Syntheses of novel calix[4]arene hydrazone-based receptors and their cooperative complexation with soft and hard metal ions

Four novel calix[4]arene hydrazone-based receptors 3a?Cd were prepared in yields of 69?C87% by condensating formylated calix[4]arene ester (2) with salicylyl hydrazine, 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine, nicotinyl hydrazine or phenyl thiosemicarhazide, respectively. New compounds were characterized through elemental analysis, IR, ESI?CMS, ¹H NMR studies. Compounds 3a?Cd containing two binding sites had the complexation abilities for hard and soft cations concurrently. The noncompetitive extracting experiments showed compounds 3a?Cd were excellent receptors for hard and soft metal cations. The competitive extracting experiments exhibited the cooperative complexation in binding hard and soft metal cations and compound 3a possessed outstanding selectivity for Na⁺ and Hg²⁺. The IR spectra of compound 3a before and after complexation revealed that the soft metal cation was binded in the cavity composed of hydrazone groups and azo groups at the upper rims of calix[4]arene units and hard metal cations was binded in cavity composed of ester groups and phenolic hydroxyl groups at the lower rims of calix[4]arene units.     

Synthesis and cations complexation of dumbbell shaped biscalix[4]-1,3-aza-crown with rigid thiourea-bridge

By reacting calix[4]-1,3-aza-crown 2 with 1,4-phenyl diisothiocyanate in “1 + 2” condensation mode, the novel dumbbell shaped biscalix[4]-1,3-aza-crown 3 with rigid thiourea-bridge was conveniently prepared in yield of 85%. Its structure and conformation were characterized by elemental analyses, ESI-MS, ¹H NMR and ¹H–¹H COSY techniques. The complexation properties of compound 3 were investigated by liquid–liquid extraction experiments and ¹H NMR titration experiments. The results showed that compound 3 has excellent complexation abilities for soft cations and outstanding extraction selectivity for Ag⁺. The Ag⁺/Na⁺ and Ag⁺/Hg²⁺ extraction percentage of host 7 were as high as 43.2 and 16.9, respectively. ¹H NMR titration experiments revealed the 1:2 stoichiometry of receptor 3-Ag⁺ complex was formed.     

Novel redox receptors for ion-pair and α-amino acid: synthesis and complexation properties of calix[4]arene derivatives bearing large conjugated ferrocene groups

By reacting calix[4]arene 1,3-bi-hydrazide derivative (2) with formacylferrocene in “1?+?2” condensation mode, novel calix[4]arene derivative bearing two conjugated ferrocene groups (3) was obtained in yield of 88%. By reacting 1,3-bi-substituted [2-(p-formylphenyloxy)ethyloxy]-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (5) with 1,1′-diacetylferrocene hydrazone (4) in “1?+?1” condensation mode, novel calix[4]arene derivative with 1,3-substituted large conjugated ferrocene bridge (6) was synthesized in yield of 83%. The structures and conformations of new compounds were confirmed by elemental analyses, IR spectra, ESI-MS, ¹H NMR, etc. The electrochemical cyclic voltammetry experiments revealed that compounds 3 and 6 possessed excellent reversible electrochemical properties. The ¹H NMR titration study showed that compound 6 possessed excellent complexation abilities for NaH₂PO₄ and glycine in 1:1 host–guest complex with the association constants of 3,850 and 2,460?M^?1, respectively.     

The synthesis and anions complexation property of novel biscalixarene: dumbbell shaped biscalix[4]-1,3-aza-crown

By reacting calix[4]-1,3-aza-crown 2 with 1,6-diisocyanatohexane in “1+2” condensation mode, the first example dumbbell shaped biscalix[4]-1,3-aza-crown 3 was conveniently prepared in yield of 94%. The complexation properties of compound 3 were investigated by UV–vis spectra and ¹H NMR experiments. The results showed that compound 3 has good complexation abilities for anions. Compound 3 binded monoacidic anions with 1:2 binding-stoichiometry and binded binary acidic anions with 1:1 binding-stoichiometry.     

