Anion recognition by alpha-arylazo-N-confused calix[4]pyrroles

The first example of substitution reaction in the free alpha-position of N-confused calix[4]pyrroles is reported: azo-coupling with various arenediazonium salts. The obtained azocompounds were used for studies of their anion-binding properties by UV-Vis spectroscopy.     

N-confused calix[4]pyrroles

This is a first review devoted to N-confused calix[4]pyrroles (NCCPs). NCCPs are a relatively recent arrival to the family of the pyrrole-based anion binding macrocycles, being for the first time identified in 1999. Yet, in a relatively short time these calix[4]pyrrole (CP) isomers attracted attention of the community of research groups interested in anion binding and sensing. This is because they are relatively easy to synthesize, but mainly because they posses anion-binding properties that are different from that of regular calix[4]pyrroles. The difference in anion-binding properties stems from a different binding mode between the NCCP and anion. While the regular CPs adopt in the complex an ideal cone-like conformation where all four pyrroles-NHs engage in hydrogen bonding to the anion, the inverted pyrroles do not allow forming the cone. NCCPs bind anions via a confused cone (CC), by three NH hydrogen bonds with an anion and a CH–anion contact. This different binding mode results also in different anion-binding affinity and selectivity compared to regular CPs. Also, the inverted pyrroles offer a unique possibility for selective chemical modification of the receptor. The corresponding colorimetric sensors were tested for anion binding applications. The results of colorimetric assays for anions are presented and potential applications discussed.     

Analytical applications of nano-baskets of calix[4]pyrroles

Calix[4]pyrrole is one such class which holds a great promise in the fields of sensors and their unique behavior as sensors owes to its structural flexibility. Anion binding ability of calix[4]pyrrole has been modified in a variety of ways. Introduction of electron releasing and electron withdrawing groups at the meso position or at β-pyrrolic positions leads to calix[4]pyrrole with deep cavities and fixed walls which shows increased selectivity and modified binding effects. Strapping of calix[4]pyrrole is another way to modify its structural behavior which is responsible for its binding behavior. Choice of strap could play a profound role not only in increasing the intrinsic anion binding affinity of calix[4] pyrrole, but also in modulating the receptor anion stoichiometry, thereby modifying potentially the inherent anion binding selectivity. Calix[n]pyrroles with extended cavities have also been synthesized. Such as calix[3]bipyrrole binds bromide substantially with high affinity than calix[4]pyrrole. Calix[4]pyrrole has also been used to produce anion sensors that can report the presence of anion by means of a color change. The medium effect on the complexation of calix[4]pyrrole and anion has been investigated in various solvents. Calix[4]pyrrole has also been used to increase the ionic conductivity of solid polymer electrolyte by anion complexation of the metal salt. Calix[4]pyrrole has been used to obtain optical sensors using surface plasmon resonance technique. Composite films of cellulose acetate containing calix[4]pyrrole has also been reported which has potential usage in packaging, storage and preservation. In nut shell, calix[4]pyrrole can be modified in a variety of ways to form versatile sensors which can be used in variety of ways in various areas.     

Sensing of antipyretic carboxylates by simple chromogenic calix[4]pyrroles

We present a simple, two- or three-step method for the synthesis of chromogenic octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole-based (OMCP) sensors for anions. Electrophilic aromatic substitution allows for converting the pyrrole moieties of OMCP into a dye. The formation of a sensor-anion complex results in partial charge transfer and a dramatic change in color. The absorption (UV-vis) and NMR titration experiments show that the chromogenic OMCPs sense anions administered as aqueous solutions, even at high ionic strength ( approximately 0.1 M NaCl), while displaying selectivity for pyrophosphate and carboxylate anions. The experiments with polyurethane sensor films show a strong response for aqueous carboxylates, such as antipyretics naproxen approximately ibuprofen > salicylate, without being biased by bicarbonate or carboxy termini of blood plasma proteins.     

An efficient and eco-friendly protocol to synthesize calix[4]pyrroles

A facile, highly efficient and eco-friendly protocol for the synthesis of calix[4]pyrroles in excellent yields is reported. Instead of tedious column chromatography, simple recrystallization techniques were employed for compound purification yielding better results and leading to multi gram scale synthesis.     

