Synthesis and Structure of Functionalized Zigzag Hydrocarbon Belts

Described in this paper are the synthesis and structure of novel and edge‐functionalized zigzag hydrocarbon belts. A stepwise “fjord‐stitching” strategy featuring repetitive intramolecular acylation reactions of a resorcin[4]arene derivative as the key steps afforded a biscarbonyl‐functionalized octahydrobelt[8]arene product. Facile ketone reduction with NaBH₄ and nucleophilic addition with n‐butyllithium produced secondary and tertiary alcohol‐containing molecular belts, respectively. Selective oxidation reactions of biscarbonyl‐bearing octahydrobelt[8]arene with m‐CPBA and (PhSeO)₂O furnished the corresponding lactone‐ and 1,4‐quinone‐embedded molecular belts. Depending on the functional groups on the edges, the acquired belt molecules adopt different shapes such as square prism, truncated cone, and elliptical cylinder.     

Oxygen- and Nitrogen-Embedded Zigzag Hydrocarbon Belts

Despite the aesthetically appealing structures and tantalizing physical and chemical properties, zigzag hydrocarbon belts and their heteroatom-embedded analogues remain challenging synthetic targets. We report herein the synthesis of diverse O/N-doped zigzag hydrocarbon belts based on selective bridging of the fjords of resorcin[4]arene derivatives through intramolecular S_NAr and palladium-catalyzed intermolecular C−N bond formation reactions. Preorganized conformations of mono-macrocyclic, half-belt and quasi-belt compounds were revealed to facilitate cyclization reactions to construct heteroatom-linked octahydrobelt[8]arenes. The acquired products had strained square-prism-shaped belt structures in which all six-membered heterocyclic rings adopted an unusual boat conformation with equatorially configured alkyl groups. The unprecedented heteroatom-bearing belts also exhibited different photophysical and redox properties to those of octahydrobelt[8]arene analogues.     

Covalently assembled resorcin[4]arenes and molecular tweezers: a chiral recognition rationale by NMR

Chiral diamides and tetramidic resorcin[4]arenes deriving from (R,R)-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and (S,S)-1,2-diphenylethylendiamine, and a valine containing resorcin[4]arene have been compared by NMR in the enantiodiscrimination of mandelic acid. The relevance of cooperation between side arms and external surface of resorcin[4]arene core has been ascertained.     

Spatially Directional Resorcin[4]arene Cavitand Glycoconjugates for Organic Catalysis

The synthesis of novel spatially directional multivalent resorcin[4]arene cavitand glycoconjugates (RCGs) and their ability to catalyze organic reactions is reported. The β‐d ‐glucopyranoside moieties on the upper rim of the “bowl”‐shaped resorcin[4]arene cavitand core are capable of multiple hydrogen‐bond interactions resulting in a pseudo‐cavity, which has been investigated for organic transformations in aqueous media. The RCGs have been demonstrated to catalyze thiazole formation, thiocyanation, copper(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), and Mannich reactions; they impart stereoselectivity in the three‐component Mannich reaction. Thermodynamic values obtained from ¹H diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments suggest that the upper saccharide cavity of the RCG and not the resorcin[4]arene cavity is the site of the complexation event.     

Corona[5]arenes Accessed by a Macrocycle-to-Macrocycle Transformation Route and a One-Pot Three-Component Reaction

Corona[5]arenes, a novel type of macrocyclic compound that is composed of alternating heteroatoms and para-arylenes, were synthesized efficiently by two distinct methods. In a macrocycle-to-macrocycle transformation approach, S₆-corona[3]arene[3]tetrazine underwent sequential S_NAr reactions with HS-C₆H₄-X-C₆H₄-SH (X=S, CH₂, CMe₂, SO₂, and O) to produce the corresponding corona[3]arene[2]tetrazines. Different corona[3]arene[2]tetrazine compounds were also constructed in a straightforward manner by a one-pot three-component reaction of HS-C₆H₄-X-C₆H₄-SH (X=S, CH₂, CMe₂, SO₂, and O) with diethyl 2,5-dimercaptoterephthalate and 2 equiv of 3,6-dichlorotetrazine under very mild conditions. All corona[5]arenes adopted 1,2,4-alternate conformational structures in the crystalline state yielding similar nearly regular pentagonal cavities. Both the cavity size and the electronic property of the acquired macrocycles were fine-tuned by the nature of the bridging element X.     