Complexation of amino acids derivatives in water by calix[4]arene phosphonic acids

Series of the calix[4]arene phosphonic acids with various substituents at the lower rim was synthesized. Complexing properties of these receptors towards methyl esters of six amino acids strongly depended on the calix[4]arene conformation flexibility. The complex formation processes were monitored using ¹H NMR spectroscopy (deuterated phosphate buffer at pD 7.3, 22 °C) and association constant values were evaluated. Inherently mobile calix[4]arene molecule 3 occurred in cone conformation in aqueous solution turned out to be more effective in complexation of the basic amino acids methyl esters compared to the rigid 2 and flexible 4. Mixed 1:2 and 2:1 (host–guest) complexes were observed for compound 1 with all amino acids methyl esters.     

Syntheses and extraction properties of novel biscalixarene and thiacalix[4]arene hydrazone derivatives

By reacting thiacalix[4]arene with p-tosyloxyethoxylbenzaldehyde 1, 3-bis(benzaldehyde-4-oxyethyloxy)-p-tert-butylthiacalix[4]arene (2) were prepared in yield of 65%. Refluxing compound 2 with aniline, salicylic hydrazide, nicotinic hydrazide and isonicotinic hydrazide, novel ringopening 1,3-bis-arylformyl-hydrazone substituted thiacalix[4]arene derivatives (3a–3d) were obtained in yields of 77–89%. Refluxing compound 2 with o-phenylendiamine, oxalyl dihydrazide, malonic dihydrazide and adipic dihydrazide in “1 + 1” intermolecular condensation mode under diluted condition, novel 1,3-bis-acyl hydrazone-bridged calix[4]arene derivatives (4a–4d) were prepared in good yields. Moreover, by condensating compound 2 with 1,3-bis(hydrazinocarbonyl-methoxy)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (5), the first example of hydrazone-bridged biscalixarene (6) with calix[4]arene and thiacalix[4]arene subunits was facilely synthesized in yield of 90%. The noncompetitive and competitive extracting experiments showed that these novel hosts were good receptors for both metal cations and α-amino acids. Compounds 3a–3d and 4a–4d showed similar binding properties with high extraction percentage but low extracting selectivities. Biscalixarene 6 exhibited not only high extracting abilities but also good extracting selectivities.     

Study by fluorescence of calix[4]arenes bearing heterocycles with anions: highly selective detection of iodide

The present work describes a study of complexation efficiency of calix[4]arenes bearing benzoimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, and benzoxazolyl heterocycles (5–7) towards several anions. The binding ability of calixarene derivatives 5–7 towards selected anions of different molecular geometries such as: F^?, HSO₄ ^?, I^?, N₃ ^?, NO₃ ^?, NO₂ ^?, SCN^?, ClO₄ ^?, Br^?, CN^?, Cl^?, CH₃COO^? CF₃SO₃ ^? in methanol, has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopic techniques, all anions were used as tetrabutylammonium salts to avoid possible complexation of cationic species by the derivative calix[4]arenes. Fluorescent chemosensor ability of these three calixarene derivatives was highly selective for iodide in contrast with other anions studied. The best chemosensor found, corresponds to compound 7, with an association constant of 2.01 × 10⁴ mol^?1 L and a detection limits of 0.22 ppm for iodide.     

Study by fluorescence of calix[4]arenes bearing heterocycles with divalent metals: highly selective detection of Pb2+

The present work describes a study of complexation efficiency and selectivity of calix[4]arenes bearing benzoimidazolyl, benzothiazolyl, and benzoxazolyl heterocycles (5–7) towards several selected metal ions using fluorescence and UV–Vis spectroscopy. The binding ability of calixarene derivatives 5–7 toward selected divalent metal ions such as Ca, Cd, Pb, Ni, Mg, Mn, Co, Fe and Zn has been investigated by fluorescence spectroscopic techniques. Fluorescent chemosensor ability of three calixarene derivatives was highly selective for Pb (II) in contrast with other divalent metal studied. The highest association constant corresponds to benzoxazolyl calixarene derivative 7, with a K_a of (1.37 ± 0.06) × 10⁴ mol^?1 L and detection limit for lead of 1.14 ± 0.05 mg L^?1 in methanol being acceptable for the recognition of this metal at micromolar concentrations.     

