Diester intrabridging of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene and unexpected formation of the monospirodienone derivative

Reaction of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene 1 with adipoyl chloride in the presence of NaH as the base yielded singly and doubly intrabridged esters 2-4 and 6. Surprisingly, calix[8]arene monospirodienone derivative 7 was also isolated, which was originated by O₂ oxidation. The conditions of this oxidation were optimized leading to a novel synthetic approach to calixarene monospirodienones based on the O₂/NaH/acyl-chloride oxidizing system. Xantheno calix[8]arenes 8-8a were obtained by rearrangement of 7.     

Functionalisation of the upper rim of calix[4]arene via alcoholysis and hydrosilylation reactions

Metalation of 5,17-dibromo-25,26,27,28-tetra propoxy calix[4]arene (1) with n-BuLi in THF at −78 °C gave organolithium reagent, which reacted with Me₂HSiCl to give 5,17-bis(dimethylsilyl)-25,26,27,28-tetra propoxy calix[4]arene (2). The Si-H groups of calixarene 2 were treated with methanol, ethanol, propanol, butanol, pentanol, hexanol, 2-propanol and 2-methyl propanol in the presence of Karstedt catalyst (platinum(0)-1,3-divinyl-1,1,3,3-tetramethyl disiloxane complex, solution in xylene) to give the corresponding 5,17-bis(alkoxydimethylsilyl)-25,26,27,28-tetra propoxy calix[4]arene (3). Moreover, calixarene 2 was easily functionalized with a variety of alkenes using Karstedt catalyst to give the corresponding organosilylated calix[4]arene (4).     

Syntheses of two diamine substituted 1,3-distal calix[4]arene-based magnetite nanoparticles for extraction of dichromate, arsenate and uranyl ions

The synthesis of two new calixarene derivatives 4 and 5, functionalized at the lower rim with 4-amino-1-benzylpiperidine to give diamide and diamine derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene, is described. They were obtained by the reaction of both the diester derivative of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (2) and the dialkyl bromide derivative of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (3) with 4-amino-1-benzylpiperidine. The ¹H NMR spectra of calixarene derivatives show that 4 and 5 exist in the cone conformation. Moreover, these diamide and diamine derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (4 and 5) have been immobilized onto [3-(2,3-epoxypropoxy)-propyl]-trimethoxysilane-modified Fe₃O₄ magnetite nanoparticles to obtain calixarene-based magnetic nanoparticles M-DADBP-Calix (6) and M-DABP-Calix (7). The calix[4]arene immobilized materials were characterized by a combination of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR), Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and Thermogravimetric Analyses (TGA) and elemental analysis. Additionally, the studies regarding the removal of As(V)/Cr(VI) ions as well as U(VI) ion from aqueous solutions were also carried out by using these compounds in liquid-liquid/solid-liquid extraction experiments.     

Synthesis of the first examples of p-bromodienone and transannular spirodienone calixarene derivatives

The first examples of p-bromodienone calixarene derivatives (6-7 and 9-10) have been obtained by treatment of 1,5-dihydroxy-hexaalkoxycalix[8]arenes 5 or tripropoxycalix[4]arene 8 with trimethylphenylammonium tribromide and a saturated solution of NaHCO₃. The first transannular spirodienone derivative 11 was only obtained in the presence of NaOH or using the KOH/I₂/PEG-200 oxidizing system.     

