Two protocols for the preparation of [2]rotaxanes based on the dibenzo-24-crown-8-based cryptand/paraquat recognition motif

Host–guest complexation between a dibenzo-24-crown-8-based cryptand and a paraquat derivative was studied. Subsequently, two novel [2]rotaxanes based on the dibenzo-24-crown-8-based cryptand/paraquat recognition motif were prepared by threading-followed-by-stoppering method and single-pot method, respectively. The obtained mechanically interlocked structures were confirmed by ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, 2D NMR, and ESI-MS.     

[2]Pseudorotaxanes based on the cryptand/monopyridinium recognition motif

The first cryptand/monopyridinium [2]pseudorotaxanes were prepared from five bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10- and one bis(m-phenylene)-26-crown-8-based cryptand hosts and three monopyridinium guests. These pseudorotaxanes were studied by proton NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Association constants ranged from 141 M⁻¹ to 1.86×10⁴ M⁻¹ in 1:1 acetone: chloroform at 22 °C.     

Inclusion [2]complexes based on the cryptand/diquat recognition motif

Seven diquat-based inclusion [2]complexes were studied by proton NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray analysis. The hosts used in these inclusion [2]complexes are bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10, a bis(m-phenylene)-26-crown-8-based cryptand, and five bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands. Bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands have been proved to be able to complex diquat much more strongly than bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 itself and one containing a pyridyl moiety has one of the highest K_a values reported to date. These hosts form 1:1 complexes with diquat in solution and in the solid state. It was found that the improved binding from bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 to bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10 was due to a supramolecular cryptand structure formed by chelation of the two terminal OH moieties of bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10 with a water molecule as a hydrogen-bonding bridge.     

Clip[5]arenes: A new family of molecular clips

Here we report the design and syntheses of two new triptycene-based rigid acyclic C-shaped hosts, clip[5]arenes C[5]OH and C[5]ME, and the strong host–guest complexation between C[5]OH and an electron-poor bipyridinium salt, paraquat G. The K_a value for the host–guest complex C[5]OH???G was calculated to be (1.09?±?0.36)??×??10⁵?M^?1 in acetone by using a non-linear curve-fitting method based on the UV–vis absorption titration experiments. Furthermore, based on this new host–guest recognition motif, a novel pseudopolyrotaxane-like supramolecular structure was constructed with C[5]OH threaded on polyviologen polymer VP-10.     

1,2-Bis[N-(N′-alkylimidazolium)]ethane salts as new guests for crown ethers and cryptands

1,2-Bis[N-(N′-alkylimidazolium)ethane salts form complexes presumed to be pseudorotaxanes with crown ether and cryptand hosts. The association constants of 1,2-bis[N-(N′-butylimidazolium)]ethane bis(hexafluorophosphate) with dibenzo-24-crown-8 and a dibenzo-24-crown-8-based pyridyl cryptand were estimated as 24 (±1) and 348 (±30) M⁻¹, respectively, in acetonitrile at 25 °C. The pseudorotaxane-like structure of the 1:2 complex of the N′-methyl analog with the cryptand was observed by X-ray crystallography. Replacement of the ethylene spacer with propylene and butylene spacers resulted in K_a values an order of magnitude smaller.     

Synthesis of the 1-hydroxy-closo-decaborate anion [1-B10H9OH]

Reactions of the diazonium derivative of closo-decaborate anion with oxygen nucleophiles were studied. The reaction of [1-B₁₀H₉N₂]⁻ with hydroxide ion gives the corresponding hydroxy derivative [1-B₁₀H₉OH]²⁻ in high yield. The reactions with OR (R = Me, Et, i-Pr, Ph) result in mixture of [1-B₁₀H₉OR]²⁻ and [a²-B₂₀H₁₈]⁴⁻.     

