Ipso-chlorosulfonylation of calixarenes: a powerful tool for the selective functionalization of the large rim

In our quest for the elaboration of supramolecular models of metallo-enzyme active sites, we became interested in developing new methodologies for the selective functionalization of the large rim of calix[6]arenes. Here, we describe a novel reaction, i.e. the ipso-chlorosulfonylation of calixarene derivatives. The process has been found to be highly efficient, selective and versatile. The regioselectivity is controlled by the nature of the O-substituents at the small rim. Indeed, when O-alkylated by a protonable imidazole group, the aromatic rings are deactivated toward an electrophilic attack and the anisol units can be selectively ipso-chlorosulfonylated under mild conditions (rt). Performing the reaction at a higher temperature allowed the per-chlorosulfonylation to take place. Hence, the synthesis of various sulfonate and sulfonamide derivatives is reported. Finally, a combination of ipso-nitration and chlorosulfonylation allows the per-functionalization of the aromatic units at the large rim in selective alternate positions. Overall, this novel methodology opens new routes to a variety of calixarenes, allowing the tuning of their physical properties without drastically altering their hydrophobic conic cavities.     

Lower-RIM Polyphosphorylated Calix[4]arenes. Their Use as Extracting Agents for Thorium (IV) and Europium (III) Ions

The extraction of thorium (IV) and europium (III) ions from aqueous nitrate media (1 M nitric acid and sodium nitrate) using six p-tert -butylcalix[4]arene derivatives bearing phosphine oxide units (--CH 2 P(O)Ph 2 ) anchored at the lower rim has been investigated at 25°;C. All ligands display higher extracting properties toward thorium than europium ions. The number and position on the lower rim of the ligating groups play a crucial role in the extraction process, the highest extraction percentages being in each case achieved with the tetra-phosphorylated calixarene. In the presence of sodium nitrate the extraction percentages are considerably higher than those obtained in the presence of nitric acid.     

Calixarenes in a membrane environment: a monolayer study on the miscibility of three p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene beta-lactam derivatives with 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine

Literature data indicate that some calixarene derivatives with antimicrobial activities may be useful as drugs; one of the aspects of the biological activity of different classes of antibiotics concerns interactions with lipid membranes. Here, the possibility of incorporation and/or translocation of three amphiphilic p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives across membranes was studied using lipid monolayers. The derivatives used have 6-aminopenicillanic acid or benzylpenicillin moieties grafted in alternate positions at the calixarene lower rim; 1,2-dimyristoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphoethanolamine (DMPE), a model bacterial membrane lipid, was used to prepare the monolayers. The miscibility of calixarene-antibiotic conjugates with lipid films was studied using surface pressure and surface potential measurements, as well as Brewster angle microscopy. The results obtained show that the miscibility is significantly different for the 6-aminopenicillanic acid and the two benzylpenicillin derivatives. Molecular modeling allowed the assessment of the lowest energy conformations of the calixarene derivatives and gave more insight into the interactions with the DMPE films.     

Tricalixarenes and pentacalixarenes: synthesis and complexation studies

Tricalix[4]arene 4, tricalix[5]arene 14, and pentacalix[4]arene 10 have been synthesized from O-alkylcalixarene mono- and dialdehydes by a two-step conversion to the corresponding monoethynyl ketones or diethynyl ketones followed by aryne trimerization in refluxing DMF containing a dialkylamine. The tricalixarenes 4 and 14 were converted, in turn, to calixarenes 6 and 16, which carry OH groups on the lower rim and methylenes as the bridging moieties to the benzene ring. Complexation studies with the tricalix[5]arene 16 show that it forms (a) a 1:3 complex with N,N-dimethylethylenediamine in which each calixarene unit contains a molecule of the amine, (b) a 1:1 complex with tris(aminomethyl)amine in which each calixarene unit contains one of the three arms of the guest, and (c) a 1:1 complex with C60 in which the guest presumably resides in the cavity provided by the three calixarene units acting cooperatively.     

