Oxidative azacyclization of 1-monosubstituted thioureas in reaction with [bis(acyloxy)iodo]arenes to form 1,2,4-thiadiazole derivatives

For the first time, derivatives of 1,2,4-thiadiazoles have been obtained by the reaction of [bis(acyloxy)iodo]arenes with 1-monosubstituted thioureas. 1-Acetylthiourea is subject to intermolecular azacyclization to form 3,5-bis-(acetylamino)-1,2,4-thiadiazole in reaction with [bis(acyloxy)iodo]benzene. 1-Phenylthiourea forms 3,5-bis-(phenylamino)-1,2,4-thiadiazole in a single-stage reaction with (diacetoxyiodo)benzene. The reaction of 1-phenylthiourea with [bis(trifluoroacetoxy)iodo]benzene leads to the formation of 5-imino-4-phenyl-3-phenylamino-4H-1,2,4-thiadiazoline.     

Cooperative intramolecular hydrogen bond and conformations of thiocalix[4]arene molecules

The joint FTIR spectroscopic study and ab initio quantum-chemical calculations (HF/3-21G and PBE/TZ2P methods) showed that thiocalix[4] arene molecules adopt the cone conformation in CCl₄ solutions. The weakening of the cooperative intramolecular H bond in thiocalix[4]arenes compared to the corresponding calix[4]arenes can be due to the larger thiocalixarene macrocycle, bifurcated hydrogen bond in it, and electron density transfer from the bridging S atom to the benzene ring.     

Alignment and Dynamic Inversion of Planar Chirality in Pillar[n]arenes

Pillar[n]arenes are symmetrical macrocyclic compounds composed of benzene panels with para-methylene linkages. Each panel usually exhibits planar chirality and prefers chirality-aligned states. Because of this feature, pillar[n]arenes are attractive scaffolds for chiroptical materials that are easy to prepare and optically resolve and show intense circular dichroism (CD) signals. In addition, rotation of the panels endows the chirality of pillar[n]arenes with a dynamic nature. The chirality in tubular oligomers and supramolecular assemblies sometimes show time- and procedure-dependent alignment phenomena. Furthermore, the CD signals of some pillar[n]arenes respond to the addition of chiral guests when their dynamic chirality is coupled with host–guest properties. By using diastereomeric pillar[n]arenes with additional chiral structures, the response can also be caused by achiral guests and changes of the environment, providing molecular sensors.     

Pillar[5]arenes: fascinating cyclophanes with a bright future

Pillar[5]arenes are [1(5)]paracyclophane derivatives consisting of 1,4-disubstituted hydroquinones linked by methylene bridges in the 2,5-positions. The first report of these novel macrocycles was in 2008, when 1,4-dimethoxypillar[5]arene was prepared in 22% yield, and subsequent improvements in synthetic methods have allowed the number of derivatives to expand significantly. In addition to D(5) symmetric pillar[5]arenes, asymmetric pillar[5]arenes with two different substituents in the 1- and 4-positions and copillar[5]arenes consisting of two different repeat units in a 4 : 1 ratio have been synthesised. Crystallographic, computational and spectroscopic studies are starting to shed light on the compounds' unusual inclusion phenomena, from gelation and transportation of water through nanotubes to the formation of chromogenic rotaxanes. Applications as molecular sensors are starting to appear with a focus on guest detection by fluorescence quenching. This tutorial review will provide a summary of research into the pillar[5]arenes since their recent discovery.     

