Interaction of Sulfonated Calixarenes with Rhodamine B and Its Application to Determine Acetylcholine in a Real Neutral Aqueous Medium

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Controlled Self‐Assembly by Mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and Bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes

The complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentrations of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (n=4, 5) were systemically measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. In all cases, the complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentration decreases by about 3 times upon addition of p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. However, the optimal molar ratios for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes are distinctly different: For mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes, the optimum mixing ratio for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium is 1:4 mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes/1‐pyrenemethylaminium, whereas only 2.5 molecules of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium can be bound by one cavity of bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. The intermolecular complexation of mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes with 1‐pyrenemethylaminium led to the formation of two distinctly different nanoarchitectures, which were shown to be nanoscale vesicle and rod aggregates, respectively, by using dynamic laser scattering, TEM, and SEM. This behavior is also different from the fiber‐like aggregates with lengths of several micrometers that were formed by 1‐pyrenemethylaminium itself above its critical aggregation concentration. Furthermore, the obtained nanoaggregates exhibit benign water solubility, self‐labeled fluorescence, and, more importantly, temperature responsiveness.     

Synthesis of cesium selective pyridyl azocalix[n]arenes

A series of pyridylazo calix[n]arenes (n=4, 6, 8) including the first examples of mixed hetroaryl azocalix(n)arenes have been synthesized by coupling calix[n]arenes with diazonium salts derived from amino pyridines. It has been observed that the coupling reaction of diazonium salt obtained from 3-aminopyridine with calix[n]arene gives tetrakis-, hexakis- and octakis (pyridylazo)calix[n]arenes (n=4,6,8) while those derived from 4-aminopyridine give partially substituted (4-pyridylazo)calix[n]arene analogs. There is no reaction of calix(n)arenes with diazonium salts derived from 2-aminopyridine under identical conditions of experiments. The conformational analysis of synthesized compounds have been ascertained by detailed spectral measurements and single crystal X-ray analysis of 5-(3′-pyridylazo)-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]arene. A rational explanation for the observed partial and exhaustive coupling reaction in the synthesis of heteroaryl azocalix(n)arenes has been suggested. Preliminary evaluation of synthesized derivatives as molecular receptors for metal ions indicates that they have good potential to function as selective ionic filters for cesium ions.     

Calix[n]arenes as Synthetic Membrane Transporters: A Minireview

Several potential applications of functionalized calix[n]arenes as carriers in transport through membranes of various biological compounds aiming their separation are reviewed. Specific aspects of membrane transport and the use of calix[n]arenes for building synthetic ion channels are discussed.     

Synthesis and characterization of a sensitive and selective Fe3+ fluorescent sensor based on novel sulfonated calix[4]arene‐based host‐guest complex

A novel fluorescent sensor was prepared from sulfonated calix[4]arene (SC4A) by the host-guest complexation method using the fluorescent dye rhodamine B (RB) as a structure-directing agent. The crystal structure of the host-guest complex (RB@(SC4A)₃) was confirmed by X-ray diffraction studies while its performance and sensing mechanism for metal ion pollutants were characterized using fluorescence and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopies. The results showed that RB@(SC4A)₃ had a triangular branch structure resulting from host-guest mediation of the interactions between the three SC4A host molecules and the three terminal groups of the guest molecule RB. The host-guest complex exhibited sensitive and selective sensing towards Fe³⁺ ions via a fluorescence quenching mechanism. The results indicated that RB@(SC4A)₃ could be a promising sensitive and selective fluorescent sensor for metal ion pollutants monitoring. It also provided new insights into the synthesis of calixarene-based host-guest complex.     

Brønsted acidic magnetic nano-Fe3O4-adorned calix[n]arene sulfonic acids: synthesis and application in the nucleophilic substitution of alcohols

Three magnetically recoverable Brønsted acidic calix[n]arene derivatives were successfully constructed by immobilizing calix[n]arene sulfonic acids onto silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles, a process, which allows calix[n]arene derivatives to acquire magnetic properties. All of the magnetically recoverable Brønsted acidic calix[n]arenes efficiently catalyze the coupling of electron-rich arenes with some alcohols in water. After separation and recovery from the reaction mixture by a simple magnet, these Brønsted acidic calix[n]arenes can be recycled many times without losing their catalytic activity.     

