Bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane Embedded in Porphyrinoids**

We report a two-step approach to obtain synthetically versatile bicyclo[1.1.1]pentane (BCP) derivatives using Grignard reagents. This method allows the incorporation of BCP units in tetrapyrrolic macrocycles and the synthesis of a new class of calix[4]pyrrole analogues by replacing two bridging methylene groups with two BCP units. In addition, a doubly N-confused system was also formed in the presence of electron-withdrawing substituents at the BCP bridgeheads. The pyrrole rings in BCP containing macrocycles exist in 1,3-alternate or αβαβ conformations, as observed from single-crystal X-ray diffraction analyses and 2D NMR spectroscopy.     

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.     

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.     

Conformational features and anion-binding properties of calix[4]pyrrole: a theoretical study

The conformational preference of calix[4]pyrrole and its fluoride and chloride anion-binding properties have been investigated by density functional theory calculations. Geometries were optimized by the BLYP/3-21G and BLYP/6-31G methods, and energies were evaluated with the BLYP/6-31+G method. To model the effect of medium, the SCIPCM solvent model was also employed. Four typical conformations of the parent substituent-free calix[4]pyrrole were studied. Both in the gas phase and in CH(2)Cl(2) solution, the stability sequence is predicted to be 1,3-alternate > partial cone > 1,2-alternate > cone. The cone conformation is predicted to be about 16.0 and 11.4 kcal/mol less stable in the gas phase and CH(2)Cl(2) solution, respectively. This is mainly due to electrostatic repulsions arising from the all-syn pyrrole/pyrrole/pyrrole/pyrrole arrangement present in this conformer. The existence of possible 1:1 and 1:2 anion-binding modes were explored in the case of fluoride anion, and the factors favoring the 1:1 binding mode are discussed. The calculated binding energy for fluoride anion is about 15 kcal/mol larger than that for chloride anion. The calculated binding energy for chloride anion agrees with the experimental value very well. The presence of meso-alkyl substituents destabilizes the cone conformer with respect to the 1,3-alternate conformer and, therefore, reduces the anion-binding affinity by 3-4 kcal/mol. The strength of N-H- - -anion hydrogen bonds in the various structures subject to study were estimated on the basis of the calculated anion-binding energies and the predicted structural deformation energies of substituent-free calix[4]pyrrole.     

Calix[6]pyrrole and hybrid calix[n]furan[m]pyrroles (n+m=6): syntheses and host-guest chemistry

Calix[6]pyrrole 2 and the "hybrid systems" calix[3]furan[3]pyrrole 12, calix[2]furan[4]pyrrole 13, and calix[1]furan[5]pyrrole 14, have been synthesized by increasing conversion of the furan units present in the readily accessible calix[6]furan 3 to pyrroles. The host-guest chemistry of these novel macrocycles towards a number of anions, including halogen ions, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, and cyanide has been investigated in solution by (1)H NMR titration techniques and/or phase transfer experiments. The solid-state structures of the free receptors 2, 12, and 13, the 1:1 complexes of calix[6]pyrrole 2 with chloride and bromide, and the 1:1 complex of 14 with chloride are also reported.     

Tetra-TTF calix[4]pyrrole: a rationally designed receptor for electron-deficient neutral guests

A calix[4]pyrrole incorporating four appended tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units has been synthesized, and its receptor abilities toward neutral electron-deficient guests, such as 1,3,5-trinitrobenzene, tetrafluoro-p-benzoquinone, and tetrachloro-p-benzoquinone, have been studied in solution by UV-vis and 1H NMR spectroscopies as well as in the solid-state by X-ray crystallography. In its 1,3-alternate conformation a 1:2 sandwich-like complex-stabilized by charge transfer and hydrogen bonding interactions-is formed between the tetra-TTF calix[4]pyrrole and the guest molecules. However, upon addition of chloride ions to the complex the 1,3-alternate conformation is changed in favor of a cone conformation which serves to effect a release of the guests from the tetra-TTF calix[4]pyrrole.     

