Tetrakis(imidazolium) macrocyclic receptors for anion binding

New (tetrakis)imidazolium macrocyclic receptor systems of variable cavity size have been synthesised by stepwise alkylation reactions of bis(imidazolium) precursor compounds. Proton NMR titration studies reveal the macrocycles to strongly bind halide and benzoate anions, with two receptor systems displaying notable selectivity for fluoride in competitive acetonitrile-water (9:1) solvent media.     

Fluorescent acridine-based receptors for H2PO4(-)

Two new pseudopeptidic molecules (one macrocyclic and one open chain) containing an acridine unit have been prepared. The fluorescence response of these receptors to a series of acids was measured in CHCl(3). Receptors are selective to H(2)PO(4)(-) versus HSO(4)(-), and an even higher selectivity is found over other anions such as Cl(-), Br(-), CH(3)COO(-), and CF(3)COO(-). We show that the macrocyclic receptor is more selective for H(2)PO(4)(-) than the related open chain receptor. The supramolecular interactions of triprotonated receptors with different anions have been modeled in silico and have been studied by different experimental techniques. Optimized geometries obtained by computational calculations agree well with experimental data, in particular fluorescence experiments, suggesting that the selective supramolecular interaction takes places through coordination of the anions to the triprotonated form of the receptor.     

Anion receptors: a new class of amide/quaternized amine macrocycles and the chelate effect

A new class of tetraamide macrocyclic receptors for anions with two quaternized amine functionalities exhibited higher affinities for anions compared with the corresponding neutral amides. In two crystal structures of halide complexes of the prototypes with phenyl and pyridine spacers, the anions are held by hydrogen bonding with the amide hydrogens. The pyridine analogues display higher affinities in general than the phenyl systems, a phenomenon which is attributed to the anion version of the chelate effect.     

Macrocyclic Ligands in Separations

The selectivity of macrocyclic ligands such as crown ethers and cryptands in binding metal and other cations in aqueous and nonaqueous solvents can be exploited to make ion separations. Cations are usually separated by direct interaction with the ligand. In addition, anions associated with the positively charged macrocyclic complexes can be separated in novel separations systems. We have incorporated macrocyclic ligands into high performance ion chromatography, liquid membranes, and solvent extraction separation systems involving coalescence extraction.     

Recognition of Free Tryptophan in Water by Synthetic Pseudopeptides: Fluorescence and Thermodynamic Studies

Pseudopeptidic receptors containing an acridine unit have been prepared and their fluorescence response to a series of amino acids was measured in water. Free amino acids, not protected either at the C or the N terminus, were used for this purpose. The prepared receptors display a selective response to tryptophan (Trp) versus the other assayed amino acids under acidic conditions. The macrocyclic nature of the receptor is important as the fluorescence quenching is higher for the macrocyclic compound than for the related open‐chain receptor. Notably, under the experimental acidic conditions used, both the receptor and guest are fully protonated and positively charged; thus, the experimental results suggest the formation of supramolecular species that contain two positively charged organic molecular components in proximity stabilized through aromatic–aromatic interactions and a complex set of cation‐anion‐cation interactions. The selectivity towards Trp seems to be based on the existence of a strong association between the indole ring of the monocharged amino acid and the acridinium fragment of the triprotonated form of the receptor, which is established to be assisted by the interaction of the cationic moieties with hydrogen sulfate anions.     

Macrocycles from perhalogenated heterocycles

Perhalogenated heteroaromatic systems, such as trichloro-s-triazine and pentafluoropyridine, are multifunctional "building blocks" that react with a number of appropriate difunctional nucleophiles to provide access to a variety of macrocyclic and even cage-like molecular architectures. Unusual structural and complexation characteristics of the systems reported so far, such as the recognition of anions, provide a further stimulus for the development of this area.     