Phosphite ligands derived from distally and proximally substituted dipropyloxy calix[4]arenes and their palladium complexes: Solution dynamics, solid-state structures and catalysis

Two bisphosphite ligands, 25,27-bis-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-26,28-dipropyloxy-p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (3) and 25,26-bis-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-27,28-dipropyloxy-p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (4) and two monophosphite ligands, 25-hydroxy-27-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-26,28-dipropyloxy-p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (5) and 25-hydroxy-26-(2,2′-biphenyldioxyphosphinoxy)-27,28-dipropyloxy- p-tert-butyl calix[4]arene (6) have been synthesized. Treatment of (allyl) palladium precursors [(η³-1,3-R,R′-C₃H₄)Pd(Cl)]₂ with ligand 3 in the presence of NH₄PF₆ gives a series of cationic allyl palladium complexes (3a-3d). Neutral allyl complexes (3e-3g) are obtained by the treatment of the allyl palladium precursors with ligand 3 in the absence of NH₄PF₆. The cationic allyl complexes [(η³-C₃H₅)Pd(4)]PF₆ (4a) and [(η³-Ph₂C₃H₃)Pd(4)]PF₆ (4b) have been synthesized from the proximally (1,2-) substituted bisphosphite ligand 4. Treatment of ligand 4 with [Pd(COD)Cl₂] gives the palladium dichloride complex, [PdCl₂(4)] (4c). The solid-state structures of [{(η³-1-CH₃-C₃H₄)Pd(Cl)}₂(3)] (3f) and [PdCl₂(4)] (4c) have been determined by X-ray crystallography; the calixarene framework in 3f adopts the pinched cone conformation whereas in 4c, the conformation is in between that of cone and pinched cone. Solution dynamics of 3f has been studied in detail with the help of two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy.The solid-state structures of the monophosphite ligands 5 and 6 have also been determined; the calix[4]arene framework in both molecules adopts the cone conformation. Reaction of the monophosphite ligands (5, 6) with (allyl) palladium precursors, in the absence of NH₄PF₆, yield a series of neutral allyl palladium complexes (5a-5c; 6a-6d). Allyl palladium complexes of proximally substituted ligand 6 showed two diastereomers in solution owing to the inherently chiral calix[4]arene framework. Ligands 3, 6 and the allyl palladium complex 3f have been tested for catalytic activity in allylic alkylation reactions.     

New receptors for anions in water: Synthesis, characterization, X-ray structures of new derivatives of 5,11,17,23-tetraamino-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene

Syntheses and characterization of ten new compounds from the calixarene family, cone - 5,11,17,23- tetrakis(2-pyridylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4a; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(3-pyridylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4b; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(4-pyridylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4c; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(ferrocenylmethylamino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 4d; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(2-pyridylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3a; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(3-pyridylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3b; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(4-pyridylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3c; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(ferrocenylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3d; cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(2-thienylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3e and cone - 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(2-pyrrolylmethimino)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene 3f are reported. The target compounds 4a-4d were designed to form complexes with anions based on hydrogen bonds and electrostatic interactions in acidic aqueous solutions and the interaction constant 1770 mol⁻¹ dm³ of a 1:1 complex was obtained for the interaction of 4c with sulfate anion in 5 × 10⁻³ M aqueous HCl. The solid state structures of the compounds 3b, 3e and 3f were determined, their stereochemistry and the stereochemistry of the calix[4]arene frame is generally discussed. Raman, infrared and UV-vis spectra of the target compounds and some intermediates are reported, too.     

Synthesis of new calix[4]arenes containing nucleoside bases

A family of novel calix[4]arene derivatives containing nucleoside bases were designed and synthesized. Coupling reaction between para mono- or bis-amino calix[4]arenes 5, 6 or 7 and thymin-1-ylacetic acid in the presence of DCC afforded mono- or bis-thymine-substituted calix[4]arenes 8, 9 or 10 in over 70% yield. Owing to the low solubility of adenine-N⁹-ylacetic acid in DMF and DMSO and the weak nucleophilicity of aminocalix[4]arene derivatives, alternatively, the substitution reaction of bromoacetylated aminocalix[4]arenes derivatives 11, 12, 13 with adenine in the presence of sodium hydride was carried out to synthesize mono- or bis-adenine-substituted calix[4]arenes. Two kinds of isomers 15 and 16 or 17 and 18 were obtained due to the non-regiospecific alkylation of adenine, and their structures have been confirmed by ¹³C NMR and ¹H NMR spectra.     

