Partially O-alkylated thiacalix[4]arenes: synthesis, molecular and crystal structures, conformational behavior

NMR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and quantum chemical calculations were used for conformational behavior study of partially alkylated thiacalix[4]arenes bearing methyl (1), ethyl (2), or propyl (3) groups at the lower rim. The conformational properties are governed by two basic effects: (i) stabilization by intramolecular hydrogen bonds, and (ii) sterical requirements of the alkoxy groups at the lower rim. While the monosubstituted derivatives 1a and 3a adopt the cone conformation in solution, distally disubstituted compounds 1b, 1'b, 2b, 2'b, 3b, and 3'b exhibit several interesting conformational features. They prefer pinched cone conformation in solution, and, except for 3'b, they form also 1,2-alternate conformation, which is flexible and undergoes rather fast transition between two identical structures. The crystal structures of the compounds 1b, 2b, 2'b, and 3b revealed yet quite rare 1,2-alternate conformation forming molecular channels held together by pi-pi interactions. Different channels-with hexagonal symmetry, 0.26 nm wide-are formed in the crystal structure of the pinched cone conformation of 3b. An uncommon hydrogen bonding pattern was found in dimethoxy and dipropoxy derivatives 1'b and 3'b that adopt distorted cone conformations in crystal. Trialkoxy-substituted compounds 1c and 3c adopt the partial cone conformation in solution. A higher mobility of methyl derivative 1c enables also existence of the cone conformer.     

Guanidine-equipped thiacalix[4]arenes: synthesis,interaction with DNA and aggregation properties

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Cyanocalix[4]arenes: synthesis,crystal structures and reactivity studies

Abstract

Herein, we describe an improved method to synthesise mono-, di- and tetra-cyanocalix[4]arene and report their crystal structure determinations. We also report our attempts to further functionalise the cyanocalix[4]arenes into dithiadiazolyl-calix[4]arenes, and propose a hypothesis as to why the cyano group on a calix[4]arene is an extremely challenging group to modify.     

Bis- and tetracalix[4]arenes in the partial cone conformation: synthesis, structure and RCM reactions

The synthesis, structure and ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reactions of polyether bridged biscalix[4]arenes 6 in the partial cone conformation with upper rim allyl substituents are reported. The RCM reaction modes depend on the length of polyether chain. Diethylene glycolic chain produced the dimer 7a and linear oligomer 7a′ with multi-cavities, whereas triethylene and tetraethylene glycolic chains allowed direct cyclization through intramolecular head-to-tail pattern to yield novel bridged biscalix[4]arenes 7b-c.     

Alkylation of thiacalix[4]arenes

Thiacalix[4]arenes were alkylated using procedures well established in ‘classical’ calixarene chemistry (PrI/K₂CO₃/acetone or PrI/NaH/DMF) to reveal conformational preferences in the thiacalixarene series. Surprisingly, the conformer distribution of tetraalkylated products is different from that of calix[4]arene. The 1,3-alternate conformers are well accessible in high yields (>60%) while the cone conformation forms only in very low yields (<20%). Moreover, the conformational outcome of the alkylation strongly depends on the upper rim substitution (tert-butyl versus H).     

Synthesis and complexation properties of carbonyl-containing thiacalix[4]arenes

Stereoisomers of thiacalix[4]arenes unsubstituted at the upper rim and containing four carbonyl fragments have been synthesized for the first time. Their structures were studied by 1D and 2D NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and mass spectrometry. The complexation properties of the macro-cycles toward alkaline metal cations were estimated by the picrate extraction method. The absence of the preorganization effect in the case of the thiacalixarenes unsubstituted at the upper rim is the main reason for the sharp decrease in their extraction ability. Published in Russian in Izvestiya Akademii Nauk. Seriya Khimicheskaya, No. 7, pp. 1448–1456, July, 2008.     

Stereoselective alkylation of thiacalix[4]arenes

A direct tetraalkylation of thiacalix[4]arenes using procedures well established in ‘classical’ calixarene chemistry usually gives the 1,3-alternate conformers as the main product (n-PrI/K₂CO₃/acetone) while the cone conformers are obtained only in very poor yields (n-PrI/NaH/DMF). Surprisingly, the so far almost inaccessible cone conformers can be prepared in high yields using the two-step procedure: dialkylation-dialkylation, opening the way for their further utilisation in supramolecular chemistry.     