Azulene‐Based Macrocyclic Receptors for Recognition and Sensing of Phosphate Anions

Herein we report the synthesis and detailed studies of the anion‐binding properties of two 20‐membered macrocyclic tetramide receptors: one symmetrical, containing two identical azulene‐based bisamide units, the other a hybrid, containing a dipicolinic bisamide unit and an azulene‐based bisamide unit. Analysis of the crystal structures of the macrocyclic receptors revealed their preference for adopting similar well‐preorganized bent‐sheet conformations, both as free receptors and in their complexes with anions. Studies of the optical properties of both receptors revealed abilities to selectively sense phosphate anions (H₂PO₄^?, HP₂O₇^3?), allowing for naked‐eye detection of the presence of these guests in DMSO. Binding studies in solution confirmed that the receptors bind strongly to a series of anions even in highly demanding media, such as mixtures of DMSO with water or with methanol. Comparison of the anion affinity of linear analogues with that of the macrocyclic receptors evidenced the importance of macrocyclic topology. Quantitative analysis revealed that the macrocyclic receptors are selective for H₂PO₄^? over other anions. The affinity to H₂PO₄^? seen for the symmetrical receptor, containing two azulene‐based subunits, is much higher than for the hybrid macrocycle containing both the azulene‐based and pyridine‐derived subunits. This highlights that the azulene‐based building block serves efficiently as both a binding site and a structure‐preorganizing motif.     

A ‘clicked’ macrocyclic probe incorporating Binol as the signalling unit for the chiroptical sensing of anions

We describe a macrocyclic chiroptical sensor for the detection of halide anions, with the Binol moiety acting as the CD signalling unit. The macrocycle is conveniently synthesized using CuAAC ‘click’ reactions in the cyclization step; this methodology installs 1,2,3-triazole moieties within the macrocyclic backbone, able to directionally bind anions by means of CH?X^– hydrogen bonds. ¹H NMR complexation studies in CDCl₃ reveal weak binding to halide and aliphatic carboxylate anions. Halide anions, however, when held into the macrocyclic cavity, are able to trigger a large chiroptical response originating from the steric interaction with the Binol moiety, which changes its dihedral angle, thus modulating its characteristic CD signature.     

Synthesis and evaluation of a pseudocyclic tristhiourea-based anion host

A novel methodology for the evaluation of receptor arrangement in structurally flexible anion chemosensors was developed and applied to map the binding site of a new pseudocyclic tristhiourea chemosensor (6). The syntheses of 6 and related macrocyclic chemosensor 10 (a model of the folded monomeric structure of 6) are reported. Both chemosensors were evaluated by titration with a variety of structurally different anions in CH3Cl and DMSO, showing a common preference for F-, CH3CO2-, and H2PO4-. However, within this group of anions, the binding patterns of the chemosensors differed, indicating dissimilarity in the arrangement of the binding sites of 6 and 10.     

Polyhalogenated heterocyclic compounds. Macrocycles from perfluoro-4-isopropylpyridine

Perfluoro-4-isopropylpyridine was used as a building block for the two-step synthesis of a variety of macrocyclic systems bearing pyridine sub-units which were characterised by X-ray crystallography. Electrospray mass spectrometry revealed that complexation of either cations and, unusually, anions is possible depending on the structure of the macrocycle.     

Anion binding by pyrrole–pyridine-based macrocyclic polyamides

The synthesis, characterisation and anion-binding properties of new pyrrole–pyridine-based macrocyclic polyamides 7a and 7b are presented. Chloride anion templation in the macrocyclisation reaction has been shown to control [1 + 1] acylation. The anion-binding properties of the receptors have been determined by UV–vis titrations in a DMSO solution and compared with systems with a similar design. The new receptors have been found to display a 10-fold selectivity for hydrogensulphate, dihydrogenphosphate and acetate anions over other anions studied.     

