Spontaneous and selective CO2 sorption under ambient conditions in seemingly nonporous molecular crystal of azacalix[5]arene pentamethyl ether

Described are the syntheses, crystal structures, and solid-gas adsorption behaviors of azacalix[4]arene tetramethyl ether and azacalix[5]arene pentamethyl ether. While the former compound exhibited no adsorption of four main atmospheric components, the latter selectively and rapidly adsorbed CO(2) at ambient temperature and pressure. X-ray crystallographic and potential energy distribution analysis revealed that azacalix[5]arene created an energetically favorable space for CO(2) in its seemingly nonporous crystal, leading to the observed selective CO(2) uptake under ambient conditions.     

Separation of Linear and Branched Alkanes Using Host–Guest Complexation of Cyclic and Branched Alkane Vapors by Crystal State Pillar[6]arene

Activated crystals of pillar[6]arene produced by removing the solvent upon heating were able to take up branched and cyclic alkane vapors as a consequence of their gate‐opening behavior. The uptake of branched and cyclic alkane vapors by the activated crystals of pillar[6]arene induced a crystal transformation to form one‐dimensional channel structures. However, the activated crystals of pillar[6]arene hardly took up linear alkane vapors because the cavity size of pillar[6]arene is too large to form stable complexes with linear alkanes. This shape‐selective uptake behavior of pillar[6]arene was further utilized for improving the research octane number of an alkane mixture of isooctane and n‐heptane: interestingly, the research octane number was dramatically improved from a low research octane number (17 %) to a high research octane number (>99 %) using the activated crystals of pillar[6]arene.     

Calix[4]tubes: a new class of potassium-selective ionophore

A new class of cryptand-like ionophore based on a bis calix[4]arene structure has been developed. These molecules proved highly selective for complexation of potassium over all group I metal cations and barium. A range of symmetric and asymmetric calix[4]tubes featuring either alkyl or phenyl substituents at the upper rim have been synthesized in exceptional yield. Alteration of the calix[4]arene upper rim environment enables fine-tuning of the rate of potassium uptake, which can be evaluated through the conformational change on binding by NMR studies. Selectivity of potassium complexation has been demonstrated using NMR and electrospray mass spectral techniques. Molecular modeling studies, derived from crystallographic data, confirm that the potassium metal cation is complexed via the axial route, passing through the calix[4]arene annulus, and provide evidence for complexation rate and selectivity.     

Structure and conformational equilibrium of thiacalix[4]arene by density functional theory

Density functional theory calculations for the structure and conformational equilibrium of thiacalix[4]arene are reported. The conformational equilibrium of thiacalix[4]arene, a heterocalixarene in which the phenol groups are bridged by sulphur atoms is compared to the conformational equilibrium of calix[4]arene. Thiacalix[4]arene conformational energies relative to the cone conformer (ΔE's) are reduced in comparison with calix[4]arene. This conformational change is in qualitative agreement with recent NMR spectroscopy measurements of the conformational equilibrium for a tetraethylether of thiacalix[4]arene in a CDCl₃ solution which indicates an enhanced chemical exchange of thiacalixarene conformers in comparison with similar methylene bridged structures. Density functional theory results for the structure of thiacalix[4]arene are in good agreement with recent X-ray diffraction measurements. The electrostatic potentials in the cone conformers of thiacalix[4]arene and calix[4]arene suggest that their complexation or recognition abilities can be significantly different. Dipole moments of the four thiacalix[4]arene conformers are in the order: cone>1,2-alternate>partial-cone>1,3-alternate.     

Anionic fullerenes, calixarenes, coronenes, and pyrenes as activators of oligo/polyarginines in model membranes and live cells

We report that the efflux of 5(6)-carboxyfluorescein anions from neutral egg yolk phosphatidylcholine vesicles is mediated by oligo/polyarginines only in the presence of activating amphiphilic anions. Screening of anion activators reveals best synergism for amphiphilic carboxylates (fullerene > calix[4]arene approximately coronene > pyrene > calix[6]arene > alkyl), whereas amphiphilic sulfates show less satisfactory activation despite often lower effective concentrations. The analogous alcohols and one calix[4]arene diphosphate were inactive. These results are discussed in the context of a tentative anion carrier mechanism, where interactions with bilayer (interface-directed translocation) and carrier (arene-templated carboxylate-guanidinium pairing) contribute to activator efficiencies. Applied to HeLa cells, pyrenebutyrate is shown to significantly increase the uptake of a fluorescently labeled octaarginine in a concentration-dependent manner.     