Anion receptors based on ureido-substituted thiacalix[4]arenes and calix[4]arenes

The regioselective nitration of 25,27-dipropoxythiacalix[4]arene was carried out as a key step in the synthesis of thiacalix[4]arene derivative bearing two arylureido functions on the upper rim. The preorganisation of ureido units using the thiacalix[4]arene/calix[4]arene moieties as a molecular scaffold gave novel anion receptors. These compounds, albeit based on hydrogen bonding interactions, show good complexation ability even in highly HB-competitive solvent, such as DMSO. Direct comparison of otherwise identical structures 6a and 7a revealed remarkable dominance of the thiacalix[4]arene derivative over its classical analogue in anion binding.     

Lithiation of meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole: a general route to C-Rim monosubstituted calix[4]pyrroles

Lithiation and subsequent addition of an electrophile to meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole provides a straightforward synthetic route to new, C-rim monosubstituted calix[4]pyrroles. A variety of electrophiles were used, resulting in calix[4]pyrroles with appended functional groups including carboxyl, ester, iodo, and formyl. This method was optimized to give maximum yields of the monosubstituted derivatives with lowest possible contamination by di- and trisubstituted congeners. Solid-state studies, performed for a number of these derivatives, showed unexpected supramolecular interactions involving both solvents and the monosubstituted calix[4]pyrrole derivatives themselves.     

Electrostatic interaction between cationic calix[4]pyrroles and anionic porphyrins in water

The formation and characterization of molecular assemblies resulting from mixing of solutions of tetracationic calix[4]pyrroles and tetraanionic porphyrins in water are reported. The self-assembly of the complementary building blocks was quantitatively studied by UV–vis, ¹H NMR, Fluorescence and ESI–MS. Binding constants calculated by absorption spectroscopic titrations were in the range of 10³–10⁵ M^?1. The results indicate that the cationic thiacalix[4]pyrroles show greater binding affinity towards metal free porphyrins than metalloporphyrins under neutral conditions.     

Anion-dependent binding of zinc calix[4]pyrrole-bisporphyrinate triethylenediamine

The complexation properties of zinc 10,20-bis[5-(2,3,7,8,12,13,17,18-octaethylporphyrinate)ethynylphenyl]-5,5′,10′,15,15′,20′-hexamethylcalix[4]pyrrole toward halide ions, triethylenediamine, and 4,4′-bipyridyl were studied by spectrophotometric titration and ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The influence of binding of anions (F⁻ and Cl⁻) by the calix[4]pyrrole fragment of zinc calixpyrrole-bisporphyrinate on the complexation properties of its interporphyrin cavity toward the bidentate organic ligand triethylenediamine.     

Syntheses, structures, and anion-binding properties of two novel calix[2]benzo[4]pyrroles

Calix[2]benzo[4]pyrrole m-6 and p-6, each containing two dipyrromethane moieties and two m-phenylene or p-phenylene units, respectively, were readily synthesised from pyrrole, 1,3- and 1,4-bis(1,1'-dimethylhydroxymethyl)benzene, (m-4 and p-4, respectively) and acetone. Macrocycles m-6 and p-6 were tested as receptors for a selection of anions, such as acetate, dihydrogenphosphate and fluoride. The X-ray structures of m-6 and p-6 and those of the complexes m-6F(-), m-6Cl(-) and m-6CH(3)COO(-) (with an nBu(4)N(+) counterion) were also determined.     

Mono Halogen Substituted Calix[4]pyrroles: Fine-tuning the Anion Binding Properties of Calix[4]pyrrole

Abstract

Single halogen atom (i. e. I, Br, Cl and F) substituted calix[4]pyrroles, compounds 2, 3, 4 and 5, were synthesized. Studies of these systems reveal that replacement of a single β-pyrrolic hydrogen atom can increase the anion binding ability of calix[4]pyrroles for a variety of anions (e. g. Cl^?, Br^?, H₂PO₄ ^? and HSO^? ₄) relative to normal non-halogen substituted calix[4]pyrrole 1. In the case of chloride anion, the expected relative affinity sequence of 5 > 4 > 3 > 2 was observed. This was not found to be true for Br^?, H²PO^? ₄, and HSO^? ₄. Here, the chlorine substituted calix[4]pyrrole 4 was found to display a slightly higher affinity in the case of each anion than the fluorine-bearing derivative 5. This was rationalized in terms of intermolecular NH … F hydrogen bonding interactions being present in CD₂Cl₂ solutions of 5. Support for this latter conclusion came from concentration and temperature-dependent NMR spectroscopic studies.

A matched set of mono halogen substituted calix[4]pyrroles was used to study in detail, the extent to which halogen substituents may be used to fine-tune the anion binding properties of calix[4]pyrroles.     