Click synthesis of triazole-linked calix[4]arene ionophores. Potentiometric and ESI-MS screening of ion-selectivity

A series of 1,2,3-triazole-linked calix[4]arene ionophores comprised of different O-donor groups (OH, COOEt, CONEt₂) attached either to the lower rim of calix or to the triazole moieties were synthesized to explore their ion-selectivity for the first time in potentiometric transduction. Plasticized PVC membrane electrodes (ISEs) were fabricated, and their potentiometric selectivities were measured toward a series of mono- and divalent metal ions. Structure-ion-selectivity relationship and the structural requirements of the coordination sphere for selective binding were established. ISEs made of calix[4]arene-bis-triazoles were found generally to exhibit distinct Ag⁺ selectivity in the order 3 ≈ 4 > 2 > 1, indicating the beneficial effect of the carboxamide or ester groups in the complexing site. In contrast, calix[4]arene-tetratriazole 5 comprised only sp ² N-donor atoms displayed excellent Cu²⁺ selectivity over a series of alkali-, alkaline earth- and transition metal ions. A unique feature of the outstanding Ag⁺ selective electrodes made of 3 and 4 was recognized and suggested their potential application as Na⁺ ISEs in systems not containing silver ions. Further, the potential use of competitive ESI-MS experiments for screening the binding affinities of ionophores 3–6 to different metal ions was also demonstrated.     

Synthesis and cation complexation of calix[4]azacrowns and a spirobiscalix[4]azacrown

The synthesis and complexation properties of three new derivatives, one spirobiscalix[4]azacrown (1) and two calix[4]azacrown (2 and 3), are reported. Complexation studies of the three ligands toward transition and heavy metal cations have been carried out and monitored by UV absorption spectrophotometry in acetonitrile. Mononuclear complexes were detected for all complexes, whereas binuclear species (M₂L) were also formed in the case of ligand 1 with Cu²⁺ and Pb²⁺. The extraction properties of 1, 2 and 3 toward Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺, Ag²⁺ and Cd²⁺ are also reported. The results showed that complexation is the main factor affecting extraction with ligands 2 and 3, while with ligand 1 it is not.     

Synthesis and extraction abilities of mono-formylated calix[4]-1,3-aza-crown and its hydrazone derivatives

By formylation of calix[4]-1,3-aza-crown in hexamethylenetetramine/trifluoroacetic acid system, the first formylated calix[4]-aza-crown derivative 6 was synthesized in yield of 61%. Reacting compound 6 with salicyloyl hydrazine, 2,4-dinitrophenyl hydrazine, nicotinyl hydrazine or phenyl thiosemicarbazide afforded four novel calix[4]crown hydrazone derivatives 7a–d in yields of 70–90%. By condensating compound 6 with series of bifunctional reagents, the novel mono-bridged biscalix[4]-aza-crown hydrazone derivatives 8a–c were prepared in high yields. The extraction experiments showed that all new compounds were good receptors for metal cations, especially, for soft metal cations. The extraction results suggested that the hydrazone groups produced favorable influences for binding soft cations. The two calix[4]arene units in compounds 8a–c could bind metal cations concurrently.     

Hydrogen Bonding and Solvent Effects on Complexation of Alkali Metal Cations by Lower Rim Calix[4]arene Tetra(O-[N-acetyl-D-phenylglycine methyl ester]) Derivative

Complexation of alkali metal cations with 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-26,28,25,27-tetrakis(O-methyl-D-α-phenylglycylcarbonylmethoxy)calix[4]arene (L) was studied by means of spectrophotometric, conductometric and potentiometric titrations at 25 °C. The solvent effect on the binding ability of L was examined by using two solvents with different affinities for hydrogen bonding, viz. methanol and acetonitrile. Despite the presence of intramolecular NH···O=C hydrogen bonds in L, which need to be disrupted to allow metal ion binding, this calix[4]arene amino acid derivative was shown to be an efficient binder for smaller Li⁺ and Na⁺ cations in acetonitrile (lg K _LiL  > 5, lg K _NaL  = 7.66), moderately efficient for K⁺ (lg K _KL  = 4.62), whereas larger Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ did not fit in its hydrophilic cavity. The complex stabilities in methanol were significantly lower (lg K _NaL  =  4.45, lg K _KL  = 2.48). That could be explained by different solvation of the cations and by competition between the cations and methanol molecules (via hydrogen bonds) for amide carbonyl oxygens. The influence of cation solvation on complex stability was most pronounced in the case of Li⁺ for which, contrary to the quite stable LiL ⁺ complex in acetonitrile, no complexation was observed in methanol under the conditions used.     

