Selective complexation of alkali metal ions using crown ethers derived from calix[4]arenes: a computational investigation of the structural and energetic factors

A systematic analysis of the structural, energetic, and thermodynamic factors involved in alkali metal (i.e., Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺) complexation by four calix[4]arene crown-6 ethers in the 1,3-alternate conformation is presented here. The ligands (or hosts) in this work are identical to, or closely related to, the four molecules whose selectivity towards complexing Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ from aqueous solutions was studied experimentally by Casnati et al. (Tetrahedron 60(36):7869–7876, 2004). By dividing the complexation process into three different contributions, namely, the binding energy of the ion to the crown, the elastic energy of the crown, and the solvation effect, it becomes clear that the primary factor that determines ion selectivity in crown-6-ethers is not the size of the crown, as currently believed. All four crown ethers preferentially complex with the smallest ion (Na⁺) in the gas phase. In the condensed phase, these crown-6 ethers preferentially complex with the larger ions only because the aqueous solvation energies of the alkali metal ions make it thermodynamically less favorable to extract the smaller ions from aqueous solutions. This suggests that the current understanding of the factors influencing the selectivity of metal ion complexation by crown ethers may be in need of revision.     

Wide rim urethanes derived from calix[4]arenes: synthesis and self-assembly

[reaction: see text] Calix[4]arenes 4, substituted at the wide rim by four N-tolyl-urethane groups, were synthesized, as well as derivatives 10a,b bearing two or three tolyl-urea groups beside of one or two urethane group(s). In contrast to tetra-tolyl urea 11, the urethane derivatives do not form hydrogen-bonded, dimeric capsules in CDCl3 or benzene-d6, but the dimerization can be induced for the triurea 10b by tetraethylammonium cations as guests. The quantitative formation of heterodimers is observed for all urethanes 4 and 10a,bin benzene-d6 in mixtures with a "tetra-loop" tetraurea 14, while "bisloop" tetraureas 13 require di- or triurea derivatives 10a,b for a clean heterodimerization.     

Head-to-tail connected double calix[4]arenes

Summary New macrotricyclic compounds consisting of two calix[4]arene substructures connected by aliphatic chains of various length (three to five carbon atoms) between two oppositep-positions and two distal phenolic oxygens have been synthesized. Starting withp-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene, two O-protected phenolic units are attachedvia ether links in 1,3-position by reaction with the corresponding tosylates. After deprotection, the new calix[4]arene is formed by fragment condensation with 2,6-bisbromomethylated 4-alkylphenols. The structure of one example (8c) has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. Both calixarene parts assume the cone conformation, a molecule of acetonitrile being included in both cavities.

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Doppelte Calix[4]arene in Kopf-Schwanz-Verknüpfung

Zusammenfassung Neue makrotricyclische Verbindungen, in denen zwei Calix[4]aren-Einheiten durch aliphatische Ketten unterschiedlicher Länge (drei bis fünf C-Atome) zwischen zwei gegenüberliegendenp-Positionen und zwei gegenüberliegenden Phenolsauerstoffen verknüpft sind, wurden hergestellt. Ausgehend vonp-tert-Butyl-calix[4]aren werden zunächst zwei O-geschützte Phenolbausteine in 1,3-Stellung durch Umsetzung mit den entsprechenden Tosylaten etherartig gebunden. Nach Abspaltung der Benzylether-Schutzgruppe wird durch Fragmentkondensation mit 2,6-bisbrommethylierten 4-Alkylphenolen das neue Calix[4]aren gebildet. Für8c wurde die Struktur durch Einkristallröntgenstrukturanalyse bestätigt. Beide Calixarenteile nehmen diecone-Konformation ein, wobei in die beiden Hohlräume je ein Molekül Acetonitril eingeschlossen wird.

     

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.     

Calix[4]azacrown and 4-aminophthalimide-appended calix[4]azacrown: synthesis, structure, complexation and fluorescence signaling behaviour

The synthesis and single crystal structure of 25,27-(diamidomonoazacrown-5)-calix[4]arene (L), calix[4]arene capped by a diamide bridge in the 1,3-position on the lower rim, which forms a supramolecular dimer in the solid state via intermolecular hydrogen bonding, are described. A 4-aminophthalimide (AP) fluorophore has been regioselectively linked to the secondary amino function of the azacrown unit with a dimethylene spacer to construct N-(4-aminophthalimidoethyl)calix[4]azacrown (APL), a fluorescent sensor, via a fluorophore-spacer-receptor architecture. Fluorescence quantum yield and lifetime of APL have been measured to be lower than those of the bare fluorophore (AP) due to the photoinduced intramolecular electron transfer (PIET) between the fluorophore and the receptor moieties of the molecule. In the presence of transition metal ions, fluorescence enhancement of is observed suggesting the binding of the metal ion to the sensor. Complexation properties of APL with transition metal ions are investigated using UV-vis spectroscopy. A 1 : 1 stoichiometry of the complex is determined from a Job plot and the corresponding association constants for the various metal ions are evaluated. Fe(3+) and Cu(2+) ions have the largest association constants (K= 2.3 x 10(5) M(-1) and 1.6 x 10(5) M(-1) respectively) compared to other metal ions indicating that they form complexes selectively with APL.     