Synthesis of novel p-tert-butyl-calix[4]arene derivatives and their cation binding ability: chromogenic effect upon side arms binding

A series of novel double-armed calix[4]arene derivatives, i.e. 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl -25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(4-nitroazo)benzylidene)amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxy-calix[4]-arene (4), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(2-nitroazo)benzylidene) amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5), 5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-bis[2-[(2-hydroxy-5-(4-chloroazo)benzylidene)amino]ethoxy]-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (6), have been synthesized as an selective chromoionophore for Na⁺. The complexation behavior of ligands 4-6 with alkali metal ions Na⁺, K⁺, Rb⁺and Cs⁺ has been evaluated by using UV-Vis spectrometry in CH₃CN-H₂O (99:1/V:V) solution at 25°C. The UV-Vis spectra show that the complexation of 4-6 with Na⁺exhibits obvious bathochromic shifts (λ_max 379→480 nm) and there is a unique color change in the solution from yellow to red upon complexation. The binding constants for Na⁺ are higher than that of other alkali metal ions, giving the highest cation selectivity up to 7 for Na⁺/K⁺. The binding ability and photophysical behavior of alkali cations by calix[4]arene derivatives 4-6 are discussed from the point of view of substituted effects at the lower rim of parent calix[4]arene and size-fit concept between host calix[4]arenes and guest cations.     

Di- and tetracarboxylate ligands for highly luminescent terbium(III) complexes on the basis of sulfonylcalix[4]arene scaffold

New di- (2) and tetracarboxylate ligands (4) were prepared on a sulfonylcalix[4]arene platform by O-alkylation of thiacalix[4]arene with ethyl bromoacetate, followed by hydrolysis of the ester function and oxidation of the sulfide bridges. The sulfonyl-based ligands 2 and 4 formed luminescent 1:1 complexes with terbium(III) ion having higher luminescent quantum yield (Φ = 0.29₁ and 0.28₇, respectively) than 1:1 complexes of the corresponding thiacalix[4]arene-based di- (1) and tetracarboxylate ligands (3) (Φ = 0.03₈ and 0.00₃, respectively), implying higher efficiency of sulfonyl ligands (2 and 4) than those of thia ligands (1 and 3) in the energy transfer process.     

Calix[4]quinones. Part 4: The ClO2 oxidation of calix[4]arene dialkyl ethers

Except for the special case of calix[4]arene diethyl ether 1, the chlorine dioxide oxidation of dialkyl ethers 2-5 yielded only the corresponding calix[4]diquinone dialkyl ethers 8-11. Chlorine dioxide oxidation of calix[4]arene diethyl ether 1 produced two isomeric products 6 and 7, which were stable enough to be isolated by column chromatography. However, a slow conformational interconversion between isomeric pair 6 and 7 was observed at room temperature, and the equilibrium was reached after 400 h at 18 °C with an amount of 5:3 in favor of syn-isomer.     

Synthesis of novel calix[4]arenes containing organosilicon groups

Metalation of (RSiMe₂)₃CH (1a R = H, 1b R = Me, 1c R = Ph) with lithium diisopropylamide (LDA) or methyllithium in THF gave organolithium reagents (RSiMe₂)₃CLi, which reacted with the formylated calixarene (2), to give the corresponding 5,17-bis[2,2-bis(organosilyl)-1-ethenyl]-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arenes (3a, 3b and 3c) via the Peterson olefination. The compounds (RSiMe₂)₃CLi were treated with 25,26,27,28-tetrakis(4-bromobutoxy)calix[4]arene (4) to give 25,26,27,28-tetrakis[4-(tris(dimethylsilyl)methyl)butoxy] calix[4]arene (5a) and 25,26,27,28-tetrakis[4-(tris(trimethylsilyl)methyl)butoxy] calix[4]arene (5b) via nucleophilic substitution reactions. However the compound 25,26,27,28-tetrakis[4-(tris(dimethylphenylsilyl)methyl)butoxy] calix[4]arene (5c) was not obtained, presumably because (PhSiMe₂)₃C- is highly sterically hindered and the reactivity of its derivatives is low. The compound 5a has potential as a core for dendrimers.     