Complexation of calix[4]arenehydroxymethylphosphonic acids with amino acids. Binding constants determination of the complexes by HPLC method

Host–Guest complexation process of calixarenehydroxymethylphosphonic acids with 10 amino acids in solution H₂O/MeCN (99:1) had been studied. Binding constants of the inclusion complexes from the dependence between capacity factors of the Guest and the calixarene-Host concentration in the mobile phase had been calculated. It was shown the binding constants depend on the nature of the amino acid residue, conformation of the calixarene skeleton, quantity of phosphoryl groups at the upper rim. In accordance with molecular calculation the complexation is determined by the electrostatic interactions between the positively charged nitrogen atom of amino acid and the negatively charged oxygen atom of phosphonic group of calixarene molecule, hydrogen bonds, π–π, CH–π and solvatophobic, interactions.     

Calixarene-based metalloporphyrins: molecular tweezers for complexation of DABCO

We investigated the formation of host-guest complexes between zinc porphyrins covalently attached to calixarenes via amidic bonds and a small bidentate ligand bearing two nitrogen atoms. Depending upon the calixarene structure (S vs CH₂ bridges), the ligand 1,4-diazabicyclo[2.2.2]octane (DABCO) is complexed by metalloporphyrin units by two different ways. While the thiacalix[4]arene prefers an intramolecularly closed cavity with a binding constant of (1.0±0.1)×10⁷ M⁻¹ in CHCl₃ at 294 K (stoichiometry 1:1), the classical calix[4]arene forms a complex by ligation of both porphyrin units separately (stoichiometry 2:1). The differences observed can be rationalized in terms of cavity size and the preorganization due to intramolecular hydrogen bonding of the calixarene lower rim.     

Molybdocalixarene structure control via rim deprotonation. synthesis, characterization, and crystal structures of calix[4]arene Mo(VI) monooxo complexes and calix[4]arene alkali metal/Mo(VI) dioxo complexes

We report a series of calix[4]arene Mo(VI) dioxo complexes M2RC4MoO2 (M = alkali metal, R = H or Bu(t)) that were fully characterized by NMR, X-ray, IR, UV/vis, and elemental analysis. Molybdocalix[4]arene structures can be controlled via lower rim deprotonation, groups at para positions of calix[4]arene, and alkali metal counterions. Mono deprotonation at the lower rim leads to calix[4]arene Mo(VI) monooxo complexes RC4MoO (R = H, Bu(t), or allyl), and full deprotonation gives rise to calix[4]arene Mo(VI) dioxo complexes. Structural studies indicate that HC4 Mo(VI) dioxo complexes easily form polymeric structures via cation-pi interaction and coordination between different calixarene units. However, Bu(t)C4 Mo(VI) dioxo complexes tend to form dimers or tetramers due to steric hindrance of the tert-butyl groups at para positions in calixarene. The structures of the reduced side products A and C were determined by X-ray diffraction studies. The mechanism of RC4MoO formation from the reaction of calixarene monoanions with MoO2Cl2 appears to include the addition of a calixarene -OH group across a Mo=O bond.     

Unusual stoichiometry of urea-derivatized calix[4]arenes induced by anion complexation

Calix[4]arenes bearing two p-nitrophenyl-ureido functions at the upper rim are effective anion binders. The stoichiometry of complexation depends on the substitution pattern (distal vs proximal) and anion concentration. While the distally substituted receptor forms 1:1 complexes with anions, the corresponding proximal derivative prefers the 2:1 stoichiometry (calixarene:anion) under identical conditions.     

Bis-calix[4]arenes bridged by an electroactive tetrathiafulvalene unit

Syntheses of the first bis-calixarenes systems bridged by a tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) framework 5a,b have been carried out in good yields through triethyl phosphite-mediated dechalcogenation-dimerizations of the corresponding 1,3-dithiole-2-(thi)ones 3 or 4. X-ray structures of the calix[4]arene-TTF-calix[4]arene assembly 5b and of the calix[4]arene-thione intermediate 3b are analyzed and confirm the cone conformations adopted by the calix[4]arene parts, as it is also observed by (1)H NMR analysis of these systems. The solid-state organization in 5b leads to alternate layers of calixarene and TTF units. The cyclic voltammograms of 5a,b show as expected a two-step redox behavior but display a CV deformation for the second redox process.     

