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.     

Calix[5]phyrin for Fluoride Ion Sensing with Visible and Near Infrared Optical Responses

Fluoride (F⁻) ion sensing is an important topic due to its roles in health, medical, and environmental sciences. In this regard, colorimetric sensors with a near infrared (NIR) optical response are useful in biological systems because they can avoid interference from endogenous chromophores. Although calix[n]phyrins are highly attractive as sensors with the NIR optical response, studies on calix[n]phyrins are still limited owing to their intrinsic instability against ambient light and air. In this study, we report the synthesis and characterization of a new calix[5]phyrin bearing one sp³‐hybridized carbon atom as a π‐expanded calix[n]phyrin. Upon addition of tetrabutylammonium fluoride, the calix[5]phyrin exhibited distinct NIR absorptions at 908 and 1064 nm as well as a visible color change. Importantly, it revealed an excellent selectivity for F⁻ ion. These results demonstrate that calix[5]phyrins are promising colorimetric and NIR sensors of F⁻ ion.     

Cavity‐Shaped Ligands: Calix[4]arene‐Based Monophosphanes for Fast Suzuki–Miyaura Cross‐Coupling

Five conical calix[4]arenes that have a PPh₂ group as the sole functional group anchored at their upper rim were assessed in palladium‐catalysed cross‐coupling reactions of phenylboronic acid with aryl halides (dioxane, 100 °C, NaH). With arylbromides, remarkably high activities were obtained with the catalytic systems remaining stable for several days. The performance of the ligands is comparable to a Buchwald‐type triarylphosphane, namely, (2′‐methyl[1,1′‐biphenyl]‐2‐yl)diphenylphosphane, which in contrast to the calixarenyl phosphanes tested may display chelating behaviour in solution. With the fastest ligand, 5‐diphenylphosphanyl‐25,26,27,28‐tetra(p‐methoxy)benzyloxy‐calix[4]arene ( 8 ), the reaction turnover frequency for the arylation of 4‐bromotoluene was 321 000 versus 214 000 mol(ArBr).mol(Pd)^?1. h^?1 for the reference ligand. The calixarene ligands were also efficient in Suzuki cross‐coupling reactions with aryl chlorides. Thus, by using 1 mol % of [Pd(OAc)₂] associated with one of the phosphanes, full conversion of the deactivated arenes 4‐chloroanisole and 4‐chlorotoluene was observed after 16 h. The high performance of the calixarenyl–phosphanes in Suzuki–Miyaura coupling of aryl bromides possibly relies on their ability to stabilise a monoligand [Pd⁰L(ArBr)] species through supramolecular binding of the Pd‐bound arene inside the calixarene cavity.     

Studies on Properties of p—Nitrophenylazo Calix[4]arene Derivatives

The p-nitrophenylazo calix[4] arene derivatives la-ld with nonlinear optical(NLO)properties were prepared by the diazo-coupling reaction of calix[4]arene with p-nitrophenyl diazonium.The diazotization reaction of p-nltroaniline was caried out with isoamyl nitrite as a source of nitrous acid in EtONa/EtOH under refluxing conditon.X-Ray crystallographic analysis and ^1H NMR sptectra reveal that they exist as cone conformation in crystal state or in soution.HRS measurements at 1064 nm in THF indicate that p-nitrophenylazo calix[4]arenes have higher hyperpolarizability βz values than the corresponding reference compound 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)-2,6-dimethyl-phenol,without red shift of the charge transfer band.The tetrakis p-nitropheylazo calix[4]arene(2)with longer alkyl chains can form monolayer aht the air/water interface.     

Mono Halogen Substituted Calix[4]pyrroles: Fine-tuning the Anion Binding Properties of Calix[4]pyrrole

Abstract

Single halogen atom (i. e. I, Br, Cl and F) substituted calix[4]pyrroles, compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5, were synthesized. Studies of these systems reveal that replacement of a single β-pyrrolic hydrogen atom can increase the anion binding ability of calix[4]pyrroles for a variety of anions (e. g. Cl^?, Br^?, H₂PO₄ ^? and HSO^? ₄) relative to normal non-halogen substituted calix[4]pyrrole 1. In the case of chloride anion, the expected relative affinity sequence of 5 > 4 > 3 > 2 was observed. This was not found to be true for Br^?, H²PO^? ₄, and HSO^? ₄. Here, the chlorine substituted calix[4]pyrrole 4 was found to display a slightly higher affinity in the case of each anion than the fluorine-bearing derivative 5. This was rationalized in terms of intermolecular NH … F hydrogen bonding interactions being present in CD₂Cl₂ solutions of 5. Support for this latter conclusion came from concentration and temperature-dependent NMR spectroscopic studies.

