Anion effects on calixarene monolayers: a Hofmeister series study

Due to their amphiphilic structure, calixarenes adsorb at the air/water interface and form stable Langmuir films. We have explored the effect of salts on calix[6]- and calix[8]arene spreading isotherms at the air/water interface. A wide range of different potassium salts was used in the subphase: KCl, KI, KBr, KSCN, KNO(3), CH(3)COOK, K(2)SO(4), and K(3)PO(4). The differences in Langmuir isotherms are due to the presence of different anions in the subphase, to the different conformations of the ligands at the interface, and to the different complexing affinities of calix[6]- and calix[8]arene for potassium ions. The two systems show a significant specific ion effect that can be discussed in terms of Hofmeister series. Characteristic monolayer parameters, e.g., limiting area (A(lim)), collapse pressure (pi(coll)), modulus of compressibility (C(s)(-1)), and surface potential (DeltaV), are discussed in terms of some physicochemical parameters that reflect dispersion forces: in particular, anion polarizabilities, lyotropic number (N), molar surface tension increment (sigma), and partial molar volume (nu(s)).     

Copper(II) ion induced monolayer formation of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene at the air-water interface.

The monolayer properties of p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (TCA) at the air-water interface was investigated by the measurements of surface pressure-area isotherms. However, TCA only exists as a trimmer aggregate on the subphase of deionized water. Copper(II) ion in the subphase can induce the monolayer formation of TCA. The UV-Vis spectra and FTIR spectra of the transferred films suggested that the monolayer forrmation was fulfilled through the coordination of copper(II) ion to TCA at the air-water surface.     

下缘芳香取代结构对杯[4]芳烃Langmuir膜的影响

The Langmuir monolayer properties of lower rim aromatically substituted calix[4]arenes, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis（2-naphth-1＇-ylacetylaminoethoxy）-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene （BNAEC）, 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert- butyl-25,27-bis（2-benzoylamino ethoxy）-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene （BBAEC） and 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl- 25,27-bis（2-cinnamoylaminoethoxy）-26,28-dihydroxylcalix[4]arene （BCAEC）, have been studied. Film balance measurements and Brewster angle microscopy （BAM） observation demonstrate that all the compounds can form Langmuir monolayers with different molecular limiting areas. BNAEC or BBAEC monolayer is able to form condensed domains during compression, while BCAEC monolayer can never form condensed domain. BNAEC monolayer is more readily to form condensed domain than BBAEC monolayer. Moreover, BNAEC monolayer can form the total condensed phase during compression even when T=28℃, while BBAEC monolayer can not when T 〉 10 ℃. The results imply that different lower rim aromatic substitutions affect essentially the intermolecular interaction and molecular packing in the monolayer at air/water interface.     

Controllable growth of straight nanorods and nanowires in the Langmuir films of a bolaamphiphilic par derivative.

A novel bolaamphiphilic compound, 1, 10-bis[3'-hydroxy-4'-(2'-pyridylazo)phenoloxy] decane [(PAR)2C10], was synthesized and its spreading film and in situ coordination with metal ions in the Langmuir monolayer at the air/water interface were investigated. It was found that (PAR)2C10 could be spread on the water surface, and the Langmuir film showed a phase transition from a flat conformation to a U-shaped conformation upon compression. Interfacial coordination between (PAR)2C10 and metal ions could occur in situ in the Langmuir monolayer. Depending on the concentration of the subphase, different coordination modes were observed. A 2:1 (ligand-PAR-to-metal-ion) complex was formed at a lower concentration of the subphase, while a 1:1 complex was obtained on the subphase with a higher concentration of the salt. Interestingly, very straight nanowires, extending to several micrometers, were observed in the AFM images of the films transferred from the subphase containing CuCl2 in higher concentrations. However, tortuous nanowires were observed under the subphase containing Cu(CH3COO)2. The formation of such kind of wire-like structures was only observed for the combination of the bolaamphiphilic PAR derivative with the Cu(II) ions. Other metal ions or the single-chain PAR derivative did not show this behavior. A possible growth mechanism of the nanowires was proposed based on the coordination of the bolaamphiphilic (PAR)2C10 with the Cu(II) ions as well as with the counteranions.     