Synthesis and anion binding of 2-arylazo-meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrroles

2-Arylazo-5,5,10,10,15,15,20,20-octamethylcalix[4]pyrroles (azo-OMCPs) have been synthesised by the reaction of calix[4]pyrrole with aryldiazonium chloride in 15–45% yields. The solution-state binding studies of the synthesised hosts were investigated by absorption spectroscopy and ¹H NMR in DMSO and CDCl₃, respectively. These receptors, appended with electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups, displayed enhanced affinity and selectivity for fluoride anion. Well-defined colour change in the visible region of the spectrum was observed upon addition of fluoride ion in DMSO solution of azo-OMCPs. Detailed NMR studies in CDCl₃ revealed that azo-OMCPs with nitro and chloro groups have higher binding affinity for fluoride ion.

     

Synthesis of meso‐tetra acid and ester functionalized calix[4]pyrroles

Novel meso‐tetracarboxylic acid and meso‐tetraester functionalized calix[4]pyrroles were synthesized by condensation of pyrrole with levulinic acid and ethyl pyruvate in sufficient yields. In addition, mixed condensation products can also be synthesized using this method. These new compounds may be useful as molecular receptors and polyfunctional starting materials for further derivatization.     

Synthesis and binding properties of calix[4]arene telomers

Two calix[4]arene derivatives (5 and 8) and their telomers are synthesized to estimate selective extraction of alkali and transition metal cations from the aqueous to the organic phase (chloroform). Compound 5 shows selectivity toward Hg²⁺. Compound 8 and telomers 6 and 9 are not selective but are good extractants for all used transition metal ions. The observations suggest that ethylene glycol bridges are efficient for carrying transition metal cations in a two-phase solvent system. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 4351–4355, 1999     

Cis- and trans-strapped calix[4]pyrroles bearing phthalamide linkers: synthesis and anion-binding properties

[reaction: see text] New cis-strapped calix[4]pyrrole derivatives 12, 13, and 19 and trans-strapped systems 14 and 15 bearing isophthalate-derived diamide spacers linked to the tetrapyrrolic core have been synthesized and characterized by spectroscopic means. The anion-binding behavior of these receptors was investigated by proton NMR spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). A 2:1 binding stoichiometry was observed under the conditions of NMR analysis but not at the lower concentration regime used for ITC. As gauged from both sets of analyses, these new strapped systems display affinities for halide anions that are enhanced compared to those of normal, unstrapped calix[4]pyrrole. However, contrary to expectations, no size-dependent selectivity for anions is observed as the length of the bridging strap is varied. Such results are interpreted in terms of anion-binding processes that occur outside the central pocket defined by the strap but that still favor strong associations as the result of the increased number of hydrogen-bonding donors the amide groups provide.     

Metalloporphyrin-capped calix[4]pyrroles: heteroditopic receptor models for anion recognition and ligand fixation

Diametrically strapped calix[4]pyrrole-metalloporphyrin conjugates, potential hosts for anionic guests, have been synthesized and characterized. The syntheses rely on the acid-catalyzed condensation of two dipyrromethane bearing Ni(II) porphyrins with acetone. An (1)H NMR spectroscopic titration experiment indicated that the resulting receptors selectively trapped fluoride anions in organic media but not other, larger halide anions. The experimental results from titration and Job plots indicated that the bound fluoride anion must reside inside the cavity. The current systems provide a well-defined illustration of how size-selective anion receptors may be synthesized by incorporating recognition functions, such as Lewis acidity, hydrogen bonding, and encapsulating moieties into established recognition motifs, calix[4]pyrrole in the present instance.     

Lanthanoid coordination with a tetrazole-substituted calix[4]diquinone and calix[4]dihydroquinone

The tetrazole-functionalised calixdiquinone 5,17-di-tert-butyl-26,28-bis-(1H-tetrazole-5-ylmethoxy)-calix[4]-25,27-diquinone Q was synthesised by chemical oxidation of the bis-tetrazole calix[4]arene precursor using PbO₂/HClO₄. The single crystal X-ray structure determination of Q confirmed the structure and showed binding of a water molecule in the solid state. Chemical reduction of Q to the dihydroquinone QR was achieved using N,N-diethylhydroxylamine. Comparison of the solution phase photophysical properties of Q or QR in the presence of terbium ions showed significant excitation only with QR, suggesting redox switching of the photophysical response may be possible with this or similar receptor.