Ullmann coupling reaction of 1,3-bistriflate esters of calix[4]arenes: facile syntheses of monoaminocalix[4]arenes and 4,4′:6,6′-diepithiobis(phenoxathiine)

Treatment of 1,3-bistriflate esters of thiacalix- (6a) and calix[4]arenes 6b with benzylamine in the presence of CuI and K₃PO₄ results in the displacement of a TfO moiety with a benzylamino group, which provides an easy access to monoaminothiacalix[4]arene 4a and its methylene-bridged counterpart 4b. On the other hand, the reaction of 6a in the absence of benzylamine leads to intramolecular dietherification, giving 4,4′:6,6′-diepithiobis(phenoxathiine) 7a.     

Synthesis and dichromate anion extraction ability of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivatives with different binding sites

The article describes the synthesis and evaluation of the dichromate anion (Cr₂O₇²⁻/HCr₂O₇⁻) extraction properties of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivatives (5-7) containing different binding sites. Among these compounds, 6 and 7 have been synthesized via aminolysis in a toluene-methanol solvent system with 3-aminomethylpyridine and 3,6-dioxa-1,8-diamino octane, respectively. On the other hand, compound 5 has been synthesized via an acid chloride method due to its inefficiency under aminolysis. The extraction properties of these diamides toward dichromate anions are studied by liquid-liquid extraction. The results show that p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene diamide derivative 7 exhibited a much higher affinity toward dichromate anions than that of 6 due to its special structure, while 5 was an ineffective ligand for these anions.     

Synthesis, structure, and conformation of ortho-linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes

ortho-Linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes (n=2, 3) were prepared by one-step cyclooligomerization of catechol and meta-dichlorinated nitrogen containing heterocycles or via a two-step reaction process. Solid state structure of the ortho-linked oxacalix[n]arene[n]hetarenes (n=2, 3) has been determined by X-ray crystallography. 1,3-Alternate and 1,3,5-alternate conformations were found for ortho-linked oxacalix[2]arene[2]pyrazine (1) and oxacalix[3]arene[3]pyrazine (2), respectively. However, a core conformation with C₃ symmetry was found for ortho-linked oxacalix[3]arene[3]pyrimidine (4), which is completely different from that of its isomer, compound 2.     

Synthesis of di-substituted calix[4]arene-based receptors for extraction of chromate and arsenate anions

The article describes the synthesis of a family of novel calix[4]arene ionophores, 25,27-bis-(2-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5a), 25,27-bis-(3-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5b) and two chromogenic calix[4]arenes, 5,17-dinitro-25,27-bis-(2-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5c), 5,17-dinitro-25,27-bis-(3-aminomethylpyridine-propoxy)-26,28-dihydroxycalix[4]arene (5d) bearing pyridinium units. In the synthesis, the upper and lower rims of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene were modified in order to acquire binding sites for the recognition of arsenate and dichromate anions. It has been observed that protonated alkylammonium forms of the ionophores showed high affinity toward dichromate and arsenate anions.     

Serendipitous one-pot formation of an unusual calix[5]arene-bis-crown-3 receptor

Alkylation of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene 1c with an excess of 2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethyl tosylate 2 and anhydrous K₂CO₃, has led to the serendipitous regioselective formation of cone-in (1,2-3,5)-calix[5]arene bis-crown-3 derivative 4 possessing a reactive 2-(2-chloroethoxy)ethoxy pendant functionality at the lower rim. The structure and conformation of 4 have firmly been assigned by a combination of NMR analysis and HF/6-31G∗ ab initio calculations, as well as by an independent stepwise synthesis. A preliminary ESI-MS screening of the binding properties of 4 toward alkali metal ions has shown a clear preference for the larger cations.     