杯芳烃与NO2硝化反应的研究

系统地研究了羟基杯[n]芳烃、甲氧基杯[n]芳烃和对特丁基杯[n]芳烃(n＝4, 6, 8)与NO₂气体的硝化反应, 发现可以成功地得到25,26,27,28-四羟基杯[4]芳烃、37,38,39,40,41,42-六羟基杯[6]芳烃以及25,26,27,28-四甲氧基杯[4]芳烃的对位全硝化产物, 产率分别为90%, 70%和40%; 尤其是25,26,27,28-四羟基杯[4]芳烃与NO₂的反应20 min即可完成. 认为共振式酚氧负离子结构是影响该类硝化反应的关键, 并对反应机理进行了探讨.     

Sorption of nitrogen oxides in a nonporous crystal

The uptake of various nitrogen oxides was studied with the well known nonporous p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene under ambient conditions.     

碱金属掺杂叔丁基杯[4]芳烃体系的结构及非线性光学性质

采用密度泛函理论B3LYP方法得到了M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene和(M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene)Li′(M=Li,Na,K)体系的几何结构.其中(M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene)Li′(M=Li,Na,K)三个体系各有5个稳定异构体,在前三个异构体中,碱金属与t-Bu-calix[4]arene分子间具有很强的相互作用能,说明了体系的稳定性.在部分(M@t-Bucalix[4]arene)Li异构体中Li′原子以阴离子形式存在,整个体系表现出碱金属化物的特性.此外,使用CAMB3LYP方法计算了t-Bu-calix[4]arene及碱金属掺杂后体系的非线性光学性质.结果表明,t-Bu-calix[4]arene内部掺杂一个碱金属原子M后,体系的一阶超极化率(β0)有较大提高,而在配体外部又掺杂一个Li原子后,体系具有更大的β0值.其中(M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene)Li′体系的MLi′-4异构体表现出最高的β0值(41827-114354 a.u.),并且随着M原子序数的增加而逐渐增大.可见,碱金属掺杂是提高t-Bu-calix[4]arene非线性光学响应的一种有效策略.     

Band intensity in the IR spectra and conformations of calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene

The experimental IR and Far IR spectra of the calix[4]arene, p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, thialcalix[4]arene and p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene were examined at different temperatures and interpreted. The band frequencies and intensities in the IR spectra of the calix[4]arene and thialcalix[4]arene were calculated. The absorption curves of the four possible calix[4]arene conformations: cone, partial cone, 1,2- and 1,3-alternate were computed. The bands characteristic for each conformation are defined and assigned. The obtained spectra-structure correlation can be used for the characteristic of calixarenes conformation.     

Synthesis and crystal structure of uranium(IV) complexes with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6 and 8): mononuclear, polynuclear and 1D polymeric species

Reactions of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6) in THF gave the mononuclear [UCl2(calix[4]arene - 2H)(THF)2].2THF (.2THF) and the bis-dinuclear [U2Cl2(calix[6]arene - 6H)(THF)3]2.6THF (.6THF) complexes, respectively, while the mono-, di- and trinuclear compounds [Hpy]2[UCl3(calix[4]arene - 3H)].py (.py), [Hpy](4)[U2Cl6(calix[6]arene - 6H)].3py (.3py), [Hpy]3[U2Cl5(calix[6]arene - 6H)(py)].py (.py) and [Hpy]6[U3Cl11(calix[8]arene - 7H)].3py (.3py) were obtained by treatment of UCl4 with calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8) in pyridine. The sodium salt of calix[8]arene reacted with UCl4 to give the pentanuclear complex [U{U2Cl3(calix[8]arene - 7H)(py)5}2].8py (.8py). Reaction of U(acac)4 (acac = MeCOCHCOMe) with calix[4]arene in pyridine afforded the mononuclear complex [U(acac)2(calix[4]arene - 2H)].4py (.4py) and its treatment with the sodium salt of calix[8]arene led to the formation of the 1D polymer [U2(acac)6(calix[8]arene - 6H)(py)4Na4]n. The sandwich complex [Hpy]2[U(calix[4]arene - 3H)2][OTf].4py (.4py) was obtained by treatment of U(OTf)4 (OTf = OSO2CF3) with calix[4]arene in pyridine. All the complexes have been characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis.     