The addition of benzocyclobutenylidene to benzene : The facile rearrangement of spiro[benzocyclobutene-1,7'-cyclohepta-1',3',5'-triene] to 9a,10-dihydrobenz[α]azulene

Thermal decomposition of the sodium salts of benzocyclobutenone tosylhydrazone and 2-methylbenzocyclobutenone tosylhydrazone in benzene affords 9a,10-dihydrobenz[α]azulene 4 and trans-10-methyl-9a, 10-dihydrobenz[α]azulene 3, respectively. A mechanism involving initially the addition of the carbene benzocyclobutenylidene, or its 2-Me derivative, to the benzene ring is postulated. A proposed intermediate in the reaction, spiro [benzocyclobutene 1,7' cyclohepta-1',3',5'-triene] 12 has been synthesised, and shown to give rise to 4 under the reaction conditions. The rate of rearrangement of 12 → 4 has been measured, and the activation energy determined: E_a = 125.9 ± O.8 KJmol^?1 and A = 1.38 × lO¹⁴sec^?1. The mechanism for the rearrangement must involve ring opening of the benzocyclobutene moiety of 12 to give an o- xylylene intermediate which is postulated to possess considerable diradical character. At 71.8 °, this ring opening is 2.7 × 10⁶ times faster than the ring opening of the parent benzocyclobutene molecule. The decomposition of the sodium salt of 2-(7' -cyclohepta-1',3',5' trienyl)benzaldehyde tosylhydrazone has also been investigated and is shown to yield 4a,10-dihydrobenz[α]azulene, 9,10-dihydrobenz[α]azulene and 8,9-benzotricyclo [5.3.0.0^2.10]deca-3,5,8-triene. A mechanism involving intramolecular 1,3-dipolar addition of a diazo grouping to a cycloheptatriene Π-bond, followed by decomposition of the resulting pyrazoline intermediate, is proposed.     

Hg-selective fluoroionophore of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-diaza-crown ether having pyrenylacetamide subunits

A new ionophore having two pyrenylacetamide moieties based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene-diaza-crown ether has been prepared and its fluoroionophoric properties were investigated. Bis(pyrenyl) derivative was found to exhibit selective ON-OFF type sensing behavior toward Hg²⁺ ions over other representative transition and heavy metal ions. The fluorescence quenching efficiency of larger than 20-fold was observed with 100 equiv of Hg²⁺ ions and the association constant was found to be 4.5 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ in methanol. The ionophore also exhibited a very efficient quenching of excimer fluorescence selectively upon treatment with Hg²⁺ ions in 50% aqueous methanol solution. The observed Hg²⁺-selective ON-OFF type fluorescence behavior could be utilized as efficient sensing and switching devices for the design of other supramolecular systems.     

Tertiary alkoxyl radicals from 3-alkoxythiazole-2(3H)-thiones

This study deals with the synthesis of tert-O-alkyl thiohydroxamates and their use as tert-alkoxyl radical precursors. tert-Alkoxyl radicals were applied in mechanistic studies to determine rate constants of (i) p-chlorocumyloxyl radical addition to bicyclo[2.2.1]heptene (k=1×10⁷ M⁻¹ s⁻¹), (ii) 2-phenylhex-5-en-2-oxyl radical 5-exo-trig-cyclization (k^cis=3×10⁹ s⁻¹, k^trans=1×10⁹ s⁻¹), and (iii) 2-methyl-5-phenylpent-2-oxyl to 2-hydroxy-2-methyl-5-phenylpent-5-yl radical isomerization (1,5-H-atom shift; k=0.4-1.5×10⁸ s⁻¹). The reactions pose key steps in synthesis of 2,2,5-substituted tetrahydrofurans and 2-bromo-3-alkoxybicyclo[2.2.1]heptanes. Stereoselectivity in 5-exo-trig cyclization (2,5-cis) and intermolecular addition (exo/endo>99:1), originates from torsional strain in transition structures of alkoxyl radical reactions.     

穴醚[2, 2, 2]和穴醚[2, 2]对镉离子萃取行为的研究

本文研究了穴醚[2,2,2]和穴醚[2,2]在硝基甲烷中对镉的萃取行为。探讨了溶剂、穴醚浓度,碱浓度,无机酸浓度,盐效应及共存离子对镉萃取的影响。实验结果表明,硝基甲烷ε=35.6,μ=3.4德拜宜作为穴醚的溶剂。当穴醚[2,2,2]——硝基甲烷的浓度为2×10~(-3)M,Me_4NOH浓度为4×10~(-2)M时对镉的萃取最为有利。无机酸的引入使穴醚质子化程度加大,盐效应对镉的萃取无明显影响。十八种共存离子对镉萃取无干扰,因而选择性高。实验结果为用穴醚[2,2,2]萃取镉提供了依据。     

Kaliumselektive Membranelektroden auf der Basis des Kryptanden [2B2B2]