A matched set of mono halogen substituted calix[4]pyrroles was used to study in detail, the extent to which halogen substituents may be used to fine-tune the anion binding properties of calix[4]pyrroles.     

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.     

Theoretical study on nonlinear optical properties of the Li+[calix[4]pyrrole]Li−dimer,trimer and its polymer with diffuse excess electrons

The static (hyper)polarizabilities of the dimer and trimer with diffuse excess electrons, [Li⁺[calix[4]pyrrole]Li^?]_n, are firstly investigated by the DFT(B3LYP) method in detail. For the dimer and trimer, a Li atom inside each calix[4]pyrrole unit is ionized to form a diffuse excess electron. The results show that the dimer and trimer containing two and three excess electrons, respectively, have very large first hyperpolarizablities as 2.3 × 10⁴ and 4.0 × 10⁴ au, which are 30 and 40 times larger than that of the corresponding [calix[4]pyrrole]_n (n = 2, 3) without Li atom. Also, β values of dimer and trimer are twice and four times as large as that of monomer containing one excess electron. Obviously, not only excess electron but also the number of excess electron plays an important role in increasing the first hyperpolarizability. Moreover, the (hyper)polarizabilities of the [Li⁺[calix[4]pyrrole]Li^?]_n polymer are investigated at ab initio level by using the elongation finite‐field (elongation FF) method. All the oligomers of the [Li⁺[calix[4]pyrrole]Li^?]_n with many excess electrons exhibit very large first hyperpolarizability and large second hyperpolarizability. The present investigation shows that by introducing several and more excess electrons into the nonlinear optical (NLO) materials will be an important strategy for improving their NLO properties, which will be helpful for design of NLO materials. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Comput Chem, 2010     

Bis‐tert‐Alcohol‐Functionalized Crown‐6‐Calix[4]arene: An Organic Promoter for Nucleophilic Fluorination

A bis‐tert‐alcohol‐functionalized crown‐6‐calix[4]arene (BACCA) was designed and prepared as a multifunctional organic promoter for nucleophilic fluorinations with CsF. By formation of a CsF/BACCA complex, BACCA could release a significantly active and selective fluoride source for S_N2 fluorination reactions. The origin of the promoting effects of BACCA was studied by quantum chemical methods. The role of BACCA was revealed to be separation of the metal fluoride to a large distance (>8 Å), thereby producing an essentially “free” F^?. The synergistic actions of the crown‐6‐calix[4]arene subunit (whose O atoms coordinate the counter‐cation Cs⁺) and the terminal tert‐alcohol OH groups (forming controlled hydrogen bonds with F^?) of BACCA led to tremendous efficiency in S_N2 fluorination of base‐sensitive substrates.     

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.     

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.     

Chiral Calix[3]pyrrole Derivatives: Synthesis,Racemization Kinetics,and Ring Expansion to Calix[9]- and Calix[12]pyrrole Analogues

Chiral pyrrolic macrocycles continue to attract interest. However, their molecular design remains challenging. Here, we report a calixpyrrole-based chiral macrocyclic system, calix[1]furan[1]pyrrole[1]thiophene ( 1 ), synthesized from an oligoketone. Macrocycle 1 adopts a partial cone conformation in the solid state, and undergoes racemization via ring inversion. Molecular dynamics simulations revealed that inversion of the thiophene is the rate determining step. Pyrrole N-methylation suppressed racemization and permitted chiral resolution. Enantioselective N-methylation also occurred in the presence of a chiral ammonium salt, although the stereoselectivity is modest. A unique feature of 1 is that it acts as a useful synthetic precursor to yield several calix[n]furan[n]pyrrole[n]thiophene products (n=2–4), including a calix[12]pyrrole analogue that to our knowledge constitutes the largest calix[n]pyrrole-like species to be structurally characterized.     