Surface enhanced vibrational (IR and Raman) spectroscopy in the design of chemosensors based on ester functionalized p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene hosts

Surface-enhanced IR (SEIR) and Raman scattering (SERS) have been employed to study the adsorption of ester functionalized tert-butyl calix[4]arenes on Ag and Au nanostructured surfaces as well as their complexes with pyrene. The influence of adsorption and complexation with pyrene on the host calixarene structure was tested for two different calixarene molecules bearing carboethoxy groups (CH(3)CH(2)COOCH(2)-) in the low rim at positions 1,3- and 1,2,3,4-. The results obtained with SEIR were compared to those obtained with SERS, to better understand the interaction mechanism of the studied calixarenes with the metallic surfaces and the ligand as well as to investigate the structure/selectivity relationship of these two surface techniques in the analysis of recognition problems in which these ester functionalized calixarene molecules are involved.     

Hydrogen-bonding effects in calix

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of self-assembling calix[4]arene based capsules 1a.1a and 1b.1b are described. These compounds feature four urea substituents at the upper rims and four secondary amide fragments at the lower rims that can participate in inter- and intramolecular hydrogen bonding in apolar solution. Communication between the calixarene rims in 1a, b influences the self-assembled cavity's size and shape. Specifically. dimerization results in a perfect cone conformation of the calixarene skeleton in 1a, b and stabilizes a seam of intramolecular amide C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds at the lower rim. This seam is cycloenantiomeric, with either clockwise or counterclockwise arrangements of the head-to-tail amides. Complexation of Na+-cation breaks hydrogen bonds at the lower rim but maintains the capsular assembly. Encapsulation properties of 1a.1a and 1b.1b were studied in nonpolar solvents and their binary mixtures as well as through heterodimerization experiments. The presence of amide groups at the lower rim causes notable differences in the capsule's binding affinities when compared to the corresponding tetraester capsules 1c.1c and 1d.1d. In the monomeric state calixarenes 1a, b are in a pinched cone conformation. The solid state X-ray crystallographic studies with monomeric 1a reveal only two intramolecular C=O...H-N hydrogen bonds between the adjacent amides at the lower rim, and an extensive network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between urea groups at the upper rim.     

Adsorption of n-butanol from dilute aqueous solution with grafted calixarenes

Materials were synthesized for the recovery of n-butanol from dilute aqueous solutions, as may be useful for applications in biofuel-water separations. These materials are composed of hydrophobic, cavity-containing calixarenes covalently bound directly to porous, hydrophilic silica supports through a Si linker atom rather than a flexible organic linker, as is common, at surface coverages of up to ～0.25 calixarenes/nm(2) (～250 μmol calix/g matl). The calixarene ring size, upper rim groups, bridging group (calixarene vs thiacalixarene), and surface density were varied. The materials were characterized by NMR, UV-vis, and TGA. The absolute butanol uptake reached ～0.16 mmol butanol per gram of material at equilibrium concentrations below 0.12 M and increased monotonically with the calixarene surface density. The background adsorption onto the silica surface was small at high calixarene loading. At 298 K, the free energy of adsorption in the calixarene cavities became more favorable by 3 kJ/mol as the surface area of the hydrophobic calixarene upper rim groups increased from H to methyl to tert-butyl, consistent with adsorption driven by van der Waals interactions. A thiacalix[4]arene-SiO(2) material, containing polarizable sulfur bridges and a larger, more conformationally mobile calixarene structure, had slightly stronger adsorption still. All materials except this thiacalixarene exhibited fully reversible adsorption into solution. As a representative material, the adsorption of n-butanol from aqueous solution at a tert-butylcalix[4]arene site was accompanied by a negligible enthalpy change but a small, favorable entropy change of +50 ± 20 J/mol/K, indicating that adsorption is driven by desolvation. Butanol desorbed from tert-butylcalix[4]arene materials at ～150 °C into the gas phase, well within the range of stability of calixarenes (<300 °C), indicating that these materials have promise as regenerable adsorbents.     

