Synthesis of novel cone-configurated hexa-tert-butyl-trimethoxy-calix[6]arenes bearing tris(bipyridyl) pendants and their use in recognition and ionic speciation

A series of novel cone-configurated p-tert-butyl-trimethoxycalix[6]arenes bearing three 2,2′-bipyridyl units at their lower rim have been synthesized. The ¹H NMR and ¹³C NMR spectra of synthesized derivatives revealed that the ring inversion in calix[6]arene could be suppressed by the introduction of three 2,2′-bipyridyl moieties at the lower rim of calix[6]arene scaffold which fixes it into its cone configuration. The complexation ability of the synthesized receptors (5a–d) towards Fe(II) ion was investigated by UV-Visible titration to reveal that the synthesized receptors interact with Fe(II) in a 1:1 binding stoichiometry and respond to a specific oxidation state of the metal ion. The observations have significance for studies directed at the design of molecular receptors for ionic speciation through molecular recognition.     

Experimental and computational studies of anion recognition by pyridine-functionalised calixarenes

Calix[4]arene-based receptors linked to amide and pyridine moieties have been synthesised in four steps from calix[4]arene, and characterised by ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy. The recognition properties of these receptors towards different anions were evaluated using ¹H NMR and computational studies. The receptors show modest selectivities towards dihydrogen phosphate versus carboxylates.     

Homochiral tripodal imidazolium receptors: structural and anion-receptor studies

Two homochiral tripodal receptors were characterised by X-ray crystallography, the first examples for this class of imidazolium receptor. These receptors were also screened for anion recognition. Both receptors demonstrated selectivity towards chloride and bromide with binding constants as high as 16,000.     

Synthesis and enantiomeric recognition ability of 22-crown-6 ethers derived from rosin acid and BINOL

Four novel chiral 22-crown-6 ethers 6a-b, 7a-b bearing hydroxyl side groups derived from rosin acid and BINOL were prepared in optically pure forms, and their enantiodiscriminating abilities towards protonated primary amines and amino acid methyl ester salts were examined by UV-vis titration methods. These receptors exhibited good chiral recognition towards the isomers (up to K_D/K_L = 6.02, ΔΔG₀ = 4.45 kJ mol⁻¹) and showed different complementarity to various chiral guests.     

Calix[4]azacrowns as ionophores for liquid?Cliquid extraction and facilitated transport of biological supramolecular complexes

The native and methyl ester amino acids have been extracted by calix[4]azacrowns 1 (1,3-[ethylene-bis-aminocarbonylmethoxy)]-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene) and 2 (1,3-[propylene-bis-aminocarbonylmethoxy)]-p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene) from an aqueous phase into a chloroform phase and transported through a chloroform liquid membrane as ion pairs in the presence of picrate or tropaeolin 00 as counter ions aiming their separation. The amino acids under study exhibited good extractability by calix[4]azacrowns 1 and 2. Both receptors 1 and 2 showed good extractability towards amino acids under study. The results are discussed in term of correlation of structural properties of amino acids and calix[4]azacrowns involved in experiments. In this respect, the influence of chain length of receptors upon extraction and transport of amino acids, and the nature of anions used as counter ions are evaluated.     

Synthesis of new chiral calix[4]azacrowns for enantiomeric recognition of carboxylic acids

Two novel chiral calix[4]azacrown ethers 4 and 5 bearing a furfuryl group on the nitrogen atom were developed by the reaction of dibromo- or ditosyl derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes 2 and 3 with a chiral diol, 1. The enantioselective recognition of these receptors towards the enantiomers of racemic carboxylic acids has been studied by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The molar ratio and the association constants of the chiral compounds 4 and 5 with each of the enantiomers of guest molecules were determined by using Job plots and a nonlinear least-squares fitting method, respectively. The Job plots indicate that both of the hosts form 1:1 instantaneous complexes with (R)- or (S)-mandelic acid and (l)- or (d)-dibenzoyltartaric acid. The receptors exhibited different chiral recognition abilities towards the enantiomers of racemic guests.     

Recognition of amino acids by functionalized calixarenes

The calixarenic receptors exhibit remarkable host-guest properties towards biologically relevant guests. Aspects of complex formation reactions between both native and derivatized amino acids, di-and tripeptides with calixarenic (chiral or not) receptors are summarized in this critical review. Thus, the discussions emphasize the parameters that affect the molecular binding selectivity and efficiency of functionalized calix[n]arenes towards these substrates. A brief survey on their application in separation of amino acids is also considered (123 references).     