Calix[4]arene‐Phosphine Dimers: Precursors of Flexible Metallo‐Capsules and Self‐Compacting Molecules

The first diphosphines based on a double calixarene, namely 1,4 (or 1,3)‐bis‐(5‐diphenylphosphino‐25,26,27,28‐tetrapropoxycalix[4]aren‐17‐yl)benzene ( L² , L³ ) were each prepared in four steps starting from 5,17‐dibromo‐25,26,27,28‐tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene. Upon reaction of L² with [Au(tht)(thf)]BF₄, (tht=C₄H₈S) a rigid metallo‐capsule was quantitatively formed, which adopts an oblique form owing to the distinct nature of the spacers linking the two calixarene half‐spheres. In the solid state, the 1,4‐substituted phenylene linker is turned towards the gold ion, suggesting the existence of weak bonding interactions between two aromatic CH protons of this ring and the metal centre (Au???H=2.67 Å). In contrast to this gold complex, the related silver complex shows dynamic behaviour in solution, the exchange between two enantiomeric oblique forms being facilitated by the greater stereochemical flexibility of Ag^I vs. Au^I. A heteronuclear ¹⁰⁹Ag{¹H} HMQC experiment established strong correlations between the CH protons of the phenylene linker and the ¹⁰⁹Ag ion. Dynamic behaviour similar to that observed for the silver complex was further observed in trans‐[PtCl₂? L² ], a chelate complex that could be obtained quantitatively from L² and [PtCl₂(PhCN)₂]. The intended formation of a chelate complex leading to a capsule with an endo‐oriented metal centre was achieved by reacting L³ with [Pd(allyl)(thf)₂]BF₄. The complex thus formed constitutes the first organometallic transition metal complex embedded in a cavity with large portals. Binding of [RuCl₂(p‐cymene)] to L² and L³ resulted in self‐compacting bimetallic complexes in which each calixarene basket entraps a Ru(p‐cymene) unit, thereby forming molecules occupying a minimal volume.     

Strain-Induced Ring Expansion Reactions of Calix[3]pyrrole-Related Macrocycles

The recent discovery of calix[3]pyrrole, a porphyrinogen-like tripyrrolic macrocycle, has provided an unprecedented strain-induced ring expansion reaction into calix[6]pyrrole. Here, we synthesized calix[n]furan[3-n]pyrrole (n=1∼3) macrocycles to investigate the reaction scope and mechanism of the ring expansion. Single crystal X-ray analysis and theoretical calculations revealed that macrocyclic ring strain increases as the number of inner NH sites increases. While calix[1]furan[2]pyrrole exhibited almost quantitative conversion into calix[2]furan[4]pyrrole within 5 minutes, less-strained calix[2]furan[1]pyrrole and calix[3]furan were inert. However, N-methylation of calix[2]furan[1]pyrrole induced a ring-expansion reaction that enabled the isolation of a linear reaction intermediate. The mechanism analysis revealed that the ring expansion consists of regioselective ring cleavage and subsequent cyclodimerization. This reaction was further utilized for synthesis of calix[6]-type macrocycles.     

(Fluoroorgano)fluoroboranes and ‐borates. 7 [1] The Reaction of RFBF2 and K [RFBF3] (RF = perfluorophenyl‐, perfluoroalk‐1‐enyl‐ and perfluoroalkyl) with Xenon Difluoride in Anhydrous HF

The dissolution of (perfluoroorgano)difluoroboranes R_FBF₂ in anhydrous HF (aHF) resulted in equilibrium mixtures of the starting borane and different kinds of acid‐base products: [H₂F] [R_FBF₂(F · HF)] (R_F = C₆F₅, cis‐C₂F₅CF=CF, trans‐C₄F₉CF=CF) or [H₂F] [R_FBF₃] (R_F = C₆F₁₃). In aHF the aryl compounds C₆F₅BF₂ and K [C₆F₅BF₃] showed two parallel reactivities with XeF₂: xenodeborylation (formation of the [C₆F₅Xe]⁺ cation) and fluorine addition to the aryl group. In aHF perfluoroalk‐1‐enyldifluoroboranes R_FBF₂ as well as potassium perfluoroalk‐1‐enyltrifluoroborates K [R_FBF₃] (R_F = cis‐C₂F₅CF=CF, trans‐C₄F₉CF=CF) underwent only fluorine addition across the carbon‐carbon double bond under the action of XeF₂. Potassium perfluorohexyltrifluoroborate K [C₆F₁₃BF₃] did not react with XeF₂ in aHF.     