Novel Synthesis of p‐t‐Butylcalix[n]arenes Bearing Ethylene Glycol Ether Chains

Abstract

An approach for the synthesis of calixarene derivatives 3a–d, which contain ethylene glycol ether units at the lower rim in moderate yields, is described. The above compounds have been achieved by treating p‐Butylcalix[n]arenes 1a–b (n = 6, 8) with chloroacetate 2a–b of 2‐methoxyethanol and 2‐(2‐butoxyethoxy)ethanol in the system of K₂CO₃/KI/acetone.     

First C3v-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown

The first C(3v)-symmetrical calix[6](aza)crown 8 has been obtained in five steps from X(6)H(3)Me(3) 3. The key-step introduction of the triple bridge at the small rim has been achieved through reaction of a tris-arylsulfonamide derivative of tren 1 and tris-tosylcalix[6]arene 6. A (1)H NMR study has shown that the tripodal cap rigidifies the whole edifice, preventing ring inversion and constraining the calixarene core in a straight cone conformation.     

Supramolecular control of hetero-multinuclear polytopic binding of metal ions (Zn(II), Cu(I)) at a single calix[6]arene-based scaffold

A Calix[6]arene scaffold was functionalized to provide a tridentate binding site at the small rim and three bidentate chelate sites at the large rim of the cone to generate a heteropolytopic ligand. Its complexation to one equivalent of Zn(II) at the small rim yields a funnel complex displaying both host-guest properties and preorganization of the three chelate groups at the large rim. These two aspects allowed the full control of the binding events to regioselectively form dinuclear Zn(II) and heteropolynuclear Zn(II)/Cu(I) complexes. The heteropolynuclear systems all rely on the host-guest relationship thanks to the induced-fit behavior of the calix cavity. With the short guest MeCN, the large rim is preorganized into a trigonal tris-triazole core and accommodates a single Cu(I) ion. A long guest breaks this spatial arrangement, and three Cu(I) ions can then be bound at the tris-bidentate triazole-dimethylamine site at the large rim. In a noncoordinating solvent however, the tetranuclear complex is submitted to scrambling and the addition of exogenous π-acceptor ligands is required to control the binding of Cu(I) in a well-defined environment. Hindrance selectivity was then induced by the accessibility at the small rim site. Indeed, while CO can stabilize Cu(I) at both coordination sites, PPh(3) cannot fit into the cavity and forces Cu(I) to relocate at the large rim. The resulting well-defined symmetrical tetranuclear complex thus arises from the quite remarkable selective supramolecular assembly of nine partners (1 Zn(II), 3 Cu(I), 1 calixarene, 1 guest alkylamine, 3 PPh(3)).     

Phosphorylated Aminoacetal in the Synthesis of New Acyclic,Cyclic, and Heterocyclic Polyphenol Structures

New phosphorylated aminoacetal has been synthesized by the Kabachnik–Fields reaction; its reactivity has been studied in acid‐catalyzed condensation with linear polyphenols (2‐methylresorcinol, resorcinol, pyrogallol) and the Mannich reaction with macrocyclic polyphenol (calix[4]resorcinol). It has been determined for the first time that acid‐catalyzed reaction of phosphorus‐containing acetal with resorcinol and its derivatives in ethanol in the presence of hydrochloric acid gives new phosphorylated piperazines in addition to the compounds of diarylmethane series. Condensation of macrocyclic polyphenol (calix[4]resorcinol) with formaldehyde and N‐((dihexylphosphoryl)methyl)‐2, 2‐dimethoxyethylamine (the Mannich reaction) has resulted in novel tetrasubstituted calixarene containing aminophosphine oxide and acetal groups on the “upper rim” of molecule.     

Synthesis and structure of [2-oxo(thioxo)tetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl]calix[4]arenes

Cone-shaped di- and tetrapropoxycalix[4]arenes functionalized at the upper rim with one or two 2-oxo(thioxo)tetrahydropyrimidine residues were synthesized by the Biginelli reaction of formylcalixarenes with urea (thiourea) and methyl acetoacetate. The steric structure of the products was studied by NMR and X-ray diffraction. The Biginelli reaction with dipropoxyformylcalixarene was diastereoselective, and it quantitatively produced the corresponding meso form. Tetrapropoxydiformylcalixarenes under analogous conditions gave rise to equimolar mixtures of racemic and meso compounds. The macrocyclic skeleton of the synthesized pyrimidine-containing calixarenes in crystal and in solution has a flattened cone conformation. (5-Methoxycarbonyl-2-oxotetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl)calixarene molecules in crystal undergo self-organization to form infinite chains via repeated inclusion of the methoxy group into the cavity of the neighboring macrocycle. Selforganization of bis(5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxotetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl)calixarene with formation of analogous chains involves intermolecular hydrogen bonding NH ... O=C.     

