｐｓｏ和二乙氧基杯［４］芳烃聚硅氧烷ｐ－ｃ［４］－ｐｓｏ），并将其用作毛细管气相色谱固定液，使用温度高达３２０℃，对不同的极性化合物，特别是对酚类异构体有很好的分离能力。同时也研究了分离机理。     

脲基杯[4]二(9-冠-3)对钠-卤素离子对的识别作用

采用Oniom方法(B3LYP/LANL2DZ∶PM3)对脲基取代的二(9-冠-3)杯[4]芳烃衍生物(H)与离子对Na+X-(X=F-,Cl-,Br-)的包合作用进行了理论研究.在上述体系中存在2种包合方式:一是阴、阳离子在包合物中是分离的,阴离子与主体分子的上沿主要以N—H…X-氢键作用;二是阴、阳离子在包合物中存在明显的离子配对作用,阴离子主要以阳离子的配对作用存在.通过对包合物Na+X-/H的结构参数、自然键轨道(NBO)以及结合能分析可知,第1种包合方式更有利.研究表明脲基取代的二(9-冠-3)杯[4]芳烃衍生物可成为有效的离子对识别受体,研究结果进一步加深了杯芳烃类受体对离子对识别机理的认识,为实验上设计合成新型离子对受体提供了理论依据.     

Interlocked Porphyrin Switches

We describe the synthesis of a series of interlocked structures from porphyrin–glycoluril cage compounds and bis(olefin)‐terminated viologens by an olefin‐metathesis protocol. The length of the chain connecting the olefin substituents with the viologen has a marked effect on the products of the ring‐closure reaction. Long chains give [2]‐ and [3]catenane structures, whereas short chains give a mixture of [3]‐, [4]‐, and [5]catenanes. For comparison several [2]rotaxane compounds were prepared. The interlocked catenane and rotaxane structures display switching behavior, which can be controlled by the addition of acid and base. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the switching processes have been determined by NMR spectroscopy.     

Anion-templated calix[4]arene-based pseudorotaxanes and catenanes

We present the rational design and anion-binding properties of the first anion-templated pseudorotaxanes and catenanes in which the "wheel" component is provided by a calix[4]arene macrobicyclic unit. The designs and syntheses of two new calix[4]arene macrobicycles, 2 and 3, are presented, and the abilities of these new species both to bind anions and to undergo anion-dependent pseudorotaxane formation are demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that performing ring-closing metathesis reactions on some of these pseudorotaxane assemblies gives novel catenane species 14 and 15, in which the yield of interlocked molecule obtained is critically dependent on the presence of a suitable anion template, namely, chloride. Exchange of the chloride anion in catenane 14 a for hexafluorophosphate gives catenane 14 d, which contains a unique anion-binding domain defined by the permanently interlocked hydrogen-bond-donating calix[4]arene macrobicycle and pyridinium macrocycle fragments. The anion-binding properties of this domain are presented, and shown to differ from non-interlocked components.     

Synthesis of Macrocyclic Lactones Building on Double Calix[4]arenes

Naturalmacrocycliclactonesandlactamsastheionophoreshaveabsorbedextensiveinterestsbecauseoftheirveryhighselectiverecognitionforalkalimetals.rorexample,nactinslandvalinomycin'havethehighestselectivityforpotassiumamongalltheionopohores.Artificialmacrocycliclactonesalsoshowedselectivityforcanons,althoughthebindingstrengthwaslowerthanthatofcommoncrownethers3.Calixareneswereaveryimportantkindofartificialreceptors,whosederivativeshaveshowedthehighestselectivityforNa ,K andCs amongthesynthesizedmacro…     

Multiple catenanes based on tetraloop derivatives of calix[4]arenes

Four novel tetraarylurea calix[4]arenes (4a-d) have been synthesized, substituted by ω-alkenyloxy residues in 3,5-positions of the arylurea residues. The eight alkenyl groups were pairwise connected by olefin metathesis and subsequent hydrogenation. The ring-closure reaction was carried out with heterodimers exclusively formed by 4 with a tetratosylurea calix[4]arene 1, which serves as a template in this reaction step. The potential trans-cavity bridging is entirely suppressed in this way. Bis- and tetraloop calix[4]arenes cannot form dimers due to overlapping loops. However, they readily form heterodimers with open-chain tetraureas, as long as their urea residues can pass through the loops. Thus, five heterodimeric capsules 8a-e with bis[3]catenane structure were synthesized using again the olefin metathesis followed by hydrogenation. Two different strategies were compared for this reaction sequence, starting with heterodimers formed either by tetraloop derivatives 5 with tetraalkenyl tetraureas 6 (pathway A) or by bisloop derivatives 7 with octaalkenyl tetraureas 4 (pathway B). A distinct advantage of one of these pathways was not observed; the bis[3]catenanes were obtained with yields of 20-60%. Heterodimers formed by tetraloop derivatives 5b-d and octaalkenyl ureas 4b-d were converted analogous to three novel cyclic [8]catenanes 9a-c in 30-42% yield. The structure of the novel catenanes was unambiguously proved by ¹H NMR and ESI MS, and for 8a and 9a additionally by single crystal X-ray analysis.     

Hydrogen-bonded dimers of tetra-urea calix[4]arenes stable in THF

[structure: see text]. Whereas tetra-urea derivatives of tetra-alkoxy calix[4]arenes 1 exist as single molecules in THF, dimeric hydrogen-bonded capsules are exclusively found for the corresponding calix[4]arene derivatives 3 and 2 with two or four free hydroxyl groups. Comparison with the rigidified tetra-urea 5 suggests that this increased stability of the dimers is due to the stabilization of their four-fold symmetry by intramolecular hydrogen bonds between the phenolic hydroxyl groups.     

Synthesis and characterization of linear molecular assembly of crystalline calix[4]arenes dithianes

A family of six new variously substituted calix[4]arene dithianes has been prepared from respective formyl and acetyl derivatives. Shorter reaction time, mild conditions, and facile isolation of desired products are attractive features of the described method. The new 1,2-dithiane derivatives have been characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR spectroscopy, and FABMS analysis. The crystal structure of one of the acetyl calix[4]arene dithiane was determined by X-ray diffraction analysis, which revealed a dithiane capped linear molecular organization. Preliminary evaluation of bis (dithiane) calix[4]arene derivatives as molecular receptor for transition metal ions has revealed strong interaction with Hg²⁺ in 1:1 stoichiometry.     

Tetraaddition of PhLi to a ketocalixarene derivative

[reaction: see text] Reaction of a ketocalixarene with 2.2 equiv or an excess of PhLi affords diaddition and tetraaddition products, respectively. Ionic hydrogenation of the tetraalcohol 8a yields a calix[4]arene monosubstituted by phenyl groups at all four methylene bridges.