Preparation of crown compounds containing allyloxymethyl or butenyl groups for attachment to silica gel or containing long chain lipophilic groups for use in liquid membrane systems

Several new macrocyclic polyether ligands have been prepared for use in the separation of metal ions from aqueous solutions. Four of the crown ethers reported contain 1,2,4-triazole or 4-pyridone protonionizable subcyclic units and lipophilic groups. The remaining crown ethers are not proton-ionizable but contain alkene groups and were prepared for attachment to silica gel. The crowns were prepared by reacting the appropriate glycols with the appropriate ditosylates or dichloride in the case of the 1,2,4-triazole subcyclic unit. The crowns with proton-ionizable and lipophilic substituents were tested in liquid membrane transport systems and some of the crowns with alloxymethyl or butenyl substituents were attached to silica gel. The log K values for the interaction of these silica gel-bound macrocycles with certain metal ions were nearly the same (± 10%) as those for the association of the unbound macrocycles with the same metal ions.     

Resorcinarenes as templates: a general strategy for the synthesis of large macrocycles

The concept that resorcinarenes can be used as templates for the synthesis of large macrocycles is introduced. By way of example, previously inaccessible, aromatic crown ethers compounds are synthesized.     

Macrocyclic extractants

Interest in organic macrocycles as highly selective analytical reagents is growing. Oxygen-containing crown ethers have already been extensively studied as extractants. In addition, nitrogen- and sulphur-containing macrocycles, as well as crown ethers with chromogenic groups, are now being developed.     

New polymer architectures: Recent results with polyrotaxanes

Recent results from our laboratory have shown that the formation of polyester and Polyurethane rotaxanes by polymerization in the presence of crown ethers is driven by hydrogen bonding of the OH groups with the oxygen atoms of the macrocycles. Here we summarize these findings. Then we describe the application of this type of self assembly for the production of polyrotaxanes by threading preformed macromolecules and for the controlled synthesis of branched and crosslinked systems. These latter protocols comprise a new and novel way to prepare mechanically linked, elastomeric materials. Rheological properties of main chain polyrotaxanes are compared to simple linear backbones; the rotaxanes display higher intrinsic viscosities and lower melt viscosities, reflecting larger hydrodynamic volumes and less entanglement, respectively; these are potentially useful aspects in terms of processability of this new class of polymeric materials.     

Synthetic macrocyclic receptors in chiral analysis and separation

Chiral synthetic macrocyclic receptors that can achieve chiral discrimination by NMR spectroscopy and/or chiral separation by HPLC are overviewed. Synthetic macrocycles introduced here include crown ethers, calixarenes/calixresorcinarenes/calixpyrroles, macrocyclic amides/amines, and porphyrins. These macrocyclic frameworks are advantageous because intermolecular interactions can take place effectively, such as the ion–dipole interactions in crown ethers, the CH/π and π–π interactions in calixarenes, hydrogen bonding and salt formation in macrocyclic amides and amines, and π–π stacking and metal coordination in porphyrins. Additional functional groups on the periphery of the macrocyclic platforms not only make the whole molecule chiral but also act as the interaction sites. Chiral macrocyclic receptors can show a high degree of chiral recognition/discrimination by using the peripheral functional groups as well as the macrocyclic skeletons (preorganization). Both hosts and guests are shown in the figures to quickly overview the molecular recognition scope of synthetic macrocyclic receptors in chiral analysis and separation.     