Study of the Molecular Recognition of Nucleotides and Bases by a Novel Calixarene Derivative Containing Uracil

A calix[4]arene derivative containing uracil, 5‐(uracil‐N¹‐acetamido)‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahy droxycalix[4]‐arene (UC), was designed and synthesized. The interaction with nucleotides and bases has also been studied by ESI‐MS and π‐A isotherms. The results of ESI‐MS showed that UC could recognize adenine and adenosine from other nucleotides and bases. In addition, π‐A isotherms at the air‐water interface indicated that there was interaction between UC and the species in the subphase, and the respective complexes were formed in the monolayer. The mean molecular area at zero surface pressure increased with the sizes of the nucleotides and bases in the subphase in the order: water<adenine<adenosine<ATP·Na₂.     

The Electrochemical Behavior of p‐tert‐Butyl‐sulfonylcalix[4]arene and Its Selective Complexation with Metal Ions at Water‐Air Interface

The electrochemical behavior of p‐tert‐butyl‐sulfonylcalix[4]arene (SCA) has been investigated by cyclic voltammetry. The results show that there is an irreversible electrochemical oxidative wave when the potential ranges from 0.9 to 1.9 V versus saturated calomel electrode (SCE) in CH₂Cl₂ at a glassy carbon electrode. The kinetic parameters of the andic wave, such as α,n, k_s, D and the diffusion activation energy (E_d), were discussed. In addition, the interaction of SCA with metal ions at the water‐air interface was also discussed by Langmuir‐Blodgett (LB) techniques. The results confirm that the selectivity of SCA as ligand for Pb²⁺ in monomolecular film is very high by complexation action, which provide the foundation that LB film of SCA modified glassy carbon electrode (GCE) as voltammetric sensor to detect trace amounts of Pb²⁺.     

新型大环分子受体: 四同二氧杂杯[6]芳烃衍生物的合成及其络合性质

Several tetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene hexaesters, hexaacid and hexaamide derivatives were synthesized from tetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene by etherification with ethyl bromoacetate. It was found that p-tert-butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene hexaethylester exhibited high selectivity towards lithium ion. p-tert-Butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]arene hexaamides showed high ion-binding ability towards transition metal ions.     

Effect of compression of a stearic acid monolayer on interfacial binding of copper ions and cluster formation

The effect of compression of a stearic acid Langmuir monolayer on the interaction of copper ions with the monolayer and on the formation of interface clusters has been studied as functions of pH and ionic content of the water subphase. Copper binding was estimated by direct electron paramagnetic resonance measurements of ion concentrations in the water subphase. A scanning tunnelling microscopy study of monolayer Langmuir-Blodgett films, deposited on graphite substrates, gave evidence for the formation of nanosized clusters on the monolayer surface. The data obtained showed that the interaction of the monolayer with copper ions and the accompaning cluster formation processes were determined by the arrangement, order and mobility of the stearic acid molecules in the monolayer and the electrostatics at the interface.     

Studies on Properties of p—Nitrophenylazo Calix[4]arene Derivatives

The p-nitrophenylazo calix[4] arene derivatives la-ld with nonlinear optical(NLO)properties were prepared by the diazo-coupling reaction of calix[4]arene with p-nitrophenyl diazonium.The diazotization reaction of p-nltroaniline was caried out with isoamyl nitrite as a source of nitrous acid in EtONa/EtOH under refluxing conditon.X-Ray crystallographic analysis and ^1H NMR sptectra reveal that they exist as cone conformation in crystal state or in soution.HRS measurements at 1064 nm in THF indicate that p-nitrophenylazo calix[4]arenes have higher hyperpolarizability βz values than the corresponding reference compound 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)-2,6-dimethyl-phenol,without red shift of the charge transfer band.The tetrakis p-nitropheylazo calix[4]arene(2)with longer alkyl chains can form monolayer aht the air/water interface.     

Arrangement of trace metal contaminations in thin films of liquid crystals studied by X-ray standing wave technique

X-ray standing wave method has been applied to investigate the molecular organization in Langmuir–Blodgett films of liquid-crystalline lanthanide complex deposited on silicon substrates. The X-ray standing waves measurements were carried out at BESSY II on the beamline KMC-2. Energy spectra of characteristic fluorescence emitted from the samples have been recorded at each point in the X-ray reflectivity curve as the incident angle was scanned through the total external reflection region. The integrated intensity under selected peaks was analyzed as a function of the incident angle. Incorporation of metal ions (Fe, Zn, Cu, Ca) to the Langmuir monolayer from the triply distilled water subphase has been established. Owing to the element selectivity of X-ray standing wave technique the arrangement of several types of metal ions inside the Langmuir–Blodgett films was studied individually. The experimental data revealed that the shape of the fluorescence curves for the contamination metal ions is distinctly different indicating considerable differences in the lateral distribution of these ions in the film. These results may be attributed to the phase separation in Langmuir monolayer of liquid-crystalline lanthanide complex due to the incorporation of metal ions from the water subphase.     