Alkali-metalated forms of thiacalix[4]arenes

The alkali metal salts [TCALi4] (1), [TCANa4] (2), and [TCALK4] (3) of fully deprotonated p-tert-butyltetrathiacalix[4]arene (H(4)TCA) are readily available from the reactions of thiacalix[4]arene and n-BuLi, NaH, or KH as deprotonating reagents. Crystals of the sodium salts 2 and the potassium salt 3 suitable for X-ray diffraction were obtained in the form of the pyridine solvates [(TCA)2Na8.8py] (2.8py) and [(TCA)2K(8).8py] (3.8py). These molecules are dimers in the solid state but are structurally not related. In addition, the reaction of H(4)TCA and lithium hydroxide afforded the structurally characterized complex [(TCA)Li5(OH).4THF] (4). The molecular structure of 4 as well as the structures of 2.8py and 3.8py reveal a close relationship to the corresponding alkali metal salts of the calix[4]arenes.     

Anion binding by meta ureido-substituted thiacalix[4]arenes

The regioselective nitration of 25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxythiacalix[4]arene (1,3-alternate) led to the formation of mono- and dinitro derivatives bearing NO₂ groups in the meta positions at the same side of the molecule. Their reduction and subsequent condensation with arylisocyanates gave the new types of anion receptors with a so far unknown meta-substitution pattern. In a highly HB-competitive solvent like DMSO, the novel ligands showed good complexation abilities. Moreover, as can be documented by higher complexation constants, achiral receptors 9a, 9b are better preorganized for anion binding than corresponding stereoisomers 10a, 10b. Our results indicate that anion receptors based on meta-substituted thiacalixarenes possess complexation abilities fully comparable with common para-substituted analogues.     

Anion receptors based on ureido-substituted thiacalix[4]arenes and calix[4]arenes

The regioselective nitration of 25,27-dipropoxythiacalix[4]arene was carried out as a key step in the synthesis of thiacalix[4]arene derivative bearing two arylureido functions on the upper rim. The preorganisation of ureido units using the thiacalix[4]arene/calix[4]arene moieties as a molecular scaffold gave novel anion receptors. These compounds, albeit based on hydrogen bonding interactions, show good complexation ability even in highly HB-competitive solvent, such as DMSO. Direct comparison of otherwise identical structures 6a and 7a revealed remarkable dominance of the thiacalix[4]arene derivative over its classical analogue in anion binding.     

Upper rim substituted thiacalix[4]arenes

The synthesis and structure of new tetrahydroxythiacalix[4]arenes, existing in the cone conformation and possessing reactive bromide, chloromethyl or diorganylphosphoryl groups on the upper rim of the macrocycle are described. The molecular structure of tetrakis(diisopropoxyphosphorylmethyl)thiacalix[4]arene was examined by X-ray crystallography.     

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.     

Conformational behaviors of tetra-O-methylsulfinylcalix[4]arenes--an approach to control the conformation of thiacalix[4]arenes by oxidizing sulfur bridges

The conformational behaviors of all four stereoisomers [5(rctt), 5(rcct), 5(rtct), and 5(rccc)] of tetra-O-methylsulfinylcalix[4]arene were studied by the 1H NMR spectroscopic method. Variable-temperature (VT) NMR experiments of 5(rctt), 5(rcct), and 5(rtct) revealed that each compound adopted the same conformation as that in the crystals at low temperatures and exhibited a self-exchange between the two equivalent species of this conformation at elevated temperatures. The values of the activation enthalpy DeltaH for the self-exchange were similar (approximately 70 kJ mol-1). Further, the activation entropy DeltaS++ was more important for 5(rtct) (-40 J mol-1 K-1) than for 5(rctt) (-5 J mol-1 K-1) and 5(rcct) (-7 J mol-1 K-1); consequently, the exchange rate of 5(rtct) was 150-180 times less than that of the other isomers at 273 K. On the other hand, 5(rccc) was in an equilibrium state between cone and partial-cone conformers at 253 K with the molar ratio being 85:15, which was in reasonable agreement with the relative stability between the two conformers calculated by the ab initio molecular orbital method.     

Facile synthesis of oligophenylene-substituted calix[4]arenes and their enhanced binding properties

[reaction: see text] A facile and efficient protocol for the synthesis of oligophenylene OPP(n)-substituted calix[4]arenes (with n up to 4) via iodo-substituted oligoarylcalix[4]arenes has been developed. The cooperation effect of the proximate fluoroionophores in hexylsulfanyl end-capped OPP(n)-substituted calix[4]arene assemblies leads to metal ion binding enhancement.     