25-Alkoxy-26-benzoyloxycalix[4]arenes: the reaction mechanism of benzoyl migration

In the presence of K₂CO₃ as reaction base, the 25-alkoxy-27-benzoyloxy-calix[4]arenes were converted into 25-alkoxy-26-benzoyloxy derivatives by benzoyl-migration. A benzoyl-migrated reaction mechanism with a cyclic orthobenzoate-like intermediate was proposed, and the mechanism was supported by the identical reaction results on the conversion of 25-ethoxy-27-benzoyloxycalix[4]arene to 25-ethoxy-26-benzoyloxycalix[4]arene, and vice versa.     

Corona[5]arenes Accessed by a Macrocycle‐to‐Macrocycle Transformation Route and a One‐Pot Three‐Component Reaction

Corona[5]arenes, a novel type of macrocyclic compound that is composed of alternating heteroatoms and para ‐arylenes, were synthesized efficiently by two distinct methods. In a macrocycle‐to‐macrocycle transformation approach, S₆‐corona[3]arene[3]tetrazine underwent sequential S_NAr reactions with HS‐C₆H₄‐X‐C₆H₄‐SH (X=S, CH₂, CMe₂, SO₂, and O) to produce the corresponding corona[3]arene[2]tetrazines. Different corona[3]arene[2]tetrazine compounds were also constructed in a straightforward manner by a one‐pot three‐component reaction of HS‐C₆H₄‐X‐C₆H₄‐SH (X=S, CH₂, CMe₂, SO₂, and O) with diethyl 2,5‐dimercaptoterephthalate and 2 equiv of 3,6‐dichlorotetrazine under very mild conditions. All corona[5]arenes adopted 1,2,4‐alternate conformational structures in the crystalline state yielding similar nearly regular pentagonal cavities. Both the cavity size and the electronic property of the acquired macrocycles were fine‐tuned by the nature of the bridging element X.     

Construction of π‐Surface‐Metalated Pillar[5]arenes which Bind Anions via Anion–π Interactions

By simple ligand exchange of the cationic transition‐metal complexes [(Cp*)M(acetone)₃](OTf)₂ (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and M=Ir or Rh) with pillar[5]arene, mono‐ and polynuclear pillar[5]arenes, a new class of metalated host molecules, is prepared. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that the charged transition‐metal cations are directly bound to the outer π‐surface of aromatic rings of pillar[5]arene. One of the triflate anions is deeply embedded within the cavity of the trinuclear pillar[5]arenes, which is different to the host–guest behavior of most pillar[5]arenes. DFT calculation of the electrostatic potential revealed that the metalated pillar[5]arenes featured an electron‐deficient cavity due to the presence of the electron‐withdrawing transition metals, thus allowing encapsulation of electron‐rich guests mainly driven by anion–π interactions.     

Functionalized Hydrocarbon Belts: Synthesis,Structure and Properties

Hydrocarbon belts have drawn great attention because of their unique structures and tantalizing properties. Although a few belts and heteroatom-doped analogs have been synthesized, belt molecules containing non-hexagonal rings remain rare. Herein we report the construction and application of unprecedented zigzag-type hydrocarbon belts which contain functionalized eight-membered rings. The synthesis features fourfold intramolecular acylation reactions of resorcin[4]arene-derived intermediates, which affords C₄-symmetric tetrabenzobelt[4]arene[4]cyclooctatrienones. Stereoselective ketone reduction with LiAlH₄ and nucleophilic addition with alkynyllithiums provide the corresponding tetrahydroxylated belts. The tetraol and its methyl ether are powerful and selective hosts to form 2 : 1 and 1 : 1 complexes with cesium ion, respectively, with binding constants up to (1.71±0.33)×10¹¹ M⁻² and (1.50±0.16)×10⁶ M⁻¹. In addition, enantiopure C₄-symmetric belts can emit CPL with |g_lum| being around 0.01.     

Constructing a Nonfluorescent Conformation of AIEgen: A Tetraphenylethene Embedded in the Calix[4]arene's Skeleton

Two novel 1,1‐diphenylmethylidene decorated calix[4]arenes, ( Calix‐DPE(OCH₃)₄ and Calix‐DPE(OH)₄ ), were designed and prepared. The tetraphenylethene (TPE) unit is embedded in the calix[4]arenes skeleton, so the conformation of tetraphenylethene unit is significantly affected by the conformation of calix[4]arene. Unlike the Calix‐DPE(OCH₃)₄ , the Calix‐DPE(OH)₄ does not show the aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) phenomena in solution or the crystal state because of the presence of intramolecular hydrogen bonding, which leads to a cone conformation for the calix[4]arene skeleton in which the embedded phenyl rings of the TPE have to take an almost perpendicular configuration to the C=C bond. This result provides direct evidence that the maximal cross‐chromophore π‐conjugation within the tetraphenylethene is one of the prerequisites of switching on its AIE. This offers the possibility of switching the emission of TPE by conformation changes.     