碱金属掺杂叔丁基杯[4]芳烃体系的结构及非线性光学性质

采用密度泛函理论B3LYP方法得到了M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene和（M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene）Li'（M=Li,Na,K）体系的几何结构. 其中（M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene）Li'（M=Li,Na,K）三个体系各有5个稳定异构体,在前三个异构体中,碱金属与t-Bu-calix[4]arene分子间具有很强的相互作用能,说明了体系的稳定性. 在部分（M@t-Bucalix[4]arene）Li异构体中Li'原子以阴离子形式存在,整个体系表现出碱金属化物的特性. 此外,使用CAMB3LYP方法计算了t-Bu-calix[4]arene及碱金属掺杂后体系的非线性光学性质. 结果表明,t-Bu-calix[4]arene内部掺杂一个碱金属原子M后,体系的一阶超极化率（β₀）有较大提高,而在配体外部又掺杂一个Li原子后,体系具有更大的β₀值. 其中（M@t-Bu-calix[4]arene）Li'体系的MLi'-4异构体表现出最高的β₀值（41827-114354 a.u.）,并且随着M原子序数的增加而逐渐增大. 可见,碱金属掺杂是提高t-Bu-calix[4]arene非线性光学响应的一种有效策略.     

Calix[4]arene based dendrimers

The synthesis of calix[4]arene based dendrimers containing up to seven calix[4]arene moieties is described, including the X-ray crystal structure of a tris-calix[4]arene branching derivative.     

Synthesis and characterization of new polyimides containing calix[4]arenes in the polymer backbone

Two diaminocalix[4]arene monomers were synthesized from p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene through a 4-step reaction sequence. New copoly(amic acid)s containing calix[4]arene moieties on the polymer backbone were successfully synthesized in N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone by polycondensations of 4,4′-oxydiphthalic anhydride (ODPA) with the diaminocalix[4]arene monomers using 4,4′-oxydiphenylene diamine (ODA) as a comonomer. These copoly(amic acid)s were soluble in aprotic polar solvents, so that they can be processed in various ways. The copoly(amic acid) precursors were thermally converted to the corresponding copolyimides in films. The copolyimide films are amorphous, but insoluble in common solvents. They are thermally stable up to 366°C. The copolyimides exhibit relatively high TEC's, low T_g's, low refractive index, low dielectric constant, low optical anisotropy, low dielectric anisotropy, and low water uptake, compared to those of conventional ODPA-ODA polyimide. These property characteristics were interpreted in regard to bulky, cone-like calix[4]arene moieties and their effects on the chain conformation and morphological structure. The processability and property characteristics support that both of the copolyimides containing calix[4]arene moieties are potential candidate materials suitable for membranes, antioxidant additives, chemical sensor devices, and microelectronic devices. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 37: 2013–2026, 1999     

含酰胺和席夫碱单元的杯[4]芳烃衍生物的合成与配合性能

杯[4]-1,3-二乙酸乙酯衍生物1与水合肼反应生成杯[4]芳烃酰肼衍生物2, 然后进一步与相应的芳醛反应, 高产率地合成了三个新型的含酰胺和席夫碱单元的杯[4]芳烃衍生物3a～3c和一例新型杯[4]冠醚4. 阳离子萃取实验表明新型杯芳烃衍生物比只含有酰胺基或席夫碱基的杯芳烃衍生物有更强的软金属离子配合性能, 杯[4]冠醚4还对Ag^＋有较好的选择性萃取能力.     

Comparative study of calix[4]arene derivatives: implications for ligand design

The first comparative theoretical study of three parent calix[4]arene analogues (calix[4]arene, thiacalix[4]arene, and homooxacalix[4]arene) has been performed using molecular dynamic simulations and density functional theory (MPWB1K/6-311G^∗∗//B3LYP/6-311G^∗∗) methods. The theoretical observations herein including optimized geometry, polarity, and atomic charge data provide that homooxacalix[4]arene would offer more efficient platform for metal ion recognition compared to thiacalix[4]arene or calix[4]arene.     

Stilbene-bridged 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene crown ether for selective alkali ion extraction

A series of stilbene-bridged calix[4]arenes was synthesized through an intramolecular reductive McMurry coupling of bisbenzaldehyde calix[4]arene in high yields. Tetra- and pentaethylene glycol chains were tethered to the phenolic groups of calix[4]arene to form stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene crown-5 and crown-6, respectively. The presence of stilbene bridge over the calix[4]arene rim effectively prevented the connection of the polyether chains in the cone conformation resulting in the exclusive formation of 1,3-alternate stilbene-bridged calix[4]arene crown product. Compared to the cone analogues, the 1,3-alternate calix[4]arene crown ethers showed a greater extraction ability and selectivity toward Cs⁺.     