Synthesis and complexation properties towards metal ions of new tri-substituted thiacalix[4]arenes

New thiacalix[4]arenes appended with three amide functions have been prepared. Their conformations have been solved thanks to ¹H NMR 2D correlation spectroscopy (COSY) and nuclear overhauser and exchange spectroscopy (NOESY). The complexation ability of these ligands towards various metal ions (Cd^2 + , Pb^2 + , Pd^2 + , Ni^2 + , Hg^2 + , Hg⁺, Ag⁺, Zn^2 +  and Cu^2 + ) has been investigated by the UV–vis absorption and the stoichiometry of the metal–ligand complexes was determined.     

Simple synthesis of calix[4]arenes in a 1,2-alternate conformation

The least accessible calix[4]arene conformers-1,2-alternates-can be very easily prepared using a proximal dialkylation and subsequent peralkylation reaction sequence.     

Synthesis and conformational behaviour of lower-rim tetraacetylated thiacalix[4]arenes

The acylation of thiacalix[4]arenes with AcCl or Ac₂O gave the corresponding lower-rim tetraacetoxy derivatives. In contrast to classical calix[4]arenes, tetraacetylated thiacalix[4]arenes are conformationally mobile in solution and represent a thermodynamic equilibrium of three different conformers at room temperature. As proven by a dynamic ¹H NMR study, conformational preferences of acetylated thiacalix[4]arenes considerably depend on the upper-rim substitution. Hence, t-Bu thiacalixarene prefers 1,3-alternate and 1,2-alternate conformations (43% and 38%, respectively), while the upper-rim unsubstituted compound adopts preferably the partial cone conformation (70%).     

Synthesis and fluorescent properties of thiacalix[4]arenes containing terpyridyl fragments at the lower rim

New thiacalix[4]arenes tetrasubstituted by terpyridyl fragments at the lower rims in the 1,3-alternate stereoisomeric form were synthesized. The molecules interact with Eu^III and Tb^III in the DMF solution to form highly luminescent nanoscale (21–26 nm) metal-organic structures with the 2: 1 metal-to-ligand stoichiometry and a narrow particle size distribution.     

Synthesis,X-ray crystal structure and cation binding properties of a tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene tetraester

Treatment ofp-t-butyltetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene with ethyl bromoacetate yields a tetraester derivative (4) whose crystal and molecular structure have been determined and whose ion binding properties have been assessed by phase transfer and stability constant measurements. Colorless transparent triclinic crystals (obtained from methoxyethanol) C₆₂H₈₄O₁₄,a = 10.347(2),b = 11.583(2),c = 13.448(3) Å, = 72.04(2), = 86.50(2)°, = 81.23(2)°, space group ,Z = 1, MoK radiation = 0.70930 Å. Refinement was carried out using 2221 reflections withI > 1.5(I). The complexation properties resemble those of calix[6]arene hexaester (6), although weaker, with a preference for the larger alkali cations. Ca²⁺ and Ba²⁺; though not extracted, are more strongly complexed than alkali cations. Eu³⁺ is better complexed than Na⁺.Supplementary Data relating to this article are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82106 (22 pages) and at the Cambridge Crystallographic Data Centre, University Chemical Laboratory, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 9EW, U.K.     

Para-acylcalix[6]arenes: their synthesis, per-O-functionalisation, solid-state structures and interfacial assembly properties

The para-acylcalix[6]arenes bearing butanoyl, hexanoyl and octanoyl chains have been synthesized by Friedel–Crafts acylation of the parent calixarene. Persubstitution at the phenolic face was achieved to yield the methoxy-diethoxy, ethoxycarbonylmethoxy, methoxycarboxylic acid and butoxysulphonate derivatives. In the case of the derivatives, 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-octanoyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexa-methoxy-diethoxy-calix[6]arene, 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-butanoyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexaethoxycarbonyl methoxy-calix[6]arene and 5,11,17,23,29,35-hexa-octanoyl-37,38,39,40,41,42-hexaethoxycarbonyl methoxy-calix[6]arene the solid state structures were determined and show inclusion of two ester groups in the cavity. While for the para-acylcalix[6]arenes no stable monolayers can be formed at the air–water interface, stable monolayers are formed with the methoxy-diethoxy, ethoxycarbonylmethoxy, methoxycarboxylato compounds which show apparent molecular areas in the range 150–200 Å² depending on the length of the acyl chains.