Synthesis of conformationally diverse tetrathiacalix[4]arene(amido)crowns and tetrathiacalix[4]arene amides with pendant amine functions

A series of conformationally diverse novel tetrathiacalix[4]arene(amido)crowns and amides from tetrakis((ethoxycarbonyl)methoxy)p-tert-butyl tetrathiacalix[4]arene and its debutylated analog have been prepared by their reaction with diamines [H₂N(CH₂)_nNH₂; n=2,3,4, and 6] and polyamines. It has been determined that the length of the alkyl spacer in diamines is pivotal for the formation of either the tetrathiacalix[4]arene bis(amido)crowns or tetrathiacalix[4]arene amides with pendant amine functions. The synthesized compounds represent potential building blocks for achieving sophisticated molecular assemblies for molecular organization and recognition. Single crystal X-ray analysis of tetrathiacalix[4]arene bis(amido)crown 6a revealed that it has a 1,3-alternate conformation, which forms supramolecular complexes with chloroform.     

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.     

Piling Up Pillar[5]arenes To Self‐Assemble Nanotubes

New liquid‐crystalline pillar[5]arene derivatives have been prepared by grafting first‐generation Percec‐type poly(benzylether) dendrons onto the macrocyclic scaffold. The molecules adopt a disc‐shaped structure perfectly suited for self‐organization into a columnar liquid‐crystalline phase. In this way, the pillar[5]arene cores are piled up, thus forming a nanotubular wire encased within a shell of peripheral dendrons. The capability of pillar[5]arenes to form inclusion complexes has been also exploited. Specifically, detailed binding studies have been carried out in solution with 1,6‐dicyanohexane as the guest. Inclusion complexes have also been prepared in the solid state. Supramolecular organization into the Col_h mesophase has been deduced from X‐ray diffraction data and found to be similar to that observed within the crystal lattice of a model inclusion complex prepared from 1,4‐dimethoxypillar[5]arene and 1,6‐dicyanohexane.     

Capping the upper and lower rims of calix[4]arenes by aryl dinitrile oxide reactions

1,3-Dipolar cycloadditions of upper- and lower-rim diallylcalix[4]arenes (1 and 3) with aryl dinitrile oxides provide a unique and efficient way of capping the calix[4]arenes. When dinitrile oxides reacted with 5-allylcalix[4]arene 7, they underwent a 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition on one side and an electrophilic substitution on the other side, which led to a novel type of asymmetric calix[4]arenes (9 and 12).     

Polymorphic crystals of oxacalix[4]arene with 1,3‐alternate conformations of S4 and C2 symmetry

Calix[4]arene and oxacalix[4]arene derivatives have eight possible conformations in the up and down directions of their four aromatic rings from the mean plane of a bridged central ring, the conformations of which determine the functionality of the host frameworks. Despite being a known compound for five decades, oxacalix[4]arene, C₂₄H₁₆O₄, has not been characterized previously by crystallographic methods. It crystallizes from hexane/CH₂Cl₂ solution to give two polymorphs, i.e. prismatic and block‐shaped crystals as twisted 1,3‐alternate structures with S₄ and C₂ symmetry, respectively. These were previously suggested as the prefered stable conformations by density functional theory (DFT) calculations.     

Expanded Mercaptocalixarenes: A New Kind of Macrocyclic Ligands for Stabilization of Polynuclear Thiolate Clusters

The syntheses and properties of expanded 4-tert-butyl-mercaptocalix[4]arenes, in which the methylene linkers are replaced by −CH₂NRCH₂− or −CH₂NRCH₂− and −CH₂NRCH₂CH₂CH₂NRCH₂− units, are described. The new macrocycles were obtained in a step-wise manner, utilizing fully protected, i. e. S-alkylated, derivatives of the oxidation-sensitive thiophenols in the cyclisation steps. Reductive cleavage of the macrobicyclic or macrotricyclic intermediates ( 6 , 7 , 11 ) afforded the free thiophenols (H₄ 8 , H₄ 9 , and H₄ 12 ) in preparative yields as their hydrochloride salts. The protected proligands can exist in two conformations, resembling the “cone” and “1,3-alternate” conformations found for the parent calix[4]arenes. The free macrocycles do not show conformational isomerism, but are readily oxidized forming intramolecular disulfide linkages. Preliminary complexation experiments show that these expanded mercaptocalixarenes can serve as supporting ligands for tetranuclear thiolato clusters.     