Triptycene-derived oxacalixarenes as new wheels for the synthesis of [2]rotaxanes: acid-base- and metal-ion-switchable complexation processes

A pair of triptycene-derived oxacalixarenes, 1a and 1b, containing two naphthyridine subunits have been synthesized by a convenient one-pot approach. Macrocycles 1a and 1b are diastereomers, with 1a being a cis isomer with a boat-like 1,3-alternate conformation and 1b being a trans isomer with a curved boat-like conformation in the solid state. Both 1a and 1b have fixed conformations in solution at room temperature, as revealed by variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy experiments. It was found that oxacalixarenes 1a and 1b could both form 1:1 [2]pseudorotaxane-type complexes with paraquat derivatives with different functional groups in solution and in the solid state, which resulted in the further synthesis of a pair of novel isomeric [2]rotaxanes. Moreover, the controlled dethreading and rethreading processes of the [2]pseudorotaxanes were also easily achieved by acid-base stimuli or Hg(2+) association/dissociation.     

ansa-Metallocene-based cyclic[2]pyrroles

Syntheses and X-ray structural analyses of ansa-metallocene-based cyclic[2]pyrroles are described. The pyrrole units in the macrocycles adopt partial 1,2-alternate conformation in the solid state.     

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.     

Exploring the dynamics of calix[4]pyrrole: effect of solvent and fluorine substitution

Molecular dynamics simulations show that calix[4]pyrrole (CP) and octafluorocalix[4]pyrrole (8F-CP) are extremely flexible molecules. CP mainly adopts the 1,3-alternate conformation in all the solvents, although the percentage of alternative conformations increases in polar solvents, especially those with good hydrogen-bonding acceptor properties. However, in the case of 8F-CP, the cone conformation is the most populated in some solvents. Transitions between conformers are common and fast, and both CP and 8F-CP can adopt the cone conformation needed for optimum interaction with anions more easily than would be predicted on the basis of previous gas-phase calculations. Furthermore, the present studies show that when a fluoride anion is specifically placed initially in close proximity to CP and 8F-CP in their respective 1,3-alternate conformations, an extremely fast change to the cone conformation is observed in both cases. The results suggest that preorganization does not represent a major impediment to anion-binding for either CP or 8F-CP, and that ion-induced conformational changes can follow different mechanisms depending on the solvent and the chemical substituents present on the calix[4]pyrrole beta-pyrrolic positions.     

Synthesis of cone, partial-cone, and 1,3-alternate 25, 27-Bis

The preparation of 25,27-bis[1-(2-ethyl)hexyl]- and 25, 27-bis[1-(2-tert-butoxy)ethyl]calix[4]arene-crown-6 combining one polyether crown-6 and one alkylchain O-attached on each side of a calix[4]arene in the cone, partial-cone, and 1,3-alternate conformations are reported. The control over 25, 27-bisalkylcalix[4]arene-crown-6 conformation via varying specific reaction conditions was studied. The series of calix[4]arenes have been prepared by two routes, which differ in the order in which the alkyl or polyether groups were introduced. Moreover, methods have been developed to selectively prepare the cone and partial-cone conformers by using an appropriate base in the alkylation reactions. The conformations of these new derivatives have been probed by (1)H NMR analysis and X-ray crystallography. The (1)H and (13)C NMR spectra of 25,27-bis[1-(2-ethyl)hexyl]calix[4]arene-crown-6, 1, 3-alternate 1, cone 2, and partial-cone 3 are also discussed.     