First synthesis and structure of beta-ketoimine calix[4]arenes: complexation and extraction studies

The synthesis of a new series of beta-ketoimine calix[4]arene derivatives is described. The reaction of calix[4]arene or p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with bromoacetonitrile or bromobutyronitrile afforded di-, tri-, and tetranitrile calixarene derivatives (3-8, 3a), which were then reduced into the corresponding amine (9-13, 3b). The condensation of these aminocalixarenes with acetylacetone led to six beta-ketoimine calix[4]arene derivatives (14-18, 3c) as a class of selective receptors toward transition metals. Molecular structures of 4, 7, and 17 have been determined by X-ray diffraction. The packing of 17 revealed a network of intramolecular and intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The complexation properties of receptors 15, 17, and 3c toward different metal ions have been investigated by UV-vis titrations in organic media. The stoichiometries of complexes with 17 were determined by both the mole ratio method and Job plots. These novel receptors selectively complex Cu2+, Hg2+, and Ag+. Moreover, the extraction properties of 17 toward cations have been studied by liquid-liquid extraction and atomic absorption spectrometry. Compound 17 has good affinity and selectivity toward Pb2+.     

Diazo-coupled calix[4]arenes for qualitative analytical screening of metal ions

New chromogenic diazophenylcalix[4]arenes 1 and 2 were synthesized in cone conformation. Compound 1 with the ortho-carboxyl groups in CH₃CN solution preferentially binds with alkaline earth and transition metal ions, whereas no significant changes in absorption spectra are observed in the presence of alkali metal ions. While 2 with the ortho-ester groups shows selective complexation properties towards transition metal ions over alkali and alkaline earth metal ions. The detection of metal ions gives rise to bathochromic shifts in the absorption spectra (from orange/yellow to red), which is clearly visible even to the naked eye. According to the selective color changes using both receptors upon cation complexation, one can set up a qualitative analytical routine to screen alkali, alkaline earth, and transition metal ions.     

Sorption of heavy metal ions by silica gel-immobilized, proton-ionizable calix[4]arenes

Silica gel-immobilized, di-ionizable calix[4]arenes are employed as stationary phases in ion-exchange chromatography for selected heavy metal ions. Sorption efficiencies for Pb²⁺ are dependent on the structure of the calix[4]arene ligand and the linker that joins the ligand to the silica gel, as well as the acidity of the sample solution. Although the resins exhibit only poor sorption of Cd²⁺, they are found to be scavengers for Hg²⁺. Competitive sorption studies are conducted with selected resins.     

Synthesis of tetra-oligothiophene-substituted calix[4]arenes and their optical and electrochemical properties

A facile and efficient approach to synthesize tetra-oligothiophene-substituted calix[4]arenes, Calix-OT(n) with n up to 4 using palladium-catalyzed Kumada coupling of thienylmagnesium bromide and bromo-substituted calix[4]arene as a key step has been developed. The close proximity of the tetra-oligothiophenes constructed within a calix[4]arene assembly leads to peak/band broadening, spectral shifting, i.e., blue-shift in absorption and red-shift in emission spectra as well as fluorescence quantum yield quenching as compared to those of monomers indicating the existence of chromophoric interaction. We have shown that the intra-chromophoric interaction lowers the first ionization (raises HOMO level) of an oligothiophene within an assembly. It also stabilizes the formation of a radical cation, which results in an increase in the subsequent voltammetric oxidation and the occurrence of the higher oxidation states as compared to the monomeric counterparts. This assembly can serve as a model for the investigation of molecular interaction of π-conjugated systems.     

Intermolecular complexation thermodynamics between water-soluble calix[4]arenes and diazacycloalkanes

Calorimetric titration experiments have been performed in pH 2.0 and 7.2 phosphate buffer solutions at 298.15 K to calculate the complex stability constants (K_S) and thermodynamic parameters (ΔG°, ΔH°, and TΔS°) for the stoichiometric 1:1 inclusion complexation of water-soluble calix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (CAS) and thiacalix[4]arene tetrasulfonate (TCAS) with some diazacycloalkane guests, i.e. piperazine (1), homopiperazine (2) and 1,5-diazacyclooctane (3). The results indicated that complexes of CAS and TCAS with diazacycloalkane guests were enthalpy-stabilized, and an acidic environment was more favorable to host-guest complexation than a neutral one. CAS forms more stable complexes with guest molecules than TCAS due to the more favorable enthalpic gain.     