Zusammenfassung Der Kryptand [2_B2_B2] wurde durch mehrere Cyclisierungsreaktionen unter Berücksichtigung des Verdünnungsprinzips synthetisiert. Damit wurden drei verschiedene, auf Kalium ansprechende Membranen für den Einbau in einen im Handel erhältlichen Elektrodenkörper hergestellt: eine Diphenylether-Flüssigmembrane und je eine Polystyrol- bzw. PVC-Festkörpermembrane. Die meßfertigen Sensoren ergaben mit Ausnahme der Polystyrolmembrane über mehrere Aktivitätsdekaden linear ansteigende Potentiale für reine Kaliumsalzlösungen von ca. 5×10^–6 bis 10^–1 [mol/l]. Die Sensoren erwiesen sich, wiederum mit Ausnahme der Polystyrolmembranelektrode, als selektiv für Kalium; dabei lieferte der PVC-Sensor etwas günstigere Ergebnisse. Nachteilig wirkte sich aus, daß die Elektroden auf Grund der verhältnismäßig kurzen Lebensdauer der Membranen in ihrer Benutzbarkeit eingeschränkt waren und die jeweils potentialbestimmende Phase des öfteren regeneriert werden mußte.

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Potassium-selective membrane electrodes based on the cryptand [2_B2_B2]

Summary According to the principle of dilution, the cryptand [2_B2_B2] was synthesized by several cyclisations. For the installation in a commercially available electrode, the cryptand was used as the basic substance for three kinds of membranes: one liquid-membrane on diphenylether and two solid-membranes, one on polystyrene and the other on polyvinyl chloride. Except for the polystyrene type, the prepared sensors produced linear potentials for pure solutions of potassium over a concentration range of about 10^–6 to 10^–1 mol/l. The liquid-electrode and the PVC-electrode were both selective for potassium, the latter one achieving better results. Unfortunately they had not very long life periods, particuarly under extreme conditions. Therefore, occasionally, their desactivated membranes had to be replaced frequently.

Wir danken der Deutschen Forschungsgemeinschaft, Bonn-Bad Godesberg, dem Minister für Wissenschaft und Forschung des Landes Nordrhein-Westfalen, Landesamt für Forschung sowie dem Verband der Chemischen Industrie, Fonds der Chemie, für Sachbeihilfen.     

New 2-methylenepropylene-bridged cryptands with high sodium ion selectivity: A thermodynamic study of complexation

Thermodynamic quantities for the interactions of mono- and tri(2-methylenepropylene)-bridged cryptands, cryptand [3.3.1], cryptand [2.2.2], and 18-crown-6-with Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺, and Cs⁺ have been determined by calorimetric titration in an 80:20 (v/v) methanol: water solution at 25°C. Incorporation of the 2-methylenepropylene (–CH₂C(=CH₂)CH₂–) bridge(s) into cryptand [2.2.2] results in a large change in the ligand-cation binding properties. Tri(2-methylenepropylene)-bridged cryptand [2.2.2] (2) shows high selectivity factors for Na⁺ over K⁺ and other alkali cations, while 2-methylenepropylene-bridged cryptand [2.2.2.] (1) selects K⁺ over Na⁺, as does cryptand [2.2.2]. The K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity is reversed with increasing number of 2-methylenepropylene bridges. This observation indicates that increasing the number of 2-methylenepropylene bridges on cryptand [2.2.2] favors complexation of a small cation over a large one. The logK values for the formation of 1 and 2 complexes (except 1-Cs⁺ and 2-Na⁺) decrease as compared with those for the corresponding [2.2.2] complexes. Formation of six-membered chelate ring(s) by the propyleneoxy unit(s) of 1 and 2 with a cation stabilizes the cryptate complexes of the small Na⁺ and destabilizes the complexes of large alkali metal cations. Thermodynamic data indicate that the stabilities of the cryptate complexes studied are dominated mostly by the enthalpy change. In most cases, both stabilization of Na⁺ complexes and destabilization of the complexes of large alkali metal cations by six-membered chelate ring(s) also result from an enthalpic effect. Cryptand [3.3.1] shows a selectivity for K⁺ over Cs⁺, despite its two long CH₂(CH₂OCH₂)₃CH₂ bridges. The [3.1] macroring portion of [3.3.1]may be too small to effectively bind the Cs⁺, resulting in the low stability of the Cs⁺ complex.     