Controlled Self‐Assembly by Mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and Bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes

The complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentrations of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (n=4, 5) were systemically measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. In all cases, the complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentration decreases by about 3 times upon addition of p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. However, the optimal molar ratios for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes are distinctly different: For mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes, the optimum mixing ratio for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium is 1:4 mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes/1‐pyrenemethylaminium, whereas only 2.5 molecules of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium can be bound by one cavity of bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. The intermolecular complexation of mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes with 1‐pyrenemethylaminium led to the formation of two distinctly different nanoarchitectures, which were shown to be nanoscale vesicle and rod aggregates, respectively, by using dynamic laser scattering, TEM, and SEM. This behavior is also different from the fiber‐like aggregates with lengths of several micrometers that were formed by 1‐pyrenemethylaminium itself above its critical aggregation concentration. Furthermore, the obtained nanoaggregates exhibit benign water solubility, self‐labeled fluorescence, and, more importantly, temperature responsiveness.     

Construction of Hydrocarbon Nanobelts

Linearly fused hydrocarbon nanobelts are a unique type of double‐stranded macrocycles that would serve as not only the powerful hosts in supramolecular science but also the templates to grow zig‐zag carbon nanotubes with defined diameters. Fully conjugated hydrocarbon nanobelts such as belt[n]arenes would also possess unique physical and chemical properties. Despite the importance, both fully conjugated and (partially) saturated hydrocarbon nanobelts remain largely unexplored because of the lack of cyclization methods. Reported here is the construction of nanometer sized H₁₂‐belt[12]arenes based on the strategy to close up all fjords of resorcin[6]arene by means of six‐fold intramolecular alkylation reactions of resorcin[6]arene derivatives. All resulting H₁₂‐belt[12]arenes produce a very similar nanobelt core structure with six benzene rings and six boat 1,4‐cyclohexadiene rings being alternately linear‐fused to give a nearly equilateral hexagonal cylinder. The average long diagonal is around 1 nm and the height of the cylinder is about 0.3 nm. The acquired H₁₂‐belt[12]arenes would be the potential precursors to various hydrocarbon nanobelts including fully conjugated belt[12]arenes.     

Studies on 1,2,3-triazoles. Part XI. A new entry to the benzopyrano[2,3-D]-1,2,3-triazole system. Cyclization of 1-benzyl-5-chloro-4-(2-hydroxybenzoyl)-1H-1,2,3-triazoles

The acylation of simple arenes such as benzene and alkylated benzenes with N-protected 5-chloro-1H-1,2,3-triazole-4-carboxylic acid chlorides under Friedel-Crafts conditions results in excellent yields of the corresponding ketones. Resorcinol dimethyl ethers undergo similar acylation reactions in somewhat lower yield with concomitant monodemethylation, and these derivatives undergo a facile base mediated cyclization to 9-oxo-3H,9H-benzopyrano[2,3-d]-1,2,3-triazoles.     

Controlled self-assembly by mono-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes

The complexation-induced critical aggregation concentrations of 1-pyrenemethylaminium by mono-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (n=4, 5) were systemically measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. In all cases, the complexation-induced critical aggregation concentration decreases by about 3 times upon addition of p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. However, the optimal molar ratios for the aggregation of 1-pyrenemethylaminium by mono-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes are distinctly different: For mono-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes, the optimum mixing ratio for the aggregation of 1-pyrenemethylaminium is 1:4 mono-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes/1-pyrenemethylaminium, whereas only 2.5 molecules of 1-pyrenemethylaminium can be bound by one cavity of bis-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. The intermolecular complexation of mono-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis-p-sulfonatocalix[n]arenes with 1-pyrenemethylaminium led to the formation of two distinctly different nanoarchitectures, which were shown to be nanoscale vesicle and rod aggregates, respectively, by using dynamic laser scattering, TEM, and SEM. This behavior is also different from the fiber-like aggregates with lengths of several micrometers that were formed by 1-pyrenemethylaminium itself above its critical aggregation concentration. Furthermore, the obtained nanoaggregates exhibit benign water solubility, self-labeled fluorescence, and, more importantly, temperature responsiveness.     