Complexation of the cesium cation with 1,3-alternate-25,27-bis(1-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Cs⁺(aq) + I^?(aq) + 1(nb) ? 1·Cs⁺(nb) + I^?(nb) taking place in the two–phase water–nitrobenzene system (1 = 1,3-alternate-25,27-bis(1-octyloxy)calix[4]arene-crown-6; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) was evaluated as log K _ex (1·Cs⁺, I^?) = 2.9 ± 0.1. Further, the stability constant of the 1·Cs⁺ complex in nitrobenzene saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log β_nb (1·Cs⁺) = 8.8 ± 0.1. Finally, by using quantum–mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the resulting cationic complex species 1·Cs⁺ was derived.     

Calix[4]arene-bis(t-octylbenzo-18-crown-6) as an extraordinarily effective macrocyclic receptor for the univalent thallium cation

From extraction experiments and $ \gamma $ -activity measurements, the exchange extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Tl⁺ (aq) + 1·Cs⁺ (org) ? 1·Tl⁺ (org) + Cs⁺ (aq) taking place in the two-phase water–phenyltrifluoromethyl sulfone (abbrev. FS 13) system (1 = calix[4]arene-bis(t-octylbenzo-18-crown-6); aq = aqueous phase, org = FS 13 phase) was evaluated as log K _ex (Tl⁺, 1·Cs⁺) = 1.7 ± 0.1. Further, the extraordinarily high stability constant of the 1·Tl⁺ complex in FS 13 saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log β _org(1·Tl⁺) = 13.1 ± 0.2. Finally, by using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the cationic complex species 1·Tl⁺ was derived. In the resulting 1·Tl⁺ complex, the “central” cation Tl⁺ is bound by eight bond interactions to six oxygen atoms from the respective 18-crown-6 moiety and to two carbons of the corresponding two benzene rings of the parent receptor 1 via cation–π interaction.     

Experimental and DFT study on the complexation of the silver cation with calix[4]arene-bis(t-octylbenzo-18-crown-6)

From extraction experiments and γ-activity measurements, the exchange extraction constant corresponding to the equilibrium Ag⁺ (aq) + 1·Cs⁺(org) ? 1·Ag⁺ (org) + Cs⁺ (aq) taking place in the two-phase water–phenyltrifluoromethyl sulfone (FS 13) system (1 = calix[4]arene-bis(t-octylbenzo-18-crown-6); aq = aqueous phase, org = FS 13 phase) was evaluated as logK _ex (Ag⁺, 1·Cs⁺) = ?1.5 ± 0.1. Further, the stability constant of the 1·Ag⁺ complex in FS 13 saturated with water was calculated for a temperature of 25 °C: log β _org(1·Ag⁺) = 10.1 ± 0.2. Finally, by using quantum mechanical DFT calculations, the most probable structure of the cationic complex species 1·Ag⁺ was derived. In the resulting 1·Ag⁺ complex, the “central” cation Ag⁺ is bound by eight bond interactions to six oxygen atoms from the respective 18-crown-6 moiety and to two carbons of the corresponding two benzene rings of the parent ligand 1 via cation-π interaction.     

Sorption of azo dyes from aqueous solutions by tetradodecyloxybenzylcalix[4]resorcinarene derivatives

Four water-insoluble tetradodecyloxybenzylcalix[4]resorcinarenes with various functional groups at the upper macrocycle rim (unsubstituted calix[4]resorcinarene 1, carboxylic acid derivative 2, ethyl ester derivative 3 and aminoethylamide derivative 4) were synthesized and tested as sorbents for water-soluble azo dyes methyl orange (MO), acid orange 5 (AO 5) and congo red (CR) by solid–liquid extraction method without background electrolyte. It was observed that the sorption of azo dyes reaches 99% for sorbent 4, which is partial protonated in contact with water and becomes able to electrostatic interactions with the dyes. It was demonstrates that calixresorcinarene 4 has the excellent sorption capacity for AO5 (130.5?mg dye per g of sorbent) due to effective calixresorcinarene—dye association in equal molar ratio mode.     