Dibenzotetraaza crown ethers: a new family of crown ethers based on o-phenylenediamine

Dibenzotetraaza (DBTA) crown ethers possess two o-phenylenediamine moieties. They are homologues of dibenzo crown ether phase-transfer catalysts and were prepared from the condensation of benzimidazoles with oligo(ethyleneglycol) dichlorides and oligo(ethyleneglycol) ditosylates. Compounds with ring sizes ranging from 18-crown-6 to 42-crown-14 were prepared. In addition, various altered benzimidizoles were used to produce DBTA crown ethers with modified substituents and ether bridges, as well as benzimidazolidine crown ethers. The synthetic approach presented here proved to be a convenient route to a new family of crown ethers with overall yields of up to 48% based on the benzimidazole. Yields for the ring-closing step were generally high, ranging from 51% to 94%, without the need for high-dilution conditions. Reaction of the DBTA crown ethers with alkyl and benzyl halides was found to be a facile way to obtain the corresponding tetra(N-organyl) compounds. Picrate extraction studies were carried out to determine phase-transfer catalytic capabilities. Extraction efficiencies for alkali-metal ions were lower than those for dibenzo-18-crown-6. Efficiencies were higher for other metal ions, with some selectivity for Pb(2+). Tetra(N-methyl) DBTA-18-crown-6 generally exhibited higher extraction efficiencies than its N-H analogue, but the selectivity was lower.     

Donor-acceptor ring-in-ring complexes

The self-assembly of three donor-acceptor ring-in-ring complexes, prepared from the π-electron-deficient tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene), and three large π-electron-rich crown ethers (each 50-membered rings) containing dioxynaphthalene (DNP) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units in pairs (DNP/DNP, DNP/TTF and TTF/TTF), is reported. (1)H NMR spectroscopic analyses are indicative of the formation of 1:1 complexes in CD(3)CN, whilst the charge-transfer interactions between the DNP and TTF units of the crown ethers and the tetracationic cyclophane have permitted the measurement of binding constants of up to 4×10(3) M(-1) in CH(3)CN to be made using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Ring-in-ring complexes are proposed as intermediates in the stepwise synthesis of molecular Borromean rings (BRs) comprised of three different rings. With the particular choice of crown ethers, the 1:1 complexes have polyether loops that protrude from the donor-acceptor recognition point above and below the mean plane of the tetracationic cyclophane, which, ideally, could conceivably bind dialkylammonium centers present in a third ring. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the solid-state superstructures of two of the three 1:1 complexes reveal, however, the presence of prodigious CH···O interactions between the polyether loops of the crown ethers and the rims of the cyclophane, no doubt stabilizing the complexes, but, at the same time, masking their potential recognition sites from further interactions that are essential to the subsequent emergence of the third ring. The solid-state superstructure of one of the crown ethers binding two dibenzylammonium ions provides some insight into the design requirements for the next generation of these systems; longer polyether loops may be required to allow optimal interactions between all components. It has become clear during a pursuit of the stepwise synthesis of the molecular BRs that, when designing complex mechanically interlocked molecules utilizing multiple recognition sites, the unsullied orthogonality of the recognition motifs is of the utmost importance.     

Modular synthesis of di- and tripeptides of luminescent crown ether aminocarboxylic acids

Luminescent benzo crown ether aminocarboxylic acids with ammonium ion affinity were prepared and converted into linear bis- and tris benzo crown ether amides using standard peptide coupling protocols. The affinities of the new crown ethers to ammonium ions and di- and tetrapeptides bearing ammonium ion moieties were determined by emission titration in methanol and buffered water.     

Cation exchange properties of crown ether-phosphotungstic acid precipitates

Precipitate formation between phosphotungstic acid and crown ethers is a general phenomenon, producing solids with selective ion exchange behavior for the alkali metal ions. Distribution coefficients for Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, and Cs⁺ were measured for a series of these precipitates with different crown ethers. The sorption data are more complicated than for the corresponding phosphomolybdates and indicate a variability in the number of exchangeable sites with H⁺ and M⁺ concentration. The crown ether used markedly affects the cation selectivity of the phosphotungstate precipitates.     