Anion recognition by neutral macrocyclic amides

Although amides often serve as anchoring groups in natural and synthetic anion receptors, the structure-affinity relationship studies of amide-based macrocyclic receptors are still very limited. Therefore, we decided to investigate the influence of the size of the macroring on the strength and selectivity of anion binding by uncharged, amide-based receptors. With this aim, we synthesized a series of macrocyclic tetraamides derived from 2,6-pyridinedicarboxylic acid and aliphatic alpha,omega-diamines of different lengths. X-ray analysis shows that all ligands studied adopt expanded conformations in the solid state with the convergent arrangement of all four hydrogen-bond donors. 1H NMR titrations in DMSO solution revealed a significant effect of the ring size on the stability constants of anion complexes; the 20-membered macrocyclic tetraamide 2 is a better anion receptor than its both 18- and 24-membered analogues. This effect cannot be interpreted exclusively in terms of matching between anion diameter and the size of macrocyclic cavity, because 2 forms the most stable complexes with all anions studied, irrespective of their sizes. However, geometric complementarity manifests in extraordinarily high affinity of 2 towards the chloride anion. The results obtained for solutions were interpreted in the light of solid-state structural studies. Taken together, these data suggest that anion binding by this family of macrocycles is governed by competitive interplay between their ability to adjust to a guest, requiring longer aliphatic spacers, and preorganization, calling for shorter spacers. The 20-membered receptor 2 is a good compromise between these factors and, therefore, it was selected as a promising leading structure for further development of anion receptors. Furthermore, the study of an open chain analogue of 2 revealed a substantial macrocyclic effect. X-ray structure of the acyclic model 14 suggests that this may be due to its ill-preorganized conformation, stabilized by two intramolecular hydrogen bonds.     

Synthesis and Protonation Features of 24-, 27- and 32-membered Macrocyclic Polyamines

Three macrocyclic polyamines [24]ane-N₆ 1 , [32]ane-N₈ 2 and [27]ane-N₆O₃ 3 of ring size 24, 32 and 27, respectively, have been synthesized. They contain either trimethylenediamine of ethylenediamine units. The acyclic analog 4 , as the reference compound, was also prepared. Compounds 1–3 are macrocyclic analogs of natural polyamines and are potential ligands for metal cations as well as, when protonated, for anions. The protonation constants of compounds 1–4 have been determined. They are high enough for compounds 1–4 to be fully protonated in a pH-range close to neutrality, as required for binding of anions of weak acids. The effect of structural features on the protonation constants are briefly discussed in relation to the design of macrocyclic polyamine ligands.     

From atomic to molecular anions: a neutral receptor captures cyanide using strong C-H hydrogen bonds

The multifaceted character of cyanide as an acceptor of hydrogen bonds from a receptor has been examined for the first time using electronic-structure theory and spectroscopic measurements (UV/Vis and NMR titrations). Motivated by the similar size and charge of the cyanide pseudohalide and the monoatomic chloride ion, strong interactions of cyanide with a rigid macrocyclic triazolophane receptor have been predicted by theory and confirmed by experimental findings. It was found that both anions bind with similar strength in the gas phase (computed) and in the solution phase (experimental) via C-H hydrogen bonds. Theoretical calculations predict that the heterodiatomic cyanide prefers to bind in the plane of the macrocycle along the north-south axis. Examination of the possible binding modes reveal low computed barriers for in-plane rotation. The predicted model is consistent with the experimental data. Overall, the binding of a molecular anion within the cavity of a triazolophane receptor has been characterized where the computed and experimental binding energies are consistent with the classification of cyanide as a pseudohalide in the context of supramolecular chemistry.     