Triphenylene-modified chitosan: novel high efficient sorbent for cationic and anionic dyes

The first example of triphenylene-modified chitosan 4 was prepared by reacting chitosan with triphenylene aldehyde derivative 3. Its structure and morphology was characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H NMR, FTIR, XRD, SEM and AFM image. The triphenylene units in Tp-chitosan 4 appended on the skeleton of chitosan and possessed orderly layered structure. Adsorption experiments of Tp-chitosan 4 indicated that it possessed excellent adsorption capacities for both cationic and anionic dyes [Orange G sodium salt, Brilliant ponceau 5R, Victoria blue B (VB), Crystal violet (CV), Neutral red (NR) and Methylene blue]. The highest adsorption capacities for CV, VB and NR were 5.612, 5.353 and 5.375 mmol/g, respectively. Adsorption kinetics and isotherms analysis showed that the adsorption processes obeyed pseudo second-order model and the Langmuir isotherm equation. The adsorption processes were exothermic and spontaneous. The best pH values for adsorption were pH = 6–8.     

Synthesis and characterization of azocalix[4]arene ester and ketone derivatives incorporated in a polymeric backbone with bisphenol-A and their cation-binding properties

This study comprises synthesis and characterization of azocalix[4]arene compounds having copolymeric structures. The novel bisazocalixphenol-A and copolymer containing pendant azocalix[4]arene units with ester (5) and ketone (6) functionalities at their lower rim have been synthesized via diazo-coupling reaction. The phase transfer study is performed by liquid?Cliquid extraction method. It has been deduced from the observations that their precursors 25,26,27-tribenzoyloxy-28-hydroxy-5-(4-aminophenylazo)calix[4] arene (3), 25,27-diacetoniloxy-26,28-dihydroxy-5,17-(4-aminophenylazo)calix[4]arene (4) and bisazocalixphenol-A (5) show a good phase transfer affinity towards selected transition metal cations, unlike copolymer (6). These compounds are studied by the selective extraction of Fe³⁺ cation from the aqueous phase into the organic phase and it is carried out using compounds 1?C6. It is observed that the reduced azocalix[4]arene 4 is the most efficient (82.93?%) carrier of all compounds (3?C6) in the extraction of Fe³⁺ at pH 5.4.     

Solvent extraction of europium trifluoromethanesulfonate into nitrobenzene by using three electroneutral receptors

From extraction experiments and $ \gamma $ -activity measurements, the extraction constants corresponding to the general equilibrium Eu³⁺(aq) + 3 A^?(aq) + L(nb) $ \Leftrightarrow $ EuL³⁺(nb) + 3A^?(nb) taking place in the two-phase water–nitrobenzene system ( $ {\text{A}}^{ - } = {\text{CF}}_{ 3} {\text{SO}}_{3}^{ - } $ ; L = electroneutral receptors denoted by 1, 2, and 3 – see Scheme 1; aq = aqueous phase, nb = nitrobenzene phase) were evaluated. Further, the stability constants of the EuL³⁺ complexes in nitrobenzene saturated with water were calculated; they were found to increase in the series of 3 < 2 < 1.

Synthesis and metal ion complexation of acyclic Schiff base podands with lipophilic amide and ester end groups

A series of acyclic Schiff base podands 14?C19 with lipophilic amide and ester end groups were synthesized in good yield and in a simple way. Their transition metal ions complexation was studied using conductometric method in acetonitrile (AN) at 25 °C. Schiff base podands 14?C16 showed a continuous decrease in the molar conductances in their complexation with Hg²⁺, Pb²⁺, Cu²⁺, Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ which begins to level off at a mole ratio of 1:1 crown-to-metal indicating the formation of a stable 1:1 complexes. The order of the stability constants of the metal ions studied with the Schiff base podands 14, 15 and 16 is: Hg²⁺ > Pb²⁺ > Cu²⁺ > Zn²⁺ > Cd²⁺ > Ag⁺. Metal ion complexation by acyclic diamide or diester podands involves presumably the oxygen atoms of the carbonyl groups in addition to the nitrogen atoms of the imino groups.