Synthesis of calix[4]arene(amido)monocrowns and their photoresponsive derivatives

A series of new calix[4]arene(amido)mono-crown compounds have been synthesized through aminolysis of calix[4]arene esters and intramolecular cyclization of the intermediates. The title compounds were converted into their nitro and azo substituted derivatives to provide novel photoresponsive molecular receptors for transition metal ions. Single crystal X-ray analysis of calix[4]arene(ethyleneamido)mono-crown (2a) revealed that the compound is present in a cone conformation with an amido loop that caps the lower rim of calix[4]arene cavity to result in stacking along axis a and axis c to provide supramolecular aggregates in the solid state. Evaluation of synthesized macrocycles in the solution phase for recognition of transition metal cations (Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Ag⁺, Cd²⁺, Pb²⁺, Hg⁺, Hg²⁺, Pd²⁺, and Pt²⁺) by UV-visible spectroscopy revealed that p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene mono-(amidocrown) 1c selectively shows a blue shift at 38 nm on interaction with Hg⁺ ions.     

An approach to the synthesis of chemically modified bisazocalix[4]arenes and their extraction properties

Bisazocalix[4]arenes [N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)benzene (1), N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)biphenyl (2) and N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)-2,2′-dinitro biphenyl (3)] have been synthesized from 25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene by diazocoupling with the corresponding aromatic diamines (p-phenylenediamine, 4,4′-diamino biphenyl and 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-dinitrobiphenyl). Extraction studies of bisazocalix[4]arenes 1, 2, and 3 show no difference in their extraction behavior and selectivity, whereas azocalix[4]arenes are a poor extractant for heavy metal cations. The absorption spectra of the prepared bisazocalix[4]arenes are discussed, both the effect of varying pH and solvent upon the absorption ability of bisazocalix[4]arenes.     

A facile one-pot access to cone and 1,3-alternate conformers of calix[4]arene-bis(amido)crowns

A facile one-pot access to cone and 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene-bis(amido)crowns by the use of sodium hydride or cesium carbonate as template/base has been reported. The structures of products have been established through detailed chemical, physical, and spectroscopic data and single crystal X-ray analysis of calix[4]arene-bis-(ethyleneamido)crown, 7a. The preliminary evaluation of the obtained molecular receptors promise opportunities to design molecular capsules/carriers for toxic metal ions (i.e., Hg⁺⁺) and anionic species (CrO₄⁻⁻).     

Conformational analysis of bridgehead-substituted bicyclo[m.m.m]alkanes and bicyclo[8.8.n]alkanes

Conformational analyses of bicyclo[m.m.m]alkanes where m=1-10 and of bicyclo[8.8.n]alkanes where n=1-7 bearing methyl groups on the bridgeheads were carried out using a Monte Carlo search strategy. In the bicyclo[m.m.m]alkane series, greater variability was observed for the inter-bridgehead distance for larger values of m. This suggests that properly substituted bicyclo[8.8.8]hexacosanes or larger ring systems might serve as molecular springs.     

Supramolecular interaction of cucurbit[n]urils and coptisine by spectrofluorimetry and its analytical application

The supramolecular interaction of a homologous series of cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n = 5, 6, 7, 8) hosts and coptisine (COP) was studied by spectrofluorimetry. All of the CB[n]s were found to react with COP to form 1:1 host-guest stable complexes and the fluorescence intensity of the complexes was greatly enhanced. The apparent association constants of the complexes were 1.44 × 10⁴, 1.28 × 10⁴, 1.86 × 10⁴ and 1.26 × 10⁴ L mol⁻¹ for CB[5], CB[6], CB[7] and CB[8], respectively. In addition, CB[5] and CB[7] exhibited a higher fluorescence signal than CB[6] and CB[8]. The fluorescence intensity of the complex with CB[7] was enhanced 70-fold compared to that of the studied drug itself. Based on the significant enhancement of fluorescence intensity of supramolecular complex, a simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and selective spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of COP in aqueous solution in the presence of CB[7]. At the optimum reaction conditions, a linear relationship was obtained in the range from 0.05 to 1700 ng mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.012 ng mL⁻¹. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of the drug in urine and serum samples.     

Pd-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with arenes

A facile method for direct Pd(OAc)₂-catalyzed oxidative cross-coupling of unactivated imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine with simple arenes has been developed. The reaction shows good reaction efficiency, high regioselectivity, and good functional-group compatibility. This approach provides a useful protocol for the preparation of imidazo[1,2-a]pyridine–arene structure of interest in biological and pharmaceutical materials.     

Synthesis of 1,3-diarylbenzo[c]selenophenes

For the first time, syntheses of 1,3-diarylbenzo[c]selenophenes are reported involving a selenium transfer reaction of keto-alcohol/benzo[c]furan using Woollins reagent.     

Synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted benzo[c]thiophene analogs containing benzo[b]thiophene/benzo[b]pyrrole

The synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted benzo[c]thiophene analogs incorporating benzo[b]thiophene/benzo[b]pyrrole units is described.     

Azobenzene-bridged calix[8]arenes

An azobenzene bridge was introduced into the lower (or smaller) rim of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (1) and 1,5-calix[8]crown-3 (2) to form 1,4-singly bridged (3) and 1,5:3,7-doubly bridged (4) calix[8]arene derivatives, respectively. Trans and cis isomers of conformationally rigid 4 were isolated. The quantum yields of the trans-cis photoisomerisation reactions have been measured.     

Synthesis and characterization of 1,3-diarylbenzo[c]selenophenes

A series of 1,3-diarylbenzo[c]selenophenes (symmetrical/unsymmetrical) have been synthesized involving a selenium transfer reaction of keto-alcohol/benzo[c]furan using Woollins reagent. The optical and electrochemical studies of these diarylbenzo[c]selenophenes are correlated with their structures.     

Synthesis and characterization of benzo[c]thiophene analogs incorporating benzo[b]thiophene/1-hexylindole/benzo[b]furan

Synthesis of 1,3-disubstituted benzo[c]thiophene analogs incorporating heterocycles such as benzo[b]thiophene/1-hexylindole/benzo[b]furan and thiophene units is described. Optical and electrochemical studies of the benzo[c]thiophene analogs are also reported.     

Tuning of the nitronyl nitroxide radical magnetic and electronic properties by inclusion in cucurbit[n]urils

A nitronyl nitroxide, 2-(benzimidazolyl)-4,4,5,5,-tetramethylimidazolidinyl-3-oxide-1-oxy, 1 and its imino nitroxide analog 2, have been included in cucurbit[n]urils, CBn (n = 7,8), as their hydrochlorides and neutral compounds as well. The hydrochlorides form soluble 1:1 complexes. In the solid state the paramagnetic centers are well isolated and magnetic interactions are cancelled out in contrast to what is observed for the pure nitroxides. The two inclusion complexes involving 1 were characterized by X-ray crystallography. When they were heated in the solid state, one observed a clean conversion of the nitronyl nitroxide guest, 1, into its analog 2.     

One pot synthesis of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazoles and benzo[d]thiazolo[3,2-a]imidazoles

A series of imidazo[2,1-b]thiazole and benzo[d]thiazolo[3,2-a]imidazole analogues were synthesized by stirring an equimolar mixture of dibenzoylacetylene with imidazole/thiazole derivatives in toluene or acetonitrile at room temperature. The products were generated in good yields and characterized by standard analytical techniques such as IR, ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and mass spectrometry. The structure of products 19, 20, 22, 24 and 25 were also unambiguously confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis.     

Synthesis and Cation-Binding Properties of Novel p-Isopropenylcalix[n]arenes and Their Acetylated Derivatives

A novel two-step method was developed to prepare individual p-isopropenylcalix[n]arenes [n=4, 6, 8]. In the first step, linear phenolic oligomers were prepared in a basic medium from p-isopropenylphenol and paraformaldehyde. The second step, cyclization of the linear oligomers was carried out at higher temperatures. Ethylene glycol was used as medium, and sodium tetraborate-decahydrate as the catalyst. O-Acetylated derivatives were obtained by acetylation of the phenolic hydroxyl groups of p-isopropenylcalix[n]arenes [n=4, 6, 8]. The p-isopropenyl-calix[n]arenes and their acetylated derivatives were characterized by IR, ¹H NMR and UV spectroscopy, and elemental analysis. Their ability to extract metal cations from aqueous solutions was evaluated via metal picrate extraction experiments. A parallel investigation of the cation-binding ability of the p-tert-butylcalix[n]arenes [n=4, 6, 8] and their acetylated derivatives was also performed. The p-isopropenylcalix[6]arene hexaacetate is the most effective extracting agent for metal picrates, and shows strong affinity towards Rb cation.     

Preparation of new pyrido[3,4-b]thienopyrroles and pyrido[4,3-e]thienopyridazines

Two new types of pyrido-fused tris-heterocycles (1a,b and 2a,b) have been prepared from 3-aminopyridine in five/six steps. A synthetic strategy for the preparation of the novel pyrido[3,4-b]thieno[2,3- and 3,2-d]pyrroles (1a,b) and pyrido[4,3-e]thieno[2,3- and 3,2-c]pyridazines (2a,b) has been studied. The Suzuki cross coupling of the appropriate 2- and 3-thienoboronic acids (3,4) and 4-bromo-3-pyridylpivaloylamide (9) afforded the biaryl coupling products (10,11) in high yields (85%). Diazotization of the hydrolysed (2-thienyl)-coupling product (12) and azide substitution gave the 3-azido-4-(2-thienyl)pyridine intermediate (72%, 14). 3-Azido-4-(3-thienyl)pyridine (15) was prepared by exchanging the previous order of reactions. The desired β-carboline thiophene analogues (1a,b) were obtained via the nitrene by thermal decomposition of the azido precursors (14,15). By optimising conditions for intramolecular diazocoupling, the corresponding pyridazine products (72-83%, 2a,b) were afforded.     