Synthesis and Structure of Novel Double Flexible Spacer Bridged Biscalix[4]arenes

25, 25′, 27, 27′‐Bis(1,3‐dioxypropane)‐bis(5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene‐26,28‐diol) (4) and 25, 25′, 27, 27′‐bis(1, 4‐dioxybutane)‐bis (5, 11, 17, 23‐tetra‐tert‐butylcalix‐[4]arene‐26, 28‐diol) (5) were synthesized by the reaction of p‐tert‐butylcalix[4]arene (1) with preorganized 25, 27‐bis(3‐bromoproxyl)calix[4]arene‐26, 27‐diol (2) and 25, 27‐bis(3‐bromobutoxyl)calix[4]arene‐26, 27‐diol (3) in the presence of K₂CO₃ and KI. Compounds 4 and 5 were characterized with X‐ray analysis and the selectivity of 4 and 5 toward K⁺ over other alkali metal ions, alkaline metal ions as well as NH₄⁺ were investigated with an ion‐selective electrode.     

Linked Supramolecular Building Blocks for Enhanced Cluster Formation

Methylene‐bridged calix[4]arenes have emerged as extremely versatile ligand supports in the formation of new polymetallic clusters possessing fascinating magnetic properties. Metal ion binding rules established for this building block allow one to partially rationalise the complex assembly process. The ability to covalently link calix[4]arenes at the methylene bridge provides significantly improved control over the introduction of different metal centres to resulting cluster motifs. Clusters assembled from bis‐calix[4]arenes and transition metal ions or 3d‐4f combinations display characteristic features of the analogous calix[4]arene supported clusters, thereby demonstrating an enhanced and rational approach towards the targeted synthesis of complex and challenging structures.     

Langmuir monolayers from perfluorobutyl-n-eicosane

Perfluorobutyl-n-eicosane (abbreviated as F4H20) was spread at the air/water as Langmuir monolayers and studied under different experimental conditions, such as spreading volume, subphase temperature and compression speed. The Langmuir monolayer experiments (π-A isotherms) have been complemented with Brewster angle microscopy results, which enabled direct visualization of the monolayers’ structure and estimation of the film thickness at different stages of compression. It has been found that the molecules are oriented almost vertically (with respect to the interface) in the vicinity of film collapse. The negative sign of the measured surface potential, ΔV, is evidence for the orientation of F4H20 molecules with their perfluorinated parts exposed towards the air. In the case of F4H20 a limited fluorination relative to perfluoroeicosane also results in monolayer formation, in contrast to eicosane itself, which forms lenses.     

通过杯芳烃片段桥联合成杯[4]冠4齐聚物及其络合性能研究

通过杯芳烃片段桥联合成杯[4]冠4齐聚物,并通过两相萃取实验评估其络合性能。络合研究表明,酰胺型杯[4]冠4齐聚物（TCA[4]-III）对软金属银、铅离子和氨基酸具有选择性络合。其对色氨酸和组氨酸的萃取率分别高达87.9% 和 91.5%。     

Interfacial Water Structure in Langmuir Monolayer and Gibbs Layer Probed by Sum Frequency Generation Vibrational Spectroscopy

Langmuir monolayer and Gibbs layer exhibit surface‐active properties and it can be used as simple model systems to investigate the physicochemical properties of biological membranes. In this report, we presented the OH stretching vibration of H₂O in the 4′′‐n‐pentyl‐4‐cyano‐p‐terphenyl (5CT), nonadecanenitrile (C₁₈CN) Langmuir monolayer and compared them with CH₃CN Gibbs layer at the air/water interface with polarization SFG‐VS. This study demonstrated that the hydrogen bond network is different in the Langmuir monolayer of 5CT, C₁₈CN from CH₃CN Gibbs layer at the air/water interface which showed two different water structures on the different surface layer. The results provided a deeper insight into understanding the hydrogen bond on the interfaces.     

Calcium-selective electrode based on a calix[4]arene tetraphosphine oxide

A new ligand capable of producing calcium-selective electrodes with excellent characteristics is presented. The ligand (1) is a calix[4]arene bearing phosphine oxide ligating groups on the lower rim and this is the first report that such ligands can discriminate in favour of calcium ions against magnesium ions and the alkali metal ions. This calcium selectivity is in complete contrast to the behaviour of the well-known calix[4]arene tetraester derivatives (such as 2) which are selective for sodium against other alkali metal ions and group II ions. Electrodes based on PVC membranes incorporating ligand 1 display almost nernstian slopes and excellent selectivity against common interferants, including magnesium (log K(Ca,Mg)(pot)). The electrodes have demonstrated effective lifetimes of at least 7 weeks (duration of the study) and very fast response times.     