Towards a universal polymer backbone: design and synthesis of polymeric scaffolds containing terminal hydrogen-bonding recognition motifs at each repeating unit

Polymers containing terminal hydrogen-bonding recognition motifs based on diaminotriazine and diaminopyridine groups in their side chains for the self-assembly of appropriate receptors have been prepared by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of norbornenes. A new synthetic method for the preparation of norbornene monomers based on pure alkyl spacers is introduced. These monomers show unprecedented high reactivity using ROMP. To suppress self-association of diaminotriazine-based polymers, polymerizations were run in presence of N-butylthymine. The butylthymine acts as a protecting group via self-assembly onto the hydrogen-bonding sites of the polymeric scaffold, thereby solubilizing the polymer. Diaminopyridine monomers do not require the presence of a protecting group due to their low propensity to dimerize. In addition, they exhibit a high affinity for hydrogen-bonded receptors on both monomeric and polymeric level. These polymers present our first building blocks towards the design and synthesis of a "universal polymer scaffold".     

Selectivity among two lectins: probing the effect of topology, multivalency and flexibility of "clicked" multivalent glycoclusters

The design of multivalent glycoconjugates has been developed over the past decades to obtain high-affinity ligands for lectin receptors. While multivalency frequently increases the affinity of a ligand for its lectin through the so-called "glycoside cluster effect", the binding profiles towards different lectins have been much less investigated. We have designed a series of multivalent galactosylated glycoconjugates and studied their binding properties towards two lectins, from plant and bacterial origins, to determine their potential selectivity. The synthesis was achieved through copper(I)-catalysed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) under microwave activation between propargylated multivalent scaffolds and an azido-functionalised carbohydrate derivative. The interactions of two galactose-binding lectins from Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA-IL) and Erythrina cristagalli (ECA) with the synthesized glycoclusters were studied by hemagglutination inhibition assays (HIA), surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and isothermal titration microcalorimetry (ITC). The results obtained illustrate the influence of the scaffold's geometry on the affinity towards the lectin and also on the relative potency in comparison with a monovalent galactoside reference probe.     

Detection of 210 kDa receptor protein for a leaf-movement factor by using novel photoaffinity probes

Circadian rhythmic plant leaf-movement, called nyctinasty, is controlled by a time-course change in the internal concentration of the leaf-movement factor in the plant body. We revealed that specific binding proteins (210 and 180 kDa) for the leaf-movement factor, potassium lespedezate (1), are contained in the plasma membrane of the plant motor cell by using novel synthetic photoaffinity probes. These proteins are localized on the motor cell in the plant body, and would be potential receptors for the leaf-movement factor to control the leaf-movement. Our study is a rare successful result of the detection of membrane receptors by using a synthetic photoaffinity probe designed on a biologically active natural product. And these results also advance a guideline for probe design towards successful photoaffinity labeling.     

Cu and CN-selective fluorogenic sensors based on pyrene-appended thiacalix[4]arenes

Two new fluorescent sensors 1 and 2 based on thiacalix[4]arenes bearing pyrene moieties have been synthesized in cone conformation. The binding abilities of these sensors towards different cations such as lithium, sodium, potassium, nickel, cadmium, copper, zinc, lead, silver, mercury and anions like fluoride, chloride, bromide, iodide, cyanide, acetate, hydrogen sulfate and nitrate have been examined by UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies. These receptors show pronounced selectivity for copper and cyanide ions. In CH₂Cl₂/CH₃CN (1:1), the presence of Cu(II) ion induces the formation of 1:1 (H/G) complex with receptor 1 and 1:2 (H/G) complex with receptor 2. The cyanide ions form a 1:1 (H/G) complex with both receptors.     

Combined use of nuclear magnetic resonance and infrared spectroscopy for studying recognition processes between amphenicolic antibiotics and albumin

Biological reactions are mostly concerned with selective interactions between small ligands and macromolecular receptors. The same ligands may activate responses of different intensities and/or effects in the presence of different receptors. Many approaches based on spectroscopic and non‐spectroscopic methods have been used to study interactions between small ligands and macromolecular receptors, including methods based on NMR and IR spectroscopic analysis of the solution behaviour of the ligand in the presence of receptors. In this work, we investigated the interaction between ovine serum albumin with two amphenicolic antibiotics [chloramphenicol (CAP) and thiamphenicol (TAP)], using a combined approach based on NMR and IR methodologies, furnishing complementary information about the recognition process occurring within the two systems. The two ligands, despite their similar structures, showed different affinities towards albumin. NMR methodology is based on the comparison of selective ( ) and non‐selective ( ) spin–lattice relaxation rates of the ligands in the presence and absence of macromolecular receptors and and temperature dependence analysis. From these studies, the ligand–receptor binding strength was evaluated on the basis of the ‘affinity index.’ The derivation of the affinity index from chemical equilibrium kinetics for both the CAP–albumin and TAP–albumin systems allowed a comparison of the abilities of the two amphenicolic antibiotics to interact with the protein. IR methodology is based on the comparison of the ligand–protein ‘complex’ spectra with those of the non‐interacting systems. On the basis of the differences revealed, a more thorough IR analysis was performed in order to understand the structural changes which occurred on both ligand and protein molecules within the interacting system. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

