Calix[4]pyrrole‐Based Heteroditopic Ion‐Pair Receptor That Displays Anion‐Modulated,Cation‐Binding Behavior

A new ditopic ion‐pair receptor 1 was designed, synthesized, and characterized. Detailed binding studies served to confirm that this receptor binds fluoride and chloride ions (studied as their tetraalkylammonium salts) and forms stable 1:1 complexes in CDCl₃. Treatment of the halide‐ion complexes of 1 with Group I and II metal ions (Li⁺, Na⁺, K⁺, Cs⁺, Mg²⁺, and Ca²⁺; studied as their perchlorate salts in CD₃CN) revealed unique interactions that were found to depend on both the choice of the added cation and the precomplexed anion. In the case of the fluoride complex [ 1? F]^? (preformed as the tetrabutylammonium (TBA⁺) complex), little evidence of interaction with the K⁺ ion was seen. In contrast, when this same complex (i.e., [ 1? F]^? as the TBA⁺ salt) was treated with the Li⁺ or Na⁺ ions, complete decomplexation of the receptor‐bound fluoride ion was observed. In sharp contrast to what was seen with Li⁺, Na⁺, and K⁺, treating complex [ 1? F]^? with the Cs⁺ ion gave rise to a stable, receptor‐bound ion‐pair complex [Cs ?1? F] that contains the Cs⁺ ion complexed within the cup‐like cavity of the calix[4]pyrrole, which in turn was stabilized in its cone conformation. Different complexation behavior was observed in the case of the chloride complex [ 1? Cl]^?. In this case, no appreciable interaction was observed with Na⁺ or K⁺. In addition, treating [ 1? Cl]^? with Li⁺ produces a tightly hydrated dimeric ion‐pair complex [ 1? LiCl(H₂O)]₂ in which two Li⁺ ions are bound to the crown moiety of the two receptors. In analogy to what was seen in the case of [ 1? F]^?, exposure of [ 1? Cl]^? to the Cs⁺ ion gives rise to an ion‐pair complex [Cs ?1? Cl] in which the cation is bound within the cup of the calix[4]pyrrole. Different complexation modes were also observed when the binding of the fluoride ion was studied by using the tetramethylammonium and tetraethylammonium salts.     

Naphthocrown‐Strapped Calix[4]pyrroles: Formation of Self‐Assembled Structures by Ion‐Pair Recognition

A new approach to the construction of self‐assembled structures is reported that is based on ion‐pair recognition. Towards this end, the calix[4]pyrrole naphthocrown‐4 hybrid structures 2 and 3 were prepared. These multitopic receptors contain recognition sites for both anions and cations. On the basis of solution‐phase ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis and solid‐state single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction structural studies, it was established that receptors 2 and 3 are able to bind specific ion pairs with high selectivity via different binding modes. In the case of CsF and CsCl, the ion‐pair complexes formed from receptors 2 and 3 were found to self‐assemble to produce either linear supramolecular polymeric crystalline solids or nanotube‐like cyclic hexamers depending on the specific choice of ion pairs and crystallization solvents. Proton NMR studies provided evidence for solution‐phase self‐association in organic media.     

Ion‐Pair Complexation with Dibenzo[21]Crown‐7 and Dibenzo[24]Crown‐8 bis‐Urea Receptors

Synthesis and ion‐pair complexation properties of novel ditopic bis‐urea receptors based on dibenzo[21]crown‐7 ( R¹ ) and dibenzo[24]crown‐8 ( R² ) scaffolds have been studied in the solid state, solution, and gas phase. In a 4:1 CDCl₃/[D₆]DMSO solution, both receptors clearly show positive heterotropic cooperativity toward halide anions when complexed with Rb⁺ or Cs⁺, with the halide affinity increasing in order I^?<Br^?<Cl^?. In solution, the rubidium complexes of both receptors have higher halide affinities compared to the caesium complexes. However, Rb⁺ and Cs⁺ complexes of R² show stronger affinities toward all the studied anions compared to the corresponding cationic complexes of R¹ . Similar selectivity of the receptors toward the studied ion pairs was also observed also in the gas phase by competition experiments with mass spectrometry. A total of eight crystal structures with different rubidium and caesium halides and oxyanions were obtained in addition to the crystal structure of R²?BaCl₂ . The selectivity observed in solution and in the gas phase is explainable by the conformational differences observed in the crystal structures of ion‐pair complexes with R¹ and R² . In the solid state, R¹ has an open conformation due to the asymmetric crown‐ether scaffold, whereas R² has a compact, folded conformation. Computational studies of the ion‐pair complexes of R² show that the interaction energies of the complexes increase in the order CsI<CsBr<CsCl<RbCl, supporting the selectivity observed in solution and the gas‐phase.     