Anomalous behavior of amine oxide surfactants at the air/water interface

A commonly stated requirement for the preparation of stable Langmuir monolayers of amphiphilic molecules at an air/water interface is that the surfactant must be insoluble in the subphase solution; however, a few prior studies have reported that some soluble surfactants can, under certain conditions, be compressed. The anomalous compression of soluble amphiphiles is extremely interesting and important, as it presents the possibility of greatly increasing the number of candidate compounds suitable for Langmuir monolayer studies and Langmuir-Blodgett deposition. The aim of this work was to obtain a better understanding of the factors that determine whether monolayers of a given water-soluble surfactant can be compressed. A series of amine oxide surfactants, including a novel gemini surfactant, were studied to explore the relationship between molecular structure and behavior at the air/water interface. Amine oxides are an especially interesting class of surfactants because their self-assembly in solution and at interfaces is pH-sensitive. Surface pressure-area isotherms show that the solubility of a surfactant in the subphase solution is not, in and of itself, a useful parameter in predicting whether the monolayer is compressible. Molecular modeling calculations suggest that the tendency of molecules to self-assemble plays a much more important role than solubility in this regard. The effect of pH was also investigated. We present a hypothesis that formation of dimers or small clusters of molecules at the interface inhibits the dissolution of these species into the subphase, and as a consequence the monolayer can be compressed.     

Synthesis of a Tweezer—like Bis（Phenylthiapropoxy）calix[4]—arene as a Cation／π Enhanced Sensor for Ion—Selective Electrodes

Two novel 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-phenylthiapropxy)-calix[4]arene(3) and 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-phenylthiapropoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4] arene (4) were synthesized for the evaluation of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes(ISEs).ISEs based on 3 and 4 as neutral ionophores were prepared,and their selectivity coefficients for Ag^ (lg KAg,M^pot)were investigated against other alkali metal,alkaline-earth metal,aluminum,thallium(Ⅰ）,Lead and some transition metal ions using the separate solution method (SSM).These ISEs showed excellent Ag^ seletivity over most of the interfering cations examined,except for Hg^2 and Fe^2 having relative smaller interference(lg KAg,M^pot≤-2.1).     

Influences of Hard Donor on Cation Selectivities Closing to Soft Selenium Donor in Tweezer-like Calix[4]arene Receptors

Three novel 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-benzylselenopropoxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butylcalix[4]-arene (2),25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis[3-(2-hydroxyethylseleno)propoxy]-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (3) and 25,27-dihydroxy-26,28-bis(3-propylselenoproppxy)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene (4) were synthesized for the comparison of their ion-selectivity in ion-selective electrodes (ISE). X-ray structure of the CH/π complex of 4.CH2Cl2 was elucidated. ISEs based on 2-4 as neutral ionophores were prepared, and their selectivity coefficients for Ag (logKAg,M^pot) were investigated against some main group metal ions and transition metal ones using the fixed interference method (FIM). These ISEs showed excellent Ag^ selectivity over most of the interfering cations examined. It is evident that the stronger Hg^2 interference may not be produced while hard donors (hydroxy) are close to the soft selenium donors.     

Langmuir-Blodgett films of octadecanethiol--properties and potential applications

Octadecanethiol (ODT) is known to form self-assembled monolayer on noble metal surfaces which has potential technological applications. Langmuir-Blodgett (LB) technique is another useful method of obtaining highly ordered assembly of molecules. It is of interest to find whether ODT molecules can also form a stable Langmuir monolayer which facilitates the preparation of LB films. In literature, it has been reported that ODT molecules form an unstable Langmuir monolayer. We have studied the stability of the monolayer of the ODT molecules at air-water interface using surface manometry and microscopy techniques. We find the monolayer to be stable on ultrapure water of resistivity greater than 18MOmega cm. However, the behavior changes in the presence of even small amount of additives like NaOH or CdCl2 in the subphase. Our AFM studies on the LB films of ODT deposited from ion-free ultrapure water showed streak-like bilayer domains. The LB films of ODT deposited from CdCl2 containing aqueous subphase yield dendritic domains of the complexed unit grown over ODT monolayer. These nanostructures on surfaces may have potential applications in molecular electronics.