Determination of tyrosine using <Emphasis Type="Italic">p</Emphasis>-sulfonated calix[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]arene modified electrode

Cyclic voltammetry was used to detect p-sulfonated calix[n]arenas (SCnA) how to immobilize on gold surface. P-sulfonated calix[n]arenes not only increased the specific surface area of the modified electrode, but also improved the enrichment ability of tyrosine. This led to a significant increase in peak current, and improved the sensitivity of tyrosine determination on the p-sulfonated calix[n]arenes-modified electrode. The modified electrode showed good catalytic ability of l-tyrosine oxidation reaction. The peak current of l-tyrosine increased and the oxidation peak potential shifted negatively with cavity size of the SCnA-modified electrode, which indicated that the catalytic ability of the modified electrode to l-tyrosine oxidation reaction was also enhanced. For the tyrosine guest molecule, the order of electrochemical activity and magnitude of catalytic ability of the oxidation reaction of the three modified gold electrodes was as follows: SC4A?>?SC6A?>?SC8A. The electrode had high selectivity and stability for the determination of tyrosine, with a wide linear range, low detection limit and high sensitivity at different concentrations under different pH values. This resulted in an accurate, fast, sensitive electrochemical method for the determination of tyrosine. The sensor was used for the determination of tyrosine in human urine with satisfactory results.     

Calixarenes with nitrogen or phosphorus substituents on the lower rim

Calix[n]arenes (n=4,6) with diphenylphosphinite groups appended to their lower rim have been synthesized by reaction first with base, followed by chlorodiphenylphosphine. The reaction has also been carried out with the partially methoxylated calix[n]arenes. Calix[6]arenes with phosphate groups selectively bridging adjacent pairs of oxygens have been synthesized by reaction first with base, followed by ethyl dichlorophosphate. Calix[n]arenes (n=4,6) with 2-aminoethyloxy groups appended to the lower rim have been synthesized both by the reduction of an amide or nitrile group. Calixarenes with 2-hydroxyethyloxy and 2-bromoxyethyloxy groups appended to the lower rim have also been prepared. A route to preparing calixarene-functionalized polymers by the alkylation of polyethyleneimine is also described.This paper is dedicated to the commemorative issue on the 50th anniversary of calixarenes.     

Intermolecular interactions and binding mechanism of inclusion complexation between sulfonate calix[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]arenes and ethidium bromide

In this work, the interactions between ethidium bromide (ET) and water-soluble sulfonate calix[n]arenes (n: 4, 6, and 8) were investigated by NMR, FT-IR, and fluorescence spectroscopic methods. The aim was to evaluate both the stoichiometry and the mechanism of the possible complex structure between sulfonate calix[n]arenes and ET. The spectroscopic data revealed that a 1:1 binding mode between calixarene and ET was occurred. Furthermore, thermodynamic parameters and fluorescence titration experiments were studied at different temperatures to determine both the quenching mechanism and the type of intermolecular forces in complex formation. Host–guest complexation of sulfonate calix[n]arenes and ET could be used to overcome some adverse effects related to the using of ethidium bromide during biological applications as a DNA marker treatment.     

A,C-Bridged Calix[6]arene： Relationship between the Length of Bridge and Conformation

Three new A,C-diamide bridged p-tert-butylcalix[6]arenes were synthesized from p-tert-butylcalix[6]arenes by bridging ClCH2CONH(CH2)nNHCOCH2Cl(n=3,4,6) in acetonitrile using K2CO3 as a base in 17%-25% yields.It was found that the bridged calix[6]arenes with shorter bridges (n=2,3,4 in N′,N′-bischloroacetodiamines) adopt cone conformation, but the last one (n=6) adopts alternate conformation, i.e., accompanying the lengthening of bridge, the conformation of A,C-bridged calix[6]arenes changes from cone to alternate.     

Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography using carboxylatopillar[5]arene as stationary phase

Pillar[n]arenes have achieved much interest in material chemistry and supramolecular chemistry due to unusual pillar shape structure and high selectivity toward guest. However, pillar[n]arenes have not yet been applied in capillary electrochromatography. This work at first time reports that carboxylatopillar[5]arene is used as a stationary phase in open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. Carboxylatopillar[5]arene not only possess the advantages of pillar[n]arenes but also provide free carboxy groups for immobilizing on the inner wall of capillary column via covalent bonding. The characterization of SEM and FT‐IR indicated that carboxylatopillar[5]arene was successfully grafted on the inner wall of capillary. The baseline separation of model analytes including neutral, basic, and acidic compounds, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and dansyl‐amino acids have been achieved thanks to the electron‐rich cavity of carboxylatopillar[5]arene and hydrophobic interactions between the analytes and stationary phase. The intraday, interday, and column‐to‐column precisions (RSDs) of retention time and peak area for the neutral analytes were all less than 3.34 and 9.65%, respectively. This work indicates that pillar[n]arenes have great potential in capillary electrochromatography as novel stationary phase.     

The Electrochemical Behavior of p‐Sulfonated Sodium Salt of Calix[6]arene

The water‐soluble p‐sulfonated sodium salt of calix[6]arene (p‐SC6) is synthesized and characterized by FT‐IR and UV‐vis spectra. The purity of the product is checked as 97.6% by HPLC. The electrochemical behavior of p‐SC6 in NaAc+HAc (pH 3.9) buffer solution is studied. The results showed that p‐SC6 can be oxidized irreversibly when the potential scanned from 0 to 1.0 V (vs. SCE). The peak potential locates at about 0.83 V (vs. SCE) which depends on the scan rate and acidity. The number of electrons, n, transferred in the electrochemical reaction is 1. The diffusion coefficient of p‐SC6 is 1.4×10^?6 cm² s^?1 at 25 °C. The electrochemical oxidation of p‐SC6 is strongly affected by acidity. For example, when pH is 10.6, n becomes 3. But the diffusion coefficient of p‐SC6 is 1.1×10^?6 cm² s^?1 which is close to that measured at pH 3.9.     

para‐Sulfonated Calixarenes Used as Synthetic Receptors for Complexing Photolabile Cholinergic Ligand

The water‐soluble tetra‐, hexa‐ and octasulfonated calix[4]arenes, calix[6]arenes, and calix[8]arenes 1 – 3 , respectively, were investigated as potential synthetic receptors for photolabile cholinergic ligand A , a photolytic precursor of choline. Ligand A is a bifunctional molecule carrying a photolabile 2‐nitrobenzyl group at one end and a choline moiety at the other end. Results from NMR studies have shown that calixarenes 1 – 3 form stable 1 : 1 complexes with A , having similar binding potential to that observed with the cholinergic enzymes acetylcholinesterase and butyrylcholinesterase. Further studies have suggested that calix[8]arene forms a ditopic complex by binding concomitantly to both the cationic choline moiety and the aromatic photolabile group of A , whereas calix[4]arene and calix[6]arene form monotopic complexes with A . The ditopic complex between calix[8]arene and A results from mutually induced fitting process, while the monotopic complexes between calix[4]arene and A can be regulated by pH: at neutral pH, calix[4]arene specifically binds the cationic choline moiety, while, at acidic pH, it complexes unselectively both the cationic choline moiety and the aromatic group of A . Our results show that para‐sulfonated calixarenes are versatile artificial receptors which bind in various ways to the bifunctional photolabile cholinergic ligand A , depending on their size, geometry, and state of protonation.     

Synthesis of chiral calix[n]arenes. Part 2: Synthesis of new chiral calix[n]arenes based on (p-hydroxy-phenyl)-menthone

The synthesis of new chiral calix[n]arenes, related to Corey's phenyl-menthol, is described. Starting from enantiomerically pure (R)-(+)-pulegone, calix[n]arenes with different ring sizes could be obtained in reasonable yield.     

Fluorescence Spectral Studies on the Coordination of Calix[4]‐arenes Bearing Boronic Acid Moieties with Monosaccharides

Coordination of ten calix[4]arenes bearing boronic acid moieties with five monosaccharides was studied by fluorescence spectrometry. The stability constants (K₂) of the complexes and Gibbs free energy change ( ‐ ΔG⁰) of the coordination reactions were calculated according to the modified Hilderbrand‐Benesi equation. The results obtained indicated that the coordination ability of D‐( ‐ )‐fructose with calix[4] arenes bearing boronic acid moieties was stronger than that of the other monosaccharides. And these calix[4]arene derivatives might be used for identification of L‐( ‐ )‐sorbose.     