Synthesis and X-ray structural characterisation of the tetramethylene oxonium derivative of the hydrodecaborate anion. A versatile route for derivative chemistry of [B10H10]

The oxonium derivative P(C₆H₅)₄[2-B₁₀H₉O(CH₂)₄] (1) has been prepared from [B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻ by a solvent-addition reaction route, promoted by Et₂O · BF₃. Its structure has been confirmed by single crystal X-ray analysis. 1 is assumed to be a useful synthon for the derivative chemistry of [B₁₀H₁₀]²⁻. As an illustration, ring-opening reaction occurred in presence of the strong nucleophilic agent OH⁻, giving the monoanionic derivative [P(C₆H₅)₄]₂[2-B₁₀H₉O(CH₂)₄OH] (2).     

Reversible organogels triggered by dynamic K+ binding and release

In this study, a new lipophilic guanosine derivative was synthesized as an organogelator. The self-aggregation behavior of this organogelator was investigated by NMR, XRD and AFM. In solution, the lipophilic guanosine derivative can form a stable ribbon-like structure through NH(1)–N(7) and NH(2)–O(6) hydrogen bonds. However, gelation would occur in some aprotic solvents after the concentration reached a definite value. More interesting, the ribbon-like structure was able to change to G-quartets in the presence of K⁺, which led to the transformation from a gel to a sol. Upon the addition of the cryptand [2.2.2], which can efficiently complex with K⁺, G-quartets reverted to the original ribbon-like structure and the gel recovered. Subsequently, upon the addition of acids, K⁺ was released from the cryptate with the transformation of gel-to-sol simultaneously. Finally, upon the addition of bases which deprotonated [H⁺ ? 2.2.2], the liberated cryptand [2.2.2] recaptured K⁺ and the gel was regenerated again. This process of interconversion between G-ribbon 1_n and octamer 1₈·K⁺ was well monitored by circular dichroism spectra.     

Synthesis and alkali metal complexation studies of novel cage-functionalized cryptands

The synthesis of novel cage-functionalized cryptands 1–5 containing adamantane-, 2-oxaadamantane- or noradamantane-moiety [i.e., 1,3-diethyladamantano[2.2.0]cryptand (1), 1,3-diethoxyadamantano[2.2.2]cryptand (2), 1,3-di[(ethyloxy)methyl]adamantano[2.2.2]-cryptand (3), 1,3-di[(ethyloxy)methyl]-2-oxaadamantano[2.2.3]cryptand (4), and 1,2-diethyloxynoradamantano[2.2.2]cryptand (5)] and their alkali metal binding properties are reported. The results obtained by extraction experiments showed that all the cryptands displayed lower extraction capabilities than the parent [2.2.2]cryptand. However, cryptands 1 and 2 showed much higher selectivity toward K⁺ than the reference [2.2.2]cryptand. When the third bridge is enlarged by two additional CH₂-groups as well as by two oxygen atoms, as in cryptands 3 and 4, the complexational abilities for bigger cations (K⁺, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺) are enhanced. Cryptand 5 displayed very good extraction capabilities of all cations, but showed practically no selectivity towards any of the alkali metal cation. The experimental findings are corroborated by calculation studies consisting of force field based conformational search using Monte Carlo method followed by investigation of the stabilities of the complexes of cryptands with Na⁺ and K⁺ metal ions in chloroform by means of quantum chemical calculations at the density functional theory level.     

Supramolecular interaction of cucurbit[n]urils and coptisine by spectrofluorimetry and its analytical application

The supramolecular interaction of a homologous series of cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n], n = 5, 6, 7, 8) hosts and coptisine (COP) was studied by spectrofluorimetry. All of the CB[n]s were found to react with COP to form 1:1 host-guest stable complexes and the fluorescence intensity of the complexes was greatly enhanced. The apparent association constants of the complexes were 1.44 × 10⁴, 1.28 × 10⁴, 1.86 × 10⁴ and 1.26 × 10⁴ L mol⁻¹ for CB[5], CB[6], CB[7] and CB[8], respectively. In addition, CB[5] and CB[7] exhibited a higher fluorescence signal than CB[6] and CB[8]. The fluorescence intensity of the complex with CB[7] was enhanced 70-fold compared to that of the studied drug itself. Based on the significant enhancement of fluorescence intensity of supramolecular complex, a simple, rapid, highly sensitive, and selective spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of COP in aqueous solution in the presence of CB[7]. At the optimum reaction conditions, a linear relationship was obtained in the range from 0.05 to 1700 ng mL⁻¹ with a detection limit of 0.012 ng mL⁻¹. The proposed method was successfully applied for the determination of the drug in urine and serum samples.     