Late-Stage Photocatalytic Fluoroalkylation of Aromatic Crown Ethers in Aqueous Media

Modified crown ethers are fundamental building blocks in supramolecular chemistry, with applications in phase transfer catalysis, metal extraction, smart materials, and molecular machines. Here we report on a one-pot highly chemo- and regioselective photocatalytic fluoroalkylation protocol for the mono-functionalization of benzo substituted crown ethers. For this important class of macrocycles, the method described here represents one of the few late-stage functionalization procedures that is both high yielding and scalable. Because of its breadth of scope and substrate tolerance, the devised approach can be applied to a wide range of aromatic crown ethers (18 examples, up to 99 % yield), including those engaged in mechanically interlocked molecules.     

Molecular Complexes of Crown Ethers in Crystals and Solutions

A review of the experimental and theoretical studies of the crown ether complexes with polar molecules in their crystals, solutions, and in a gas phase is given. The type of the molecular bonds in the complexes, their stoichiometry, and the change in the macrocycle conformation during complex formation are considered, as well as the effect of the macrocycle structure and the nature of the medium on the efficiency of the molecular bonding. New data are given on the enthalpies of transfer of the crown ethers from tetrachloromethane into solvents capable of forming hydrogen bonds. The enthalpies of specific interactions of macrocycles with the molecules of the solvents in the medium of the same solvents are characterized. The conformations of the crown ethers in the media under study are discussed.     

The complexation of alkaline cations by crown ethers and cryptands in acetone

Stability constants and thermodynamic values for the complex formation of alkali ions by crown ethers, diaza crown ethers and cryptands have been measured by means of potentiometric and calorimetric titrations in acetone as solvent. The interactions between the ligands and solvent molecules play an important role for the complex formation. Cryptands form the most stable complexes with alkali ions if inclusion complexes are formed. Even in the case that the salts are not completely dissociated in acetone the presence of ion pairs does not influence the calculated values of the stability constants.     

Selective self-ion/molecule reactions in both external and internal source ion trap mass spectrometers

Novel results on the selective self-ion/molecule reactions (SSIMR) in both external and internal source ion trap mass spectrometers are demonstrated. Selective self-ion/molecule reaction product ions were produced between the oxygenated and nitrogenated crown ethers. For the oxygenated crown ethers, self-ion/molecule reactions lead to the formation of the protonated ions, adduct ions of fragments ([M + F](+)) and [M + H(3)O](+), while the nitrogenated crown ethers produce [M + H](+), [M + CH](+) and [M + C(2)H(3)](+) ions.     

Modular synthesis of triaroylbenzene-derived crownophanes

An isomeric series of homologous crownophanes (i.e., macrocycles possessing structural features of crown ethers and cyclophanes) has been prepared via a concise and modular synthetic route. Macrocyclization is achieved in reasonable yield during the course of an enaminone-triggered benzannulation with bis(aryl ethynyl ketone) reaction partners. The crownophanes examined were active alkali cation binding agents in the gas phase, but failed to exhibit ionophoric properties in solution. On the basis of X-ray crystallographic analysis, it is concluded that the cyclophane framework of these macrocycles is too large and rigid to allow efficient interaction with the cations examined.     

冠醚-CuI混合催化剂的组份对溴代雌甾的亲核取代反应的影响

冠醚能与碱或盐的阳离子络合,从而使阴离子在非质子溶剂中成为“裸阴离子”,具有特别强的亲核性或硷性,所以在有机合成中获得广泛的应用。为了探求冠醚的应用范围,同时寻求一种既简便又宜于较大量制备雌甾甲氧基衍生物的方法,作者曾首次将冠醚用于雌甾衍生物的合成,设计了冠醚-亚铜盐混合催化体     

Structure-reactivity relationships in oxidative carbon-carbon bond forming reactions: a mild and efficient approach to stereoselective syntheses of 2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyrones

Homobenzylic ethers with pendent enol acetate nucleophiles undergo highly efficient cleavage reactions followed by 6-endo cyclizations to form 2,6-disubstituted tetrahydropyrones with excellent stereocontrol at room temperature in the presence of the mild oxidant ceric ammonium nitrate. Cyclizations proceed through either stabilized or nonstabilized oxocarbenium ions. Structure-reactivity relationships are presented to provide a predictive guide for the design of radical cation cleavage processes. Unique sequences for preparing cyclization substrates based on stereoselective Lewis acid mediated acetal openings have been developed for the synthesis of complex substrates that are suitable for applications to the synthesis of biologically active natural products.     