Reactivities of novel [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]arenes and [hydroxy(phosphoryloxy)iodo]arenes for alpha-tosyloxylation and alpha-phosphoryloxylation of ketones

Novel [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]arenes bearing 2-thienyl, 3-thienyl, N-tosyl-4-pyrazolyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethy)phenyl as an aromatic group, and [hydroxy(phosphoryloxy)iodo]arenes bearing N-tosyl-4-pyrazolyl, 3-trifluoromethylphenyl, and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethy)phenyl as an aromatic group, were prepared. alpha-Tosyloxylation and alpha-phosphoryloxylation of ketones with these compounds were carried out, respectively. Their reactivities were compared with that of the parent [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene and [hydroxy(phosphoryloxy)iodo]benzene, respectively, and consequently [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]arenes and [hydroxy(phosphoryloxy)iodo]arenes bearing 3-trifluoromethylphenyl and 3,5-bis(trifluoromethy)phenyl as an aromatic group showed the best reactivity. These new compounds can be used as powerful alpha-tosyloxylation and alpha-phosphoryloxylation reagents, instead of the parent [hydroxy(tosyloxy)iodo]benzene and [hydroxy(phosphoryloxy)iodo]benzene.     

p-tert-Butylthiacalix[4]arenes containing guanidinium groups: synthesis and self-assembly into nanoscale aggregates

New p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arenes with several different substituents at the lower rim have been synthesised. A method for the selective introduction of one or two guanidinium fragments into the structure of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arenes has been developed. The 1,3-alternate thiacalix[4]arenes containing guanidinium groups interact with silver nitrate and oxalic acid in methanol with a logK_assoc of about 3.5 and 1:1 stoichiometry, while the macrocycle in the cone conformation interacts with oxalic acid with logK_assoc of 7.4 and 2:1 stoichiometry. The new p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arenes form nanoscale aggregates with hydrodynamic radii of about 70 nm by self-association and by mediation with silver cations and oxalic acid.     

Calix[4]arenes as molecules for second order nonlinear optics

Abstract

The synthesis of a novel class of molecules for second order nonlinear optics, i.e. calix[4]arenes with extended π-systems, is described. These compounds are obtained via Wittig-Horner reactions of the formylated calix[4]arenes 5 and 6 to give the stilbene derivatives 7–9, or by diazotization of calix[4]arene, 1, followed by alkylation to give the phenylazocalix[4]arenes 11 and 12. The molecular second order nonlinear optical properties (β_z) of these calix[4]arenes have been measured by electric field-induced second harmonic generation. The influence of different acceptors as well as the influence of the different conformations of the calix[4]arenes on β_z values were determined. Surprisingly, the wavelength of the charge-transfer band λ_max is lower when β_z increases upon increasing the number of acceptors.     

Synthesis, fluorescent properties and aggregation of 2,3-dihydroisoindolenylcalix[4]arenes

New derivatives of calix[4]arenes, containing two isoindole fragments in distal positions of the macrocycle upper rim were synthesized. According to NMR and molecular modeling data, the obtained calixarenes exist in “flattened cone” conformation with inclination angles of benzene rings to the macrocycle plane equal to 133–140° and 92–100°. Fluorometric studies showed the presence of self-aggregation of isoindolenylcalixarenes in acetone solutions starting from micromolar concentrations.     

Unusual reactivity of upper-rim bridged calix[4]arenes – Friedel–Crafts alkylation via cleavage of the macrocyclic skeleton

Upper-rim bridged derivatives of calix[4]arenes, prepared by the direct introduction of mercury into the meta position of the basic skeleton followed by Pd-catalyzed intramolecular bridging, represent a novel type of calixarenes bearing an additional single bond between the meta positions of neighboring aromatic units. Due to the presence of this short bridge, these compounds exhibit extremely distorted cavities when compared with common calix[4]arenes. As a consequence of highly enhanced inner strain, the bridged compounds can be cleaved under acidic conditions to form open oligomeric species (benzylic type carbocation) that can be used for the Friedel–Crafts alkylation of aromatic compounds. This behavior, never observed in common calix[4]arenes, demonstrates a reasonably amended reactivity invoked by the additional bridge.     