Inclusion of p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene and its metal complexes

As a new member of the water‐soluble calixarene family, p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene possesses unique properties resulting from its inherent structural characteristics. In our recent research, we have investigated the self‐assembly of bowl‐like p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arenes with or without transition‐metal ions in the presence of suitable guests. We have obtained a series of compounds with different structural motifs, such as capsules, tetranuclear clusters, and molecular clefts. In addition, p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arenes show good inclusion abilities and can capture different guests by utilizing their hydrophobic cavities through supramolecular interactions. Even when a cone‐like conformation is fixed, the p‐sulfonatothiacalix[4]arene can also splay its opposite aromatic rings apart to adjust its cone‐like conformations from C_4v to C_2v and even lower symmetries. All of these show that it is a good candidate for the research of inclusion phenomena. © 2009 The Japan Chemical Journal Forum and Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Chem Rec 9: 155–168; 2009: Published online in Wiley InterScience ( www.interscience.wiley.com ) DOI 10.1002/tcr.200800033     

Molecular Recognition Properties of Biphen[4]arene

Biphen[n]arenes (n=3, 4) are a new family of macrocyclic hosts. Here, we describe the molecular recognition behavior of hydroxylated biphen[4]arene (OHBP4) for the first time. A series of cationic guests with different sizes and shapes, including quaternary ammonium salts ( 1? PF₆ and 2? PF₆), pyridinium‐based guests ( 3? 2 PF₆– 6? 2 PF₆), and cobaltocenium hexafluorophosphate ( 7? PF₆), were chosen as model guest molecules. OHBP4 exhibits good selectivity towards the 2,7‐dibutyldiazapyrenium bis(hexafluorophosphate) ( 4? 2 PF₆) axle to form a [2]pseudorotaxane‐type complex. In contrast, hydroxylated biphen[3]arene (OHBP3) cannot bind with this big guest. In addition, OHBP4 strongly interacts with adamantane derivative 2? PF₆ and cobaltocenium 7? PF₆, which have tridimensional shape and relatively large size. The association constant of the 7 ⁺?OHBP4 complex in 1:1 (v/v) [D₆]acetone/CD₂Cl₂ solution is up to 3100±300 m ^?1.     

Sulfur‐linked Phenolates as Ligands for the Syntheses of Low‐Nuclearity Iron(III) Complexes

Exploiting thiacalix 4 arene and sulfur‐bridged bisphenolates as ligands for bioinorganic studies involving iron(III) requires the prior development of synthetic routes (varying substituents and reaction conditions) to construct complexes with low nuclearities and accessible coordination sites, which was in the focus of this investigation. Treating p‐tert‐butylthiacalix 4 arene (H₄TC) and 1, 4‐dimethyl‐p‐tert‐butylthiacalix 4 arene (Me₂H₂TC) with Fe[N(SiMe₃)₂]₃ yielded in the formation of the iron(III) complexes [(Me₃SiTC)₂Fe₂] ( 1 ) and [(Me₂TC)₃Fe₂] ( 3 ), respectively. While 1 is a sandwich compound, in 3 one [Me₂TC]^2– unit is bridging two [Me₂TCFe]⁺ moieties. Employing thiobisphenolates as ligands it turned out, that in dependence on the residues R and the preparation method it is possible to selectively access sandwich, anionic or neutral complexes, which were shown to contain central high‐spin iron(III) atoms. The syntheses, structures, and electronic properties of three iron(III) bisphenolate complexes, [^ClL₂Fe]NEt₃H ( 4 ), [^MeLFeCl₂]NEt₃H ( 5 ), and [^tBuLFeCl(thf)] ( 7 ) are discussed.     

Analysis of Calix[4]arenes Using Nonaqueous Capillary Electrophoresis

In nonaqueous capillary electrophoresis (NACE), an organic solvent is used in place of an aqueous medium as the background solution to improve the solubility and selectivity for hydrophobic analytes. In this study, we employed NACE with UV detection for the analysis of eight calix[4]arenes. We examined the influence of several parameters—the buffer composition, the nonaqueous solvent‘s composition and proportion, and the concentration of the electrolyte of the nonaqueous buffer—on the efficiency of the electrophoretic separation. The separation was achieved through the analyte's different effective mobility via different degrees of deprotonation on the phenolic OH groups of the calix[4]arene. This deprotonation can further affect the analyte's ability to form a complex with the metal ion. The optimized background electrolyte (BGE), comprising a mixture of N‐methylformamide/acetonitrile (30:70, v/v) and 100 mM AcOH/20 mM NH₄OAc, provided rapid (<11 min) separation of the calix[4]arenes with good resolution. The relative standard deviations of the migration times for the eight analytes were all less than 1%. Within the calibration concentration range, the coefficients of determination (R²) were all greater than 0.9914. Thus, the present study demonstrated NACE can provide adequate separation for the analysis of calix[4]arenes.