Stable silica gel-bound crown ethers. Selective separation of metal ions and a potential for separations of amine enantiomers

Silica gel-bound crown ethers and aza macrocycles have been synthesized with the attaching arm connected to the carbon framework of the macrocycles. The interactions of these bound macrocycles with cations are almost identical to those involving the analogous free macrocycles. This has allowed for predictable cation separation, concentration, and removal processes to be performed on a small scale. Quantum mechanical calculations and NMR measurements indicate that similarly bound chiral macrocycles will be capable of use in separating chiral organic amines.Dedicated to the memory of Professor James J. Christensen who died on 5 September 1987.     

Ethylenediamine as a liquid chemical reagent to probe hydrogen bonding and host-guest interactions with crown ethers in an ion trap tandem mass spectrometer

Ethylenediamine (EDA) was used as a novel liquid chemical reagent to probe hydrogen bonding and host-guest interactions with crown ether derivatives in an ion trap mass spectrometer (ITMS). Selective ion/molecule reaction product ions were generated by reactions of EDA with oxygenated and aza-crown ethers. For the oxygenated crown ethers, glycols and dimethylglycols, ion/molecule reactions led to the formation of the protonated molecules ([M+H](+)) and adduct ions including [M+30](+), [M+44](+) and [M+61](+). The aza-crown ethers produced [M+H](+), [M+13](+) and [M+27](+) ions. Collisionally activated dissociation (CAD) experiments were applied to probe the binding strength of these ion/molecule reaction products. CAD results indicated that all these hydrogen-bonding complexes are weakly bound except for the [M+44](+) ion of 18-crown-6, since all the complexes dissociate to the protonated polyether and/or protonated EDA. Fragmentation of the [M+H](+) ions under CAD conditions indicates the extensive covalent bond cleavage of the protonated crown ether skeleton.     

Distribution of benzo-substituted crown-ethers between chloroform and water: effects of macrocycle ring size and lithium chloride

Small size benzo-substituted crown ethers are attractive complexing agents for lithium isotope separation by solvent extraction. Low transfer of the crown ethers from solvent to water is a key point for applicability of the extractants. In the present study, 9- and 12-membered crown ethers were synthesized, and their distribution between chloroform and water was studied. Polyether ring size, benzene substituents and addition of LiCl to water were found to effect on distribution constants. Low losses of the macrocycles were observed at single-stage contact with aqueous phase. However, these losses should be taken into account in the design of multistage processes for the preparation of highly enriched lithium isotopes.     

Ion selectivity of crown ethers investigated by UV and IR spectroscopy in a cold ion trap

Electronic and vibrational spectra of benzo-15-crown-5 (B15C5) and benzo-18-crown-6 (B18C6) complexes with alkali metal ions, M(+)?B15C5 and M(+)?B18C6 (M = Li, Na, K, Rb, and Cs), are measured using UV photodissociation (UVPD) and IR-UV double resonance spectroscopy in a cold, 22-pole ion trap. We determine the structure of conformers with the aid of density functional theory calculations. In the Na(+)?B15C5 and K(+)?B18C6 complexes, the crown ethers open the most and hold the metal ions at the center of the ether ring, demonstrating an optimum matching in size between the cavity of the crown ethers and the metal ions. For smaller ions, the crown ethers deform the ether ring to decrease the distance and increase the interaction between the metal ions and oxygen atoms; the metal ions are completely surrounded by the ether ring. In the case of larger ions, the metal ions are too large to enter the crown cavity and are positioned on it, leaving one of its sides open for further solvation. Thermochemistry data calculated on the basis of the stable conformers of the complexes suggest that the ion selectivity of crown ethers is controlled primarily by the enthalpy change for the complex formation in solution, which depends strongly on the complex structure.