Polarizing a hydrophobic cavity for the efficient binding of organic guests: the case of calix[6]tren, a highly efficient and versatile receptor for neutral or cationic species

The host-guest properties of calix[6]tren 1 have been evaluated. The receptor is based on a calix[6]arene that is covalently capped at the narrow rim by a tren unit. As a result, the system presents a concave hydrophobic cavity with, at its bottom, a grid-like nitrogenous core. Despite its well-defined cavity and opening to the outside at the large rim, 1 did not behave as a good receptor for neutral molecules in chloroform. However, it exhibited efficient endo-complexation of ammonium guests. By contrast, the per-protonated host, 1.4H(+), behaved as a remarkable receptor for small organic molecules. The complexation is driven by a strong charge-dipole interaction and hydrogen bonds between the polar guest and the tetracationic cap of the calixarene. Finally, coordination of Zn(2+) to the tren core led to the asymmetrization of calixarene cavity and to the strong but selective endo-binding of neutral ligands. This study emphasizes the efficiency of a receptor presenting a concave hydrophobic cavity that is polarized at its bottom. The resulting combination of charge-dipole, hydrogen bonding, CH-pi, and van der Waals interactions highly stabilizes the supramolecular architectures. Also, importantly, the tren cap allows the tuning of the polarization, offering either a basic (1), a highly charged and acidic (1.4H(+)), or a coordination (1.Zn(2+)) site. As a result, the system proved to be highly versatile, tunable, and interconvertible in solution by simple addition of protons, bases, or metal ions.     

Bis(calixcrown)tetrathiafulvalene receptors

A new class of electroactive receptors has been synthesized, built by covalent association of five subunits: two calixarene platforms for spatial organization, two polyether 3D cavities for cation binding, and one electroactive TTF unit to probe the complexation event. Sodium complexation induces rigidification of the molecular assembly, as shown by 1H NMR titration and single-crystal X-ray crystallographic studies on free receptor 14 and a corresponding complex with two bound sodium atoms per receptor (15-(NaPF6)2). The calixarene units in these receptors change from a pinched cone conformation in the free ligand to a symmetrical cone in the complex. Cyclovoltammetric studies validated the electrochemical recognition concept of these five-member assemblies.     

Dioxygen activation at a mononuclear Cu(I) center embedded in the calix[6]arene-tren core

The reaction of a cuprous center coordinated to a calix[6]arene-based aza-cryptand with dioxygen has been studied. In this system, Cu(I) is bound to a tren unit that caps the calixarene core at the level of the small rim. As a result, although protected from the reaction medium by the macrocycle, the metal center presents a labile site accessible to small guest ligands. Indeed, in the presence of O2, it reacts in a very fast and irreversible redox process, leading, ultimately, to Cu(II) species. In the coordinating solvent MeCN, a one electron exchange occurs, yielding the corresponding [CalixtrenCu-MeCN](2+) complex with concomitant release of superoxide in the reaction medium. In a noncoordinating solvent such as CH2Cl2, the dioxygen reaction leads to oxygen insertions into the ligand itself. Both reactions are proposed to proceed through the formation of a superoxide-Cu(II) intermediate that is unstable in the Calixtren environment due to second sphere effects. The transiently formed superoxide ligand either undergoes fast substitution for a guest ligand (in MeCN) or intramolecular redox evolutions toward oxygenation of Calixtren. Interestingly, the latter process was shown to occur twice on the same ligand, thus demonstrating a possible catalytic activation of O2 at a single cuprous center. Altogether, this study illustrates the oxidizing power of a [CuO2](+) adduct and substantiates a mechanism by which copper mono-oxygenases such as DbetaH and PHM activate O2 at the Cu(M) center to produce such an intermediate capable of C-H breaking before the electron input provided by the noncoupled Cu(H) center.