Complexation and Separation of Amines, Amino Acids, and Peptides by Functionalized Calix[n]arenes

The ability of calix[n]arenes to form complexes, to act as extractants in liquid–liquid extraction, and run as carriers in transport through liquid membranes of different biological amine compounds (e.g., ammonium ion, amines, amino acids, and peptides) has been the central topics of many reports. These features recommend the calix[n]arenes as competitive candidates for studying the interactions involved in host–guest recognition as well as useful receptors in separation processes. Some specific aspects of their applications in binding and separation of various amine compounds by extraction, and in transport through liquid membranes have therefore been considered. The effect of the factors that might influence the separation of above compounds by extraction, and the transport through liquid membranes using the calix [n]arenes has been presented.     

Conformationally Selective Synthesis of Mononitrocalix[4]arene in Cone or Partial Cone

Nitro‐substituted calixarenes in a cone and a partial cone conformation were prepared selectively using distinct synthetic routes. The selective nitration of tris‐ or penta‐substituted phenols of calix[4]arene or calix[6]arene provided mononitrocalix[n ]arenes (n  =  4, 6). Subsequent addition of ethylene glycol (EG) moieties to mononitrocalix[4]arene provided tetraEGylcalix[4]arene in locked partial cone conformation. By an alternative route – initial addition of EG moieties to the non‐derivatized calix[4]arene followed by the uncontrolled nitration – provided mononitro‐ and dinitro‐tetraEGylcalix[4]arenes locked in the cone conformation. These nitrocalix[4]arenes with locked cone or partial cone conformation are useful building blocks for further assembly of supramolecular systems, especially in the area of material sciences.     

Synthesis of fully lower‐rim,carbonate‐bridged calix[8]arenes and their curing behavior

Novel fully lower‐rim, carbonate‐bridged calix[8]arene derivatives were successfully synthesized in high yield by the condensation of p‐alkyl substituted calix[8]arenes with triphosgene. Different bases and catalysts were used for the preparation depending on the p‐alkyl substituted groups of the calix[8]arenes. The conformational features of the derivatives were examined by ¹H NMR analysis. Thermosetting formulations were prepared from a mixture of bisphenol A polycarbonate with calix[8]arene carbonate derivatives using sodium benzoate as a catalyst. Their crosslinking behaviors were studied using differential thermal/thermogravimetric analysis. No glass‐transition temperatures were observed after annealing at 280–300 °C. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci A: Polym Chem 39: 1149–1155, 2001     

Excitonically Coupled Cyclic BF2 Arrays of Calix[8]‐ and Calix[16]phyrin as Near‐IR‐Chromophores

Two giant calix[n]phyrin derivatives namely calix[8]‐ ( 4 ) and calix[16]phyrin ( 5 ), involving two and four BF₂ units, respectively, were prepared through the condensation of the bis‐naphthobipyrrolylmethene‐BF₂ complex ( 3 ) with pentafluorobenzaldehyde. Calix[n]phyrins 4 and 5 display extremely high extinction coefficients (3.67 and 4.82×10⁵ m ^?1 cm^?1, respectively) in the near‐IR region, which was taken as initial evidence for strong excitonic coupling within these cyclic multi‐chromophoric systems. Detailed insights into the effect of excitonic coupling dynamics on the electronic structure and photophysical properties of the macrocycles came from fluorescence, time‐correlated single‐photon counting (TCSPC) and transient absorption (TA) measurements. Support for these experimental findings came from theoretical studies. Theory and experiment confirmed that the coupling between the excitons depends on the specifics of the calix[n]phyrin structure, not just its size.     

Complexation and Separation of Amines,Amino Acids,and Peptides by Functionalized Calix[<Emphasis Type="Italic">n</Emphasis>]arenes

The ability of calix[n]arenes to form complexes, to act as extractants in liquid–liquid extraction, and run as carriers in transport through liquid membranes of different biological amine compounds (e.g., ammonium ion, amines, amino acids, and peptides) has been the central topics of many reports. These features recommend the calix[n]arenes as competitive candidates for studying the interactions involved in host–guest recognition as well as useful receptors in separation processes. Some specific aspects of their applications in binding and separation of various amine compounds by extraction, and in transport through liquid membranes have therefore been considered. The effect of the factors that might influence the separation of above compounds by extraction, and the transport through liquid membranes using the calix [n]arenes has been presented.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.