Azobenzene-bridged calix[8]arenes

An azobenzene bridge was introduced into the lower (or smaller) rim of p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (1) and 1,5-calix[8]crown-3 (2) to form 1,4-singly bridged (3) and 1,5:3,7-doubly bridged (4) calix[8]arene derivatives, respectively. Trans and cis isomers of conformationally rigid 4 were isolated. The quantum yields of the trans-cis photoisomerisation reactions have been measured.     

Polymer-supported calix[4]arenes for sensing and conversion of NO2/N2O4

The use of simple calix[4]arenes 1a,b for NO₂/N₂O₄ sensing and conversion is demonstrated, both in solution and in the solid state. Upon reacting with these gases, compounds 1a,b encapsulate reactive NO⁺ cations within their cavities with the formation of deeply colored (λ_max∼570 nm) charge-transfer complexes 2a,b. Further functionalization of the calix[4]arene platform is reported for attachment to solid supports. Polymer-supported calixarene material 3 was prepared, which reversibly traps NO₂/N₂O₄ with the formation of nitrosonium storing polymer 4. Material 4 was effectively used for nitrosation of amides.     

Synthesis, characterization, and alkyne cyclotrimerization chemistry of titanium complexes supported by calixarene-derived bis(aryloxide) ligation

Proximally bridged calix[4]arene compounds (DESC)H₂ (3), (DMSHC)H₂ (4), (DMSMC)H₂ (5), and (DPSC)H₂ (6), in which one R₂Si group (R=alkyl or aryl) bridges adjacent oxygens, were synthesized via reaction between dialkyl- or diaryldichlorosilane and the corresponding calix[4]arene. Treatment of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene with Ph₂SiCl₂ at room temperature or (o-MeC₆H₄)₂SiCl₂ at 80 °C gave (ClPh₂SiCl)₂Calix-H₂ (7) and (o-Tol₂SiCl)₂Calix-H₂ (8), respectively. Titanium dichloride complexes 9-12 (L₂TiCl₂, where L₂=DESC, DMSHC, DMSMC, or DPSC) were prepared in high yield from reaction of 3-6 with TiCl₄. The molecular structures of 7 and 12 were established by single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Reduction of 9, 11, and 12 with activated magnesium (Mg*) in the presence of an excess of Me₃SiCCH produced titananorbornadiene complexes L₂Ti{η⁶-1,2,4-C₆H₃(SiMe₃)₃} (13-15, L₂=DESC, DMSMC, or DPSC), which were characterized in solution. Catalytic cyclotrimerization of both terminal and internal alkynes was achieved using catalyst systems derived from L₂TiCl₂ complexes 9-12 and Mg*. For unsymmetrically substituted internal alkynes, preference for 1,2,4-substitution decreased as the size difference of the substituent groups decreased. The cyclotrimerization of PhCCMe was more facile when the calixarene-derived bis(aryloxide) ligand was DPSC versus DMSMC, suggesting that the DPSC ligand may provide a less crowded titanium center and exert greater kinetic control over the course of the cyclotrimerization.     

CMPO-substituted calix[6]- and calix[8]arene extractants for the separation of An/Ln from radioactive waste

Three calix[6]arene derivatives (1a-c) and two calix[8]arene derivatives (2a,b), with six and eight CMPO residues, respectively, attached to the narrow/lower rim via ether links, were synthesised. Preliminary liquid-liquid extraction studies for Eu(III) and Am(III) from aqueous nitric acid to o-nitrophenylhexyl ether reveal remarkable properties with respect to efficiency and selectivity, especially for the tert-butylcalix[6]arene derivative with a -(CH₂)₃- spacer.