Self‐Assembly of Calix[6]arene–Diazapyrenium Pseudorotaxanes: Interplay of Molecular Recognition and Ion‐Pairing Effects

The calix[6]arene wheel CX forms pseudorotaxane species with the diazapyrenium‐based axle 1? 2PF₆ in CH₂Cl₂ solution. The macrocyclic component is a heteroditopic receptor, which can complex the electron‐acceptor moiety of the axle inside its cavity and the counterions with the ureidic groups on the upper rim. The self‐assembled supramolecular species is a complex structure, which involves three components—the wheel, the axle and its counterions—that can mutually interact and affect. The stoichiometry of the resulting supramolecular complex depends on the nature and concentration of the counterions. Namely, it is observed that in dilute solution and with low‐coordinating anions the axle takes two wheels, whereas with highly coordinating anions or in concentrated solutions the complex has a 1:1 stoichiometry.     

Ion‐Pair Recognition by a Heteroditopic Triazole‐Containing Receptor

A new heteroditopic calix[4]diquinone triazole containing receptor capable of recognising both cations and anions through Lewis base and C? H hydrogen‐bonding modes, respectively, of the triazole motif has been prepared. This ion‐pair receptor cooperatively binds halide/monovalent‐cation combinations in an aqueous mixture, with selectivity trends being established by ¹H NMR and UV/Vis spectroscopy. Cation binding by the calix[4]diquinone oxygen and triazole nitrogen donors enhances the strength of the halide complexation at the isophthalamide recognition site of the receptor. Conversely, anions bound in the receptor’s isophthalamide cavity enhance cation recognition. ¹H NMR investigations in solution suggest that the receptor’s triazole motifs are capable of coordinating simultaneously to both cation and anion guest species. Solid‐state X‐ray crystallographic structural analysis of a variety of receptor ion‐pair adducts further demonstrates the dual cation–anion binding role of the triazole group.     

A 1,3‐Capped Calix[4] Conjugate Possessing an Amine Moiety as an Anion Receptor: Reversible Anion Sensing Detected by Spectroscopy and Characterization of the Supramolecular Features by Microscopy

A phenylenediamine‐capped conjugate of calix[4]arene ( L_amino ) was synthesized by reducing its precursor, L_imino , with sodium borohydride in methanol. The L_amino sample binds to anions due to the more flexible and bent conformation of the capped aminophenolic binding core, compared to the precursor L_imino . The L_amino sample showed selectivity towards H₂PO₄^? by exhibiting a ratiometric increase in emission by about 11‐fold with a detection limit of (1.2±0.2) μm ((116±20) ppb) over 15 anions studied, including other phosphates, such as P₂O₇^4?, adenosine monophosphate (AMP^2?), adenosine diphosphate (ADP^2?), and adenosine triphosphate (ATP^2?). The L_amino sample shows an increase in the absorbance at λ=315 nm in the presence of H₂PO₄^?, CO₃^2?, HCO₃^?, CH₃CO₂^?, and F^?. The ¹H NMR spectroscopic titration of L_amino with H₂PO₄^?, F^?, and CH₃CO₂^? showed major changes in the phenylene‐capped and salicyl moieties, and thereby, confirming the aminophenolic region as the binding core. However, the binding strength of these anions followed the trend H₂PO₄^?>F^??CH₃CO₂^?>HSO₄^?. The heat changes observed by isothermal titration calorimetry support this trend. The L_amino sample showed reversible sensing towards H₂PO₄^? and F^? in the presence of Mg²⁺ and Ca²⁺, respectively. NOESY studies of L_amino , in comparison with its anionic complexes, revealed that major conformational changes occurred in the capping region to facilitate the binding of anion. ESI‐MS and the Job's method revealed 1:1 stoichiometry between L_amino and H₂PO₄^? or F^?. In the SEM micrographs of L_amino , the spherical particles are converted into spherical aggregates and further form large agglomerates and even branched sheets in the presence of anions, depending upon their binding strength.     