离子液体中13-芳基-5,7,12,14-四氢二苯并[b, i]氧杂蒽5,7,12,14(13H)-四酮衍生物的绿色高效合成

在离子液体[bmim+][BF4-]中高产率的合成了一系列13-芳基-5,7,12,14-四氢二苯并[b, i]氧杂蒽-5,7,12,14(13H)-四酮类化合物。该反应操作步骤简单,离子液体易于与产物分离,并且离子液体可以循环使用。     

Stereoselective Synthesis and Structure of New Types of Calix[4]resorcinarenes. Complexation of Tetrakis(O,O‐Phosphorus)Bridged‐Calix[4]resorcinarenes with Heavy Metal Atoms

The acid‐catalyzed (with HCl) condensation reactions of resorcinol ( 1 ) with 1‐naphthaldehyde ( 2 ) and isobutyraldehyde ( 3 ) furnished the tetrameric macrocyclic compounds 4 and 6 . Detailed NMR‐investigations of the acetylated tetrameric species 5 surprisingly support a structure not in agreement with the expected all‐cis conformation. The chair conformation (C_2h symmetry) of the acetylated derivative 5 was established through a crystal X‐ray diffraction study. The naphthyl substituents are arranged in trans position above and below the plane made up by the resorcinol units. The reaction of resorcinol 1 with isobutyraldehyde, in accord with expectation, led to the calix[4]resorcinaren ( 6 ). The ¹H NMR spectra of compound 6 and 7 appeared at room temperature as broad signals, indicating a conformation of C_2v symmetry. The reaction of the C‐methyl‐tetrakis‐P‐(chlorodioxaphosphocin)‐calix[4]resorcinarenes ( 8 ) and ( 10 ) with suitable N‐trimethylsilyl organic amines were conducted in tetrahydrofuran suspension, furnishing the P–N‐substituted calix[4]resorcinarenes ( 9 ) and ( 11 ). While in the complexation of C‐methyl‐tetrabromotetrakis‐P‐(dimethylaminodioxaphosphocin)‐calix[4]resorcinarene ( 13 ) with (tht)AuCl (tht = tetrahydrothiophene) the expected, neutral tetra‐substituted complex 15 was formed, the reaction of 13 with moist acetonitrile led to the anionic atomic framework 14 . X‐ray structure determinations of the complexes 14 and 15 show that both possess the cone conformation. In the gold complex 15 , the Au–Cl groups form a loose aggregate, with three Au…Cl contacts of 316–340 pm; one of the groups points towards the centre of the cone. The copper(I) complex 14 displays crystallographic mirror symmetry, with a central Cu₄Cl₅ unit involving tetrahedrally coordinated copper.     

Synthesis and Molecular Structures of Tetrasilyl Ethers of Calix[4]arenes

The tetrasilyl ethers calix[4]areneOSiMe₂R (R = Me, H, vinyl, allyl) were prepared by salt elimination; the calix[4]arene was deprotonated with sodium hydride and subsequently reacted with chlorosilanes ClSiMe₂R. In general, DMF was chosen as solvent in order to steer the reactions in terms of a preference for the cone‐conformation of the products. In the case of calix[4]areneOSiMe₃ both, partial‐cone‐ and cone‐conformers, were synthesised. All products were characterised by NMR (¹H, ¹³C, ²⁹Si) spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction.     

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.     

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.     

The Electrochemical Behavior of p‐Sulfonated Sodium Salt of Calix[6]arene

The water‐soluble p‐sulfonated sodium salt of calix[6]arene (p‐SC6) is synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR and UV‐vis spectra. The purity of the product is checked as 97.6% by HPLC. The electrochemical behavior of p‐SC6 in NaAc+HAc (pH 3.9) buffer solution is studied. The results showed that p‐SC6 can be oxidized irreversibly when the potential scanned from 0 to 1.0 V (vs. SCE). The peak potential locates at about 0.83 V (vs. SCE) which depends on the scan rate and acidity. The number of electrons, n, transferred in the electrochemical reaction is 1. The diffusion coefficient of p‐SC6 is 1.4×10^?6 cm² s^?1 at 25 °C. The electrochemical oxidation of p‐SC6 is strongly affected by acidity. For example, when pH is 10.6, n becomes 3. But the diffusion coefficient of p‐SC6 is 1.1×10^?6 cm² s^?1 which is close to that measured at pH 3.9.