Impact of multiple cation-pi interactions upon calix[4]arene substrate binding and specificity

The cation-pi interaction influence on the conformation and binding of calix[4]arenes to alkali-metal cations has been studied using a dehydroxylated model. The model allows for the separation of cooperative cation-pi and electrostatic forces commonly found in the binding motifs found in calixarene complexes. Starting from the four well-known calix[4]arene conformations, six conformers for this dehydroxylated model (cone, partial cone, flattened cone, chair, 1,2-alternate, and 1,3-alternate) have been characterized by geometry optimization and frequency analysis using the Becke three-parameter exchange functional with the nonlocal correlation functional of Lee, Yang, and Parr and the 6-31G(d) basis set. Without the stabilization provided by the hydroxyl hydrogen bonds in calix[4]arene, neither the cone nor the 1,2-alternate conformation is computed to be a ground-state structure. The partial cone, flattened cone, chair, and 1,3-alternate conformers have been identified as ground-state structures in a vacuum, with the partial cone and the 1,3-alternate as the lowest energy minima in the aromatic model. The C(4)(v)() cone conformation is found to be a transition structure separating the flattened cone (C(2)(v)()) conformers. The energetic and structural preferences of the calix[4]arene model change dramatically when it is bound to Li(+), Na(+), and K(+). The number of pi-faces, the positioning of these pi-faces with respect to the cations, and the nature of the cation were studied as factors in the binding strength. A detailed study of the distances and angles between the aromatic ring centroids and the cations reveals the energetic advantages of multiple weak cation-pi interactions. The geometries are often far from the optimal cation-pi interaction in which the cation approaches in a perpendicular path the aromatic ring center, where the quadrupole moment is strongest. The results reveal that multiple weaker nonoptimal cation-pi interactions contribute significantly to the overall binding strength. This theoretical analysis underscores the importance of neighboring aromatic faces and provides new insight into the significance of cation-pi binding, not only for calix[4]arenes, but also for other supramolecular and biological systems.     

A general and high yielding fragment coupling synthesis of heteroatom-bridged calixarenes and the unprecedented examples of calixarene cavity fine-tuned by bridging heteroatoms

A number of aza- and/or oxo-bridged calix[2]arene[2]triazines have been synthesized through an unusually high yielding and efficient fragment coupling approach starting from cyanuric chloride and resorcinol, 3-aminophenol, m-phenylenediamine, and N,N'-dimethyl-m-phenylenediamine. These novel macrocycles, which belong to the next generation of calixarenes or cyclophanes, form a unique cavity that is resulted from two isolated benzene planes and two bis-heteroatom-conjugated triazine planes in a 1,3-alternate fashion. The nature of the bridging heteroatoms, i.e., combination of the electronic, conjugative, and steric effects of the nitrogen and oxygen atoms, strongly regulates the cavity size, generating a set of fine-tuned cavities in which the distance between two benzene rings at the upper rim ranges from 5.011 to 7.979 A. The multiple intermolecular hydrogen bond interactions among N,N'-dimethylated tetraazacalix[2]arene[2]triazines and among tetraazacalix[2]arene[2]triazines lead to the formation of infinite one-dimensional chain structure and two-dimensional zigzag layered structure, respectively, in the solid state. The ease of preparation and further chemical manipulations, and the readily tunable cavity structures render these aza- and/or oxo-bridged calix[2]arene[2]triazines the unique platforms in the study of supramolecular chemistry.     

Synthesis and conformational studies on hexa-O-alkyl p-unsubstituted calix[6]arenes

[structure: see text] In this article we describe the selective O-benzylation of para-unsubstituted calix[6]arene 1 in rings 1 and 4 (2a-c) and the subsequent alkylation of phenol groups with alpha-haloesters (methyl esters 3a, 3c, and 3e; tert-butyl esters 3b, 3d, and 3f) to determine the effect of these groups on their conformational behavior. 2D NMR studies at 188 K reveal that compounds 2a-c, 3b, 3d, and 3f are less flexible, showing a 1,2,3-alternate conformation. The same conformation has been observed in the solid state.     

Modular assembly of a preorganised, ditopic receptor for dicarboxylates

Two types of calix[4]arene derived hosts for anions with, respectively, 1,3-alternate and cone conformations have been prepared; the 1,3-alternate system binds dicarboxylate anions in a ditopic manner while the cone compounds are deprotonated by carboxylates.     