High-performance Liquid Chromatography Study of the Nitration Course of Tetrabutoxycalix[4]arene at the Upper Rim:Determination of the Optimum Conditions for the Preparation of 5,11,17-Trinitro-25,26,27,28-tetrabutoxycalix[4]arene

A selective nitration of calix[4]arene at the upper rim in one pot process was described by monitoring the time dependence of the distribution of products by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The discrimination of five nitrated products was accomplished by molecular symmetry considerations and ¹H NMR analysis. As a result, unusual 5,11,17‐trinitrocalix[4]arene ( 2d ) was obtained in 57% isolated yield. 5,11‐Dinitro‐calix[4]arene ( 2b ) and 5,11,17‐trinitrocalix[4]arene ( 2d ) with tetranitrocalix[4]arene 2e were further characterized by crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Furthermore, as an example of potential application, trinitrocalix[4]arene 2d could be converted to triaminocalix[4]arene 3d conveniently.     

Ab initio and density functional studies of cooperative hydrogen bonding in calix[4]-and calix[6]arenes

The cone conformation of C ₄ symmetry is shown by the Hartree-Fock method (3-21G basis) to be the predominant conformer of calix[4]arene; the compressed cone of C ₂ symmetry is the major conformer of calix[6]arene. Using quantum chemical methods we calculated hydrogen bond cleavage energies for calix[4]-(ab initio and density functional methods) and calix[6]arene (ab initio), and also for the complex of calix[4]arene with carbon disulfide. These energies along with structural data point to the cooperative effect of hydrogen bonds. The results of these studies provided an explanation to the greater conformational lability of calix[6]arene compared with calix[4]arene molecules. It is also predicted that the nucleophilic substitution reaction involving calix[6]arene in the presence of weak bases and in aprotic solvents, as well as in the gas phase, will occur via diastereomeric transition states.     

Preparation, reactivity and controlled release of SAMs of calix[4,6]arenes and calix[6]arene-based rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes formed on polycrystalline Cu

Specific and reversible binding of guest molecules from a solution to a surface pre-treated with host molecules is a recent and active field of research. Self-assembled monolayers may result from supramolecular interactions, adding distinct functionalities to the surface. In this frame, the first compared study is given here of the anchoring on the technologically relevant Cu surface of calix[4]arene receptors and calix[6]arene-based rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes. These molecules, which belong to the most representative classes of compounds in supramolecular chemistry, have been chosen for their synthetic accessibility and versatility, which make them useful building blocks for the synthesis of new advanced supramolecular structures. Covalent functionalisation of calix[4,6]arenes on Cu was reached via a dip-coating procedure, optimizing the various synthetic aspects in order to obtain good coverages and copper passivation. Molecular adhesion has been demonstrated by the presence and relative quantitation of XPS signals from specific elements in the molecules. We have successfully tested the combination of different functionalities by producing a mixed film, prepared by ligand exchange of calix[4]arene with undecanethiol. The availability of the calix[4]arene cavity to reversibly host further species after anchoring on Cu has been demonstrated by a sequence of uptake and release cycles with pyridinium salts. Rotaxane and pseudorotaxane species, composed of a calix[6]arene wheel functionalized with N-phenylurea groups on the upper rim, and a viologen-containing axle, have been anchored on Cu via the SH-termination of the axle. XPS demonstrated the successful self-assembly of fully threaded rotaxanes and pseudorotaxanes from their solutions and the controlled release upon biasing of full rotaxanes and of the pseudorotaxane wheel.     

Metal-mediated self-assembly of pyridylcalixarenes: prevention of intramolecular metal chelation is essential in constructing molecular capsules.

To construct calixarene-based molecular capsules utilizing the pyridyl-Pd(II) interaction, reactions of cone-pyridylcalix[4]arene 3, cone-pyridylcalix[5]arene 13, and cone-pyridylcalix[4]arene bis-crown 16 with square-planar Pd(II) complex 7 were investigated. Because of the coexistence of intermolecular binding and chelate-forming intramolecular binding, the reactions of cone-pyridylcalix[4]arene 3 or cone-pyridylcalix[5]arene 13 with cis-Pd(II) complex 7 yield complicated, structure-unknown oligomers. The short dioxyethylene bridges on the lower rim of pyridylcalix[4]arene bis-crown 16 rigidify the cone conformation and thus prohibit 16 from the intramolecular binding with a metal component. Thus, two cone-tetrapyridylcalix[4]arene bis-crown 16 and four cis-Pd(II) complex molecules self-assemble into molecular capsules that exist as a parallel/antiparallel conformer mixture in a nearly 1:1 ratio. The results demonstrated that to prevent entropically favorable intramolecular binding is essential is constructing higher capsule-like structures with calixarene building blocks by self-assembling.