The synthesis of metallocene calix[4]arenes

The condensation of 1,1-bis(chlorocarbonyl)metallocenes andp-tert-butylcalix[4]arene in toluene leads to novel metallocene calix[4]arenes in which the metallocene subunit bridges the opposite hydroxy groups of the parent calixarene.Presented at the Fourth International Symposium on Inclusion Phenomena and the Third International Symposium on cyclodextrins, Lancaster, U.K., 20–25 July 1986.     

From simple rings to one-dimensional channels with calix[8]arenes, water clusters, and alkali metal ions

The macrocycle 4-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (L) was reacted with alkali metal carbonates (Li₂CO₃, Na₂CO₃, K₂CO₃, Rb₂CO₃, and Cs₂CO₃) at the interface of a biphasic THF/water system. Needle-like crystals with a general formula [A_x(4-tert-butylcalix[8]arene-xH)(THF)_y(H₂O)_z] (with A=Li, Na, K, Rb, Cs, x=1, 2, y=4, 5, 8, and z=6, 7) were thereby obtained. The solid state structures were investigated by X-ray diffraction of single crystals and by TGA measurements. They do not appear to be maintained in solution.     

New preorganized calix[4]arenes. Part II. Double Schiff-based calix[4]arenes derived from 4,6,10,12,16,18,22,24,25,26,27,28-dodecamethyl-5,11,17,23-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene

We describe the condensation of an appropriate tetraaldehyde derivative of mesitol calix[4]arene with 1,n-diaminoalkanes to afford double Schiff-base calix[4]arene receptors in the 1,3-alternate conformation.     

Calix[4]arenes with carboxamide and sulfonamide groups and their complexation with transition metal salts

Calix[4]arene derivatives functionalized by ester and carboxamide groups on the lower rim and sulfonamide groups on the upper rim were synthesized, and their complexing properties toward transition metal salts (Mn²⁺, Fe²⁺, Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺) were studied by extraction in chloroform-water system. The presence of carboxamide and sulfonamide fragments in the ligand was shown to considerably enhance binding of transition metal cations.     

Synthesis of tripodal aza crown ether calix[4]arenes and their supramolecular chemistry with transition-, alkali metal ions and anions

Tripodal aza crown ether calix[4]arenes, 5a, 5b, 6a and 6b, have been synthesized. The structure of protonated 5a was elucidated by X-ray crystallography to be a self-threaded rotaxane. Complexation studies of 5a and 5b towards anions using Na⁺ as countercation were carried out by ¹H NMR titration in dimethylsulfoxide-d₆ and the mixture of chloroform-d and methanol-d₄, respectively. Ligands 5a and 5b were able to form 1:1 complexes with Br⁻, I⁻ and NO₃⁻ and the complexation stability varied as follows: NO₃⁻>I⁻>Br⁻. The effect of countercation on anion complexation was also investigated. The results showed that the association constants of 5a towards Br⁻ in the presence of various cations varied as K⁺>Bu₄N⁺>Na⁺. The enhancement in anion complexation ability of 5a may result from the rearrangement of the tripodal ammonium unit in the presence of K⁺. The neutral forms, 6a and 6b, were able to form complexes with transition metal ions such as Co²⁺, Ni²⁺, Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺. The stability of the complexes followed the sequence: Ni²⁺2+Cu²⁺Zn²⁺. Compounds 6a and 6b may, therefore, potentially be used as either transition metal ion or anion receptors that can be controlled by pH of the solution.     

Conformational properties of cyanomethoxy calix[4]arenes

O-Alkylation of the dinitro calix[4]arene 2, easily available by selective ipso-nitration of the di-cyanomethyl ether 1, with allylbromide (DMF/Cs2CO3) gave tetraethers 3 and 4 with anti- and syn-orientations of the two allyl ether residues. The two possible stereoisomers of in the partial cone and 1,2-alternate conformation exist as an equilibrium mixture which could be quantitatively analysed by 1H NMR spectroscopy. The temperature dependence of this equilibrium leads to deltaH0 = -7.6 to -9.7 kJ mol(-1) in different solvents (tetrachloroethane, benzene, dimethylsulfoxide). Since 3(1,2-alt) could be obtained in pure form, its isomerisation to the equilibrium mixture with 3(paco) could be followed also kinetically. An activation energy of E(a) = 110.5 kJ mol(-1) was found for this reaction in DMSO-d6. The results were confirmed by similar studies with tetraethers 5 and 6 obtained by O-allylation of 1, although exact thermodynamic and kinetic studies were not possible in this case, since the NMR signals of the respective isomers were strongly overlapping. Single crystal X-ray structures were obtained for 2, 3(1,2-alt), 4(paco) and 5(1,2-alt).     

A new fluorescent double-cavity calix[4]arene: synthesis and complexation studies toward nitroanilines

A novel bicyclic calix[4]arene (4) molecular receptor has been synthesized, and its sensory abilities toward noxious aromatic nitroamines evaluated in apolar media. Molecular host–guest interactions examined through fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectroscopies showed the formation of 1:1 type endo-inclusion complexes with all the nitroaniline guests. The potential of 4 as a chemical sensor is established.     

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.