Configuration effect of the <Emphasis Type="Italic">tert</Emphasis>-butylthiacalix[4]arene tetracarboxy derivative on its receptor properties toward vaporous organic compounds

The effect of carboxy groups and the stable conformation of tert-butylcalix[4]arenes containing four carboxymethoxy substituents at the lower rim on their receptor properties toward organic substances and water was studied for the systems with guest vapor and solid host. For this purpose, the compositions of clathrates formed in these systems, their thermal stability, and parameters of the host-guest affinity were determined by the quartz microbalance method, thermogravimetry, thermogravimetry combined with differential scanning calorimetry and mass spectrometry, and static headspace gas chromatography. The introduction of four carboxymethoxy groups into tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene enhances its receptor capacity and affinity to water and aliphatic alcohols and decreases the thermal stability of the most part of the studied clathrates with hydrophobic guests except benzene. The studied tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene derivatives can be promising receptors for use in mass-sensitive sensors of the quartz microbalance type to methanol and ethanol vapors.     

Selective and Efficient Iodination of the p-Positions of Calix[4]arene Derivatives

Selective and very convenient methods of iodination of calix[4]arenes using ICl or NIS have been demonstrated, preparing mono(p-iodo) and 1,3-di(p-iodo) derivatives of calix[4]arenecrown-4 and -5, as well as mono(p-iodo) derivative of tris(O-propyl)calix[4]arene in good yields.     

Synthesis of New Calix[4]arenes Functionalizated by Acetylhydrazide Groups

A series of new calix[4]phenols, calix[4]resorcinols and calix[4]pyrogallols with acetylhydrazide substitutes has been␣synthesized with high yields by hydrazinolysis of ester group containing calix[4]arenes. The synthesized calix[4]phenols adopt the cone conformation while the calix[4]resorcinol and calix[4]pyrogallol derivatives prefer the boat conformation. The amide fragment of the hydrazide groups predominantly exists in the trans-conformation. The binding ability of synthesized calix[4]arenes toward transition and alkali metals by solvent extraction has been investigated.     

A systematic study of stereochemical effects in homologous poly(alkenamer)s: Dewar benzene versus norbornene

Two diastereomeric derivatives of norbornene, dimethyl (1R,2R,3S,4S)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate and dimethyl (1R,2S,3S,4S)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate, were synthesized and polymerized using ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP). For comparative purposes, diastereomeric derivatives of Dewar benzene, dimethyl (1R,2S,3R,4S)-bicyclo[2.2.0]hex-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate and dimethyl (1R,2S,3S,4S)-bicyclo[2.2.0]hex-5-ene-2,3-dicarboxylate, were also synthesized and polymerized using ROMP. The polymerization reactions proceeded in a controlled manner as evidenced in part by linear relationships between the monomer-to-catalyst feed ratios and the molecular weights of the polymer products. Chain extension experiments were also conducted which facilitated the formation of block copolymers. Although the poly(norbornene) derivatives exhibited glass transition temperatures that were dependent on their monomer stereochemistry (cis: 115°C vs. trans: 125°C), more pronounced differences were observed upon analysis of the polymers derived from Dewar benzene (cis: 70°C vs. trans: 95°C). Likewise, microphase separation was observed in block copolymers that were prepared using the diastereomeric monomers derived from Dewar benzene but not in block copolymers of the norbornene-based diastereomers. The differential thermal properties were attributed to the relative monomer sizes as reducing the distances between the polymer backbones and the pendant stereocenters appeared to enhance the thermal effects.     