An easy access to diversely fused dioxa-2-aza-tricyclo[n.3.1.0]tetra/pentadecanes under solvent-free condition

Efficient syntheses of phenyl/N-heterocycle fused 6,13-dioxa-2-aza-tricyclo[8.3.1.0^2,8]tetradecanes have been accomplished from 8-hydroxy quinoline derivatives under solvent-free condition, using basic alumina as the solid support. The methodology was successfully extended for the synthesis of corresponding pentadecane derivatives under similar reaction conditions. In terms of its general applicability, product yield, reaction time and effortless separation techniques, the methodology is more valuable compared to the solution phase protocols.     

Synthesis and binding properties of carboxylphenyl-modified calix[4]arenes and cytochrome c

Two novel carboxylphenyl-modified calix[4]arenes, tetrakis-carboxylphenylcalix[4]arene (TCPC) and 1,3-bis-carboxylphenylcalix[4]arene (BCPC), as well as a corresponding analogue for comparison, tetrakis-phenylcalix[4]arene (TPC), have been synthesized by palladium-catalyzed Suzuki cross-coupling of arylboronic acid and tetrabromocalix[4]arene as a key step. The binding properties of these calix[4]arene derivatives with bovine heart cytochrome c (cyt c) in dimethylformamide (DMF) was investigated by fluorescence spectroscopy. The binding affinity in the order of TCPC > BCPC ? TPC reflects a clear dependence on the number of carboxyl ligating groups attached onto a receptor and suggests the electrostatic force may be the predominant factor driving the complexing process. The stable 1:1 complexes of TCPC and BCPC with cyt c were evidenced with the binding constants of 3.15 × 10⁶ and 5.85 × 10⁵ L mol⁻¹, respectively. Due to a large overlap between the emission spectrum of TCPC and the absorption spectrum of cyt c, and a short interaction distance (estimated to be 5.6 nm) between them, the fluorescence quenching of TCPC upon complexation with cyt c is attributed to an efficient energy transfer.     

Synthesis and cation binding properties of new arylazo- and heteroarylazotetrathiacalix[4]arenes

New macrocyclic tetrathiacalix[4]arenes have been synthesized by incorporating arylazo-, thiazoleazo- and β-naphthylazo- units in the tetrathiacalix[4]arene molecular architecture through diazotization and coupling reactions. The new compounds have been characterized by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR and FAB-MS spectroscopic analysis. X-ray crystallography for one of the new dyes (4a) reveals that the compound is present in the cone conformation. The synthesized macrocycles have been examined for their binding with alkali (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺ and Rb⁺), alkaline earth (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺ and Ba²⁺) and transition metal cations (Cr³⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺, Hg⁺, Hg²⁺, Pd²⁺ and Pt²⁺) by UV-visible spectroscopy to reveal selective bathochromic shifts for heavier alkali metal ions (cesium and rubidium) and palladium in a 1:1 and 2:1 stoichiometry respectively. The study has a significant bearing on the development of useful ionic filters and sensor materials.     

Preparation of novel pyridine-fused tris-heterocycles; pyrido[4,3-e]pyrrolo-/pyrido[4,3-e]furano[2,3-c]pyridazines and pyrido[3,4-b]pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrrole

Three novel pyrido-fused tris-heterocycles have been prepared based on a Suzuki coupling and subsequent cyclisation approach. Pyrido[4,3-e]pyrrolo[2,3-c]pyridazine (3b, 77%) and pyrido[4,3-e]furano[2,3-c]pyridazine (5b, 76%) were obtained by intramolecular diazocoupling. Successful diazocoupling of furan (5b) is thus reported for the first time by NOBF₄ generation of the diazonium intermediate. N-TIPS-pyrido[3,4-b]pyrrolo[3,2-d]pyrrole (TIPS-4b) was synthesised by thermal cyclisation of pyridyl nitrene in considerably higher yield (71%) than previously experienced from similar cyclisations, due to TIPS-activation.     

Synthesis and complexing properties of four imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes

Four imidazolyl acetamido p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes 5–8 have been prepared by reacting the corresponding methyl esters derivatives 1–4 with histamine in 1:1 mixture of methanol:toluene. The yields ranged from 56 to 68%. 5–8 have been shown to be in cone conformation. The complexation behaviour of 5–8 towards monovalent metal picrates M⁺Pic⁻ with M⁺ = Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ and divalent metal picrates M²⁺(Pic⁻)₂ with M²⁺ = Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺, Ba²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Co²⁺ are given. Tentative localisation of the metal cations in the receptors is given. The binding properties towards these cations have been determined along with stoichiometries of the complexes.