Calix[4]arene‐Based Rotaxane Host Systems for Anion Recognition

The synthesis, structure and anion binding properties of the first calix[4]arene‐based [2]rotaxane anion host systems are described. Rotaxanes 9? Cl and 12? Cl, consisting of a calix[4]arene functionalised macrocycle wheel and different pyridinium axle components, are prepared via adaption of an anion templated synthetic strategy to investigate the effect of preorganisation of the interlocked host’s binding cavity on anion binding. Rotaxane 12? Cl contains a conformationally flexible pyridinium axle, whereas rotaxane 9? Cl incorporates a more preorganised pyridinium axle component. The X‐ray crystal structure of 9? Cl and solution phase ¹H NMR spectroscopy demonstrate the successful interlocking of the calix[4]arene macrocycle and pyridinium axle components in the rotaxane structures. Following removal of the chloride anion template, anion binding studies on the resulting rotaxanes 9? PF₆ and 12? PF₆ reveal the importance of preorganisation of the host binding cavity on anion binding. The more preorganised rotaxane 9? PF₆ is the superior anion host system. The interlocked host cavity is selective for chloride in 1:1 CDCl₃/CD₃OD and remains selective for chloride and bromide in 10 % aqueous media over the more basic oxoanions. Rotaxane 12? PF₆ with a relatively conformationally flexible binding cavity is a less effective and discriminating anion host system although the rotaxane still binds halide anions in preference to oxoanions.     

Bicyclo[6.3.0]undecapentaenyl Anion: The Next Higher Homolog of the Indenyl Anion with Exceptionally Large Ion‐Pairing Effects on its Tropicity

The title anion 1 was generated as a fairly thermally stable species in tetrahydrofuran (THF) and dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) by the action of several bases (sodium hydride, potassium hydride, lithium diisopropylamide, and lithium hexamethyldisilazide) with appropriate bicyclo[6.3.0]undecapentaenes. Variable‐temperature ¹H NMR spectra of 1? Li⁺ in [D₈]THF reveal that the anion exhibits exceptionally large ion‐pairing effects; proton chemical shifts vary by more than 1 ppm as a function of ion‐pairing conditions. Thus, anion 1 , in a contact ion pair (Li⁺ at ambient temperature in THF), behaves as an aromatic cyclopentadienyl anion that is perturbed only slightly by the electronic effects of a paramagnetic cyclooctatetraene (COT), whereas 1 in a separated ion pair (Li⁺ at low temperatures in THF or at ambient temperature in DMSO) behaves as an overall paratropic species with a 12 π‐electron periphery. ¹³C NMR spectroscopy indicates no major skeletal rearrangement and only small variations of the electron density. The variable tropicity of 1 can be ascribed to small conformational changes of the molecule. In addition to its unusual, tunable tropicity, anion 1 can also serve as a versatile building block for the synthesis of cyclopentanoid conjugated systems fused to a fully unsaturated eight‐membered ring. A theoretical calculation predicts that the 10‐position of 1 should have the highest electron density. In agreement with this prediction, the reactions of 1 with electrophiles occur predominantly at the 10‐position. The corresponding ferrocene, two fulvenes, two diazo derivatives, and a COT‐fused azulene were obtained by the reactions of 1 with appropriate electrophiles.     

Metal‐Ion‐Promoted Electron Transfer between Tetrathiafulvalene and Quinone Units Within a Calix[4]arene Framework and Tuning through Coordination of the Neighboring Crown Ether with a Sodium Cation

A new calix[4]arene 1 with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF), quinone, and crown ether units in the lower rim was designed and synthesized with the aim to investigate the possibility to tune the metal‐ion promoted electron transfer by coordination of the crown ether unit with additional metal ions. Both absorption and electron spin resonance (ESR) spectroscopic studies clearly indicate that electron transfer occurs efficiently from TTF to the quinone units in the presence of Sc³⁺/Pb²⁺/Zn²⁺. Moreover, the intramolecular electron transfer within 1 induced by Zn²⁺ can be switched off by addition of Na⁺ and further turned on by addition of either Sc³⁺ or Pb²⁺.