1,10-邻菲啰啉并咪唑衍生物阴离子受体的合成及识别性能

设计合成了2个1,10-邻菲啰啉并咪唑衍生物阴离子受体2-(2-羟基苯基)-1H-咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉(1)和2-(2-羟基-5-溴苯基)-1H-咪唑[4,5-f][1,10]邻菲啰啉(2), 受体2的结构由X射线单晶衍射分析确证. 通过紫外-可见光谱滴定及 ¹H NMR滴定研究了这2个受体对F^-, Cl^-, Br^-, I^-, H₂PO₄^-和AcO^- 6种阴离子的识别传感作用及作用机理. 结果表明, 受体对AcO^-, F^-和H₂PO₄^-有较强的传感作用, 溶液颜色由淡黄色变为黄色; 对Cl^-的作用较弱; 而对Br^-和I^-则无明显作用. 通过机理研究发现, 受体与F^-, H₂PO₄^-和AcO^-形成1: 1的氢键超分子, 当阴离子的量超过受体的1倍以后, 咪唑氮上的氢转移到阴离子; 受体与Cl^-以氢键形成超分子复合物, 而与Br^-和I^-作用很弱.     

Synthesis and trivalent lanthanide ion complexation studies of new macrocyclic receptors based lactam ionophores

This study is the first report on the design, synthesis and photophysical properties of three new macrocyclic receptors based receptors containing two amide bridges. Their binding properties towards trivalent lanthanide ions such as La³⁺, Gd³⁺, Tb³⁺, Dy³⁺, Er³⁺ and Yb³⁺ were investigated by using spectroscopic techniques. With respect to emission intensity changes upon trivalent lanthanide ion complexation, macrocyclic receptors based lactam ionophores showed higher selectivity towards Yb³⁺ and/or Er³⁺ ion over other ions. Presence of proximal two amide groups in macrocyclic lactam receptors having different cavity size were observed to play an important role in exhibiting its lanthanide ion binding.     

Synthesis and Pharmacological Evaluation of Chlorinated N-Alkyl-3- and -5-(2-hydroxyphenyl)pyrazoles as CB1 Cannabinoid Ligands

The syntheses of several new 3- and 5-(4-chloro-2-hydroxyphenyl)-5- and -3-(2,4-dichlorophenyl)-1-alkylpyrazoles are reported. These syntheses started from simple chlorophenols, 2,4-dichlorobenzaldehyde or ethyl 2,4-dichlorobenzoate in order to prepare pyrazoles bearing three and four chloro substituents in certain positions. The affinity of these compounds towards the CB ₁ type cannabinoids receptors was then evaluated in human brain tissues (frontal cortex). The results showed that some of the compounds exhibit affinity towards this kind of receptors in the micromolar range.     

G-protein coupled receptor assays: to measure affinity or efficacy that is the question

Cell-based assays have always played an important role in the pharmaceutical industry, providing information about the functional effects of compounds. These functional assays have traditionally accompanied facile biochemical high throughput screening programmes, being applied as secondary assays in the later stages of lead development. However, with the disappointing reality that there is not likely to be a plethora of novel, druggable targets in the post-genomic era, the role of cell-based assays in drug discovery is beginning to change. Competition to develop the "best" agents for well established targets and find more effective ways of identifying "novel" agents is driving the industry towards a "quality" versus "quantity" approach. Advances in genetic engineering, automation compatible functional assay technologies and the introduction of more sophisticated robotic systems, have facilitated the application of cell-based assays to primary screening. However, despite some apparent success to move these assays into the routine "toolbox" for high throughput screening, certain preconceptions and concerns about cell-based assays persist and the subject remains a topic of much debate. Here we use examples from the screening portfolio at Pfizer, Sandwich, to discuss the practical and theoretical considerations of employing cell-based assays in HTS with a focus on G-protein coupled receptors.     

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.     

Synthesis, structure and the binding properties of the amide-based anion receptors derived from 1H-indole-7-amine

Indole-7-amine was investigated as an alternative to aniline in construction of amide-based anion receptors. Replacement of aniline with indolamine introduces additional binding site—indolyl NH, which can enhance anion binding for more than five times. The molecular modelling of indole-containing receptors revealed the correlation between their conformational preferences and their affinity towards anions.     

Preferential binding of the magnesium ion by anthraquinone based chromogenic receptors

Two new anthraquinone based receptors have been synthesized. A colour change for both these receptors could be detected when group IIA metal ions were added in DMF solution at room temperature. No such colour change was noticed for group IA metal ions. Association constants for these receptors towards Mg²⁺, Ca²⁺, Sr²⁺ and Ba²⁺ were evaluated by systematic spectrophotomeric titrations and they follow the order K_Mg(II) ? K_Ca(II) > K_Sr(II) ? K_Ba(II). The association constants for L₁ were found to be higher than those for L₂ toward group IIA metal ions. Ab initio quantum chemical calculations have been performed to rationalize these observed results. X-ray structural analysis shows a helical structure for one of the receptor molecules.