Two bis(p-phenylene)-34-crown-10-based cryptand constitutional isomers: different binding abilities induced by structural alterations

Two novel bis(p-phenylene)-34-crown-10-based cryptand constitutional isomers were prepared and their host–guest complexations with paraquat were studied by ESI-MS, UV–vis spectroscopy, ¹H NMR spectra, and X-ray crystal structures. Notably, though the only difference between the two hosts is the location of the nitrogen atom on the third arms, they exhibited quite different binding abilities with paraquat. Competitive complexation was carried out and it may provide a simple way to construct sophisticated supramolecular materials with reversibility and adaptability.     

Titrimetric determinations of cryptands and cryptates

Summary Using bromocresol green as a visual endpoint indicator solutions of the cryptands [2.2.1] and [2.2.2] can be determined by titration with HCl in the concentration range of 10^–1–10^–3 M with relative standard deviations of 0.2–0.4 %. If both cryptand and cryptate are present in one solution, then the sum of them can be determined titrimetrically in the same way. It is also possible to determine the contents of [2.2.1] and [2.2.2] by using a calcium or barium standard solution and the unknown cryptand solution as a titrant. By evaluation of the pH-curve thus obtained, the endpoint of the titration can be determined. In the concentration range of 10^–1–10^–2 M relative standard deviations of about 0.5% are obtained. [2.2.1] cryptand solutions are determined by using the standard addition technique of Gran with a calcium chloride solution. An ion-selective electrode is used as a probe for calcium ions. If this method is applied, the relative standard deviation in the range of 10^–2–10^–4 M solutions is approximately 3%. With this technique cryptand can be analysed even when cryptate is present in the solution.We wish to thank the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft and the Fonds der Chemischen Industrie for their financial support.     

The Heusler phases LiRh2Si and LiRh2Ge: Synthesis, structure and properties

The isostructural Heusler phases LiRh₂Si and LiRh₂Ge have been synthesized from the elements and an excess of lithium at 1000 °C. Both materials adopt the CuMn₂Al crystal structure, space group Fm−3m (No. 225) with the room temperature lattice parameter a=5.747(1) Å [Vol=189.866(1) Å³] and a=5.847(1) Å [Vol=199.88(6) Å³] for LiRh₂Si and LiRh₂Ge, respectively. X-ray analyses suggest mixed site occupancy of the form Li_1−xRh₂Si_1+x (x<0.4), but not for LiRh₂Ge. Both materials are diamagnetic, χ_mol(LiRh₂Si)=−6×10⁻⁵ cm³(mole)⁻¹ and χ_mol(LiRh₂Ge)=−10×10⁻⁵ cm³(mole)⁻¹ and metallic with room temperature resistivities of approximately 19 and 32 μΩ cm, respectively. These properties are consistent with the calculated electronic structure.     

A high temperature superionic phase of CsSn2F5

The compound CsSn₂F₅ has been investigated over the temperature range from ambient to 545 K using differential scanning calorimetry, impedance spectroscopy and neutron powder diffraction methods. A first-order phase transition is observed from DSC measurements at 510(2) K, to a phase possessing a high ionic conductivity (σ∼2.5×10⁻² Ω⁻¹ cm⁻¹ at 520 K). The crystal structure of the high temperature superionic phase (labelled α) has been determined to be tetragonal (space group I4/mmm, a=4.2606(10) Å, c=19.739(5) Å and Z=2) in which the cations form layers perpendicular to the [001] direction, with a stacking sequence CsSnSnCsSnSn… All the anions are located in two partially occupied sites in the gap between the Cs and Sn layers, whilst the space between the Sn cations is empty, due to the orientation of the lone-pair electrons associated with the Sn²⁺. The structure of α-CsSn₂F₅ is discussed in relation to two other layered F⁻ conducting superionic phases containing Sn²⁺ cations, α-RbSn₂F₅ and α-PbSnF₄ and, to facilitate this comparison, an improved structural characterisation of the former is also presented. The wider issue of the role of lone-pair cations such as Sn²⁺ in promoting dynamic disorder within an anion substructure is also briefly addressed.