Tri- and pentacalix[4]pyrroles: synthesis, characterization and their use in the extraction of halide salts

Calixpyrrole-based oligomeric compounds were synthesized by "click chemistry" from the corresponding alkyne- and azide-functionalized calix[4]pyrroles. Calix[4]pyrrole 3, possessing an alkyne functional group, was prepared through a mixed condensation of pyrrole with acetone and but-3-ynyl 4-oxopentanoate. Another alkyne-group-containing calix[4]pyrrole 5 was obtained by treatment of 4'-hydroxyphenyl-functionalized calixpyrrole 4 with propargyl bromide. Tetrakis(azidopentyl)-functionalized calix[4]pyrrole 7 was synthesized by reacting NaN(3) with tetrabromopentyltetraethylcalix[4]pyrrole 6, which was prepared through a condensation reaction of pyrrole and 7-bromohept-2-one. Oligomeric calixpyrrole compounds were found to be capable of extracting tetrabutylammonium chloride and fluoride salts from aqueous media. Extraction abilities of the oligomeric compounds were monitored by NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis.     

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.     

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.     

Phosphorus-based p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene ligands

New calix[5]arene trivalent phosphorus derivatives have been synthesized which should be excellent ligands with which to study and control the interaction of a ligand atom with a metal. The larger cavity of the calix[5]arene (compared to calix[4]arene) provides a good balance between constraint and flexibility. Treatment of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene with 2 equiv of either tris(dimethylamino)phosphine or dichlorophenylphosphine inserts two RP moieties into the calix[5]arene framework to give calix[5](PR)2(OH) (1, R = Me2N; 2, R = Ph). Further treatment of 1 with 4 equiv of HCl gives calix[5](PCl)2(OH) (3). Heating a solution of the monophosphorus compound calix[5](PNMe2)(OH)3 (4) releases dimethylamine to yield both monomeric calix[5](P)(OH)2 (6) and dimeric [calix[5](P)(OH)2](2) (7), the latter having a tubelike geometry. X-ray crystallographic studies confirm the structures and show that 1 and 2 have approximate cone conformations while 3 has an approximate 1,2-alternate conformation. The orientations of the phosphorus lone pairs and oxygen atoms in all derivatives provide a framework for both soft and hard ligand interactions within the calix[5]arene.     

Synthesis, NMR, X-ray structural analyses and complexation studies of new Ag selective calix[4]arene based dipodal hosts—a co-complexation of neutral and charged species

New podands based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene unit with substitution at the lower rim incorporating imine units, have been synthesized in high yield by simple condensation method. These podands have been shown to extract and transport Ag⁺ selectively over alkali, alkaline earth metal cations, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, from neutral aqueous phase to organic phase. In all the ligands the calix unit has been found to be present in a cone conformation except for the one having pyridine as end group, at the ortho position. It has been isolated in two conformations; cone and 1,2-alternate. To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first 1,3-lower rim substituted calix[4]arene to exist in a 1,2-alternate conformation and is among a few known compounds with this conformation in the general class of calix[4]arenes. A complex of this ligand, which happens to be the highest extractant of Ag⁺ has been isolated and characterized using mass, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy's and elemental analysis. The spectroscopic evidence and molecular modelling studies performed on the complex suggest a participation of the imine and pyridine nitrogens and two of the ether oxygens in coordination to the metal ion. The X-ray crystal structures of three of the ligands establish the formation of inclusion complexes with polar acetonitrile solvent molecules. The ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectra of all the compounds, taken in CDCl₃, show the presence of acetonitrile molecules in the cavity of the calix[4]arene, indicating inclusion of the neutral guest molecules in the solution phase as well. For one of the podands X-ray crystal structure has shown a formation of clatharate complex of chloroform with the ligand which has rarely been found in the case of calix[4]arenes.