An approach to the synthesis of chemically modified bisazocalix[4]arenes and their extraction properties

Bisazocalix[4]arenes [N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)benzene (1), N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)biphenyl (2) and N,N′-bis(5-azo-25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene)-2,2′-dinitro biphenyl (3)] have been synthesized from 25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxycalix[4]arene by diazocoupling with the corresponding aromatic diamines (p-phenylenediamine, 4,4′-diamino biphenyl and 4,4′-diamino-2,2′-dinitrobiphenyl). Extraction studies of bisazocalix[4]arenes 1, 2, and 3 show no difference in their extraction behavior and selectivity, whereas azocalix[4]arenes are a poor extractant for heavy metal cations. The absorption spectra of the prepared bisazocalix[4]arenes are discussed, both the effect of varying pH and solvent upon the absorption ability of bisazocalix[4]arenes.     

Computational investigation of the structures,properties, and host-guest chemistry of prism[n]arenes

The discovery of new and functional macrocyclic host compounds is an important part of supramolecular chemistry. Since the experimental synthesis, prism[n]arenes (Pr[n]As), a class of naphthol-based macrocyclic arenes, have attracted much attention. In this work, from the perspective of theoretical calculation and research, Pr[n]As (n = 4 ~ 7) were studied by density functional theory (DFT) calculations and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The prismatic configuration isomers, electronic structures, absorption spectra, and host-guest chemistry were discussed thoroughly. DFT calculation results showed that 1,5-, 3,7-, and “hybrid” 15,37-Pr[n]As were the most representative configurations with the rigid prismatic molecular skeleton. Based on time-dependent density functional theory (TD-DFT), the absorption spectra of Pr[n]As were all in the range of ultraviolet light which were mainly attributed to π-π* transitions. The molecular cavities of Pr[n]As were electron-rich and capable of accommodating a variety of cations or electron-conjugated molecules. MD simulation results showed that a Pr[n]A molecule was able to capture the guest molecule into its molecular cavity and maintain in the state of equilibrium in solvents.     

Stereochemical control of calixarenes useful as rigid and conformationally diversiform platforms for molecular design

Stereochemical problems and related functions of calix[4]arenes, calix[6]arenes and their chiral derivatives have been reviewed. In p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1H₄) and its mono-, di-, tri-, and tetra-O-alkyl derivatives (1H₃R, 1H₂R₂,1HR₃, and 1R₄, respectively), 23 different homologues can exist (including 1H₄). We found that the OH group in the unmodified phenol unit is permeable through the calix[4]arene ring. Thus, several conformational isomers become equivalent after the ‘oxygen-through-the-annulus’ rotation of the OH group and the number of possible homologues is reduced to 13 (including 1H₃). We report in this paper the syntheses of all of these possible conformational isomers using a protection-deprotection method with a benzyl group and metal template effects. On the other hand, all possible chiral isomers that can be derived from calix[4]arene by modification of the OH groups have been systematically classified. Molecular asymmetry can be generated not only by different substituents but also by conformational isomerism. The numbers of chiral isomers are 17 for tetra-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, 9 for tri-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, 3 for di-O-substituted calix[4]arenes, and 0 for mono-O-substituted calix[4]arenes. Chiral calix[4]arenes can also be designed by the introduction of a substituent into the m-position of a phenol unit or by the use of a dissymmetric ‘stapling reaction’ in proximal phenol units. In p-tert-butylcalix[6]arene, the conformational behaviour is totally different from that in p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene. A large degree of conformational freedom remains in the framework, and both ‘oxygen-through-the-annulus rotation’ and ‘para-substituent-through-the-annulus rotation’ can take place. However, when metal cations are bound to calix[6]aryl esters, the conformation is changed to a cone type. Bridging and capping are powerful methods to immobilize the conformation of calix[6]arenes. In addition, definitive evidence for ring immobilization was obtained from the absence of racemization in the chiral calix[6]arene. A successful example of chiral recognition for α-amino acid derivatives was achieved by using chiral homooxacalix[3]arene which has ‘pseudo C₂ symmetry’. These examples indicate that calixarenes serve as rigid and conformationally diversiform platforms for the design of novel functional supramolecules.