Influence of charge on anion receptivity in amide-based macrocycles

Binding and structural aspects of anions with tetraamido/diquaternized diamino macrocyclic receptors containing m-xylyl, pyridine, and thiophene spacers are reported. (1)H NMR studies indicate that the quaternized receptors display higher affinities for anions compared to corresponding neutral macrocycles. The macrocycles containing pyridine spacers consistently display higher affinity for a given anion compared to those with either m-xylyl or thiophene spacers. The m-xylyl- and pyridine-containing receptors exhibit high selectivity for H(2)PO(4)(-) in DMSO-d(6) with association constants, K(a) = 1.09 × 10(4) and >10(5) M(-1), respectively, and moderate selectivity for Cl(-) with K(a) = 1.70 × 10(3) and 5.62 × 10(4) M(-1), respectively. Crystallographic studies for the Cl(-) and HSO(4)(-) complexes indicate that the m-xylyl-containing ligand is relatively elliptical in shape, with the two charges at ends of the major axis of the ellipse. The anions are hydrogen bonded with the macrocycle but are outside the ligand cavity. In the solid state, an unusual low-barrier hydrogen bond (LBHB) was discovered between two of the macrocycle's carbonyl oxygen atoms in the HSO(4)(-) complex. The pyridine-containing macrocycle folds so that the two pyridine units are face-to-face. The two I(-) ions are chelated to the two amides adjacent to a given pyridine. In the structure of the thiophene containing macrocycle with two BPh(4)(-) counterions, virtually no interaction was observed crystallographically between the macrocycle and the bulky anions.     

Ammonium based anion receptors

Selective anion recognition has been a tremendous challenge to chemists over the decades. However, with the advent of the concepts inherent in ‘supramolecular chemistry,’ the field now flourishes. Of the major types of receptors, polyamines have been studied widely as anion hosts by a number of researchers. Both electrostatic interactions and hydrogen bonds between protonated amines and the anion guests govern the binding in these systems. Exceptions to this rule are found in the quaternary ammonium systems, which utilize primarily electrostatic interactions and topological complementarity for binding purposes. This review focuses only on amine-based hosts, and is divided into acyclic and macrocyclic categories, the latter of which are based on cyclic dimension. The resulting four categories are: acyclic, monocyclic, bicyclic, and polycyclic. Within the major categories, binding is discussed according to the nature of the anion target, i.e. ‘simple’ inorganic anions, organic anions, and anionic metal complexes.     

Carboxylate anions binding and sensing by a novel tetraazamacrocycle containing ferrocene as receptor

A tetraazamacrocycle containing ferrocene moieties has been synthesized and characterized. The tetraprotonated form of this compound was evaluated as a receptor (R) for anion recognition of several substrates (S), Cl(-), PF(6)(-), HSO(4)(-), H(2)PO(4)(-) and carboxylates, such as p-nitrobenzoate (p-nbz(-)), phthalate (ph(2-)), isophthalate (iph(2-)) and dipicolinate (dipic(2-)). (1)H NMR titrations in CD(3)OD indicated that this receptor is not suitable for recognizing HSO(4)(-) and H(2)PO(4)(-), but weakly binds p-nbz(-), and strongly interacts with ph(2-), dipic(2-), and iph(2-) anions forming 1 : 2 assembled species. The largest beta(2) binding constant was determined for ph(2-), followed by dipic(2-) and finally iph(2-). The effect of the anionic substrates on the electron-transfer process of the ferrocene units of R was evaluated using cyclic voltammetry (CV) and square wave voltammetry (SWV) in methanol solution and 0.1 mol dm(-3)(CH(3))(4)NCl as the supporting electrolyte. Titrations of the receptor were undertaken by addition of anion solutions in their tetrabutylammonium or tetramethylammonium forms. The protonated ligand exhibits a reversible voltammogram, which shifts cathodically in the presence of the substrates. The data revealed kinetic constraints in the formation of the receptor/substrate entity for dipic(2-), ph(2-) and iph(2-) anions, but not for p-nbz(-). In spite of the slow kinetics of assembled species formation with the ph(2-) substrate, this anion provides the largest redox-response when the supramolecular entity is formed, followed by dipic(2-), iph(2-) and finally p-nbz(-) anions. This trend is in agreement with the (1)H NMR results and the values of the binding constants. Single crystal X-ray structures of the receptor with PF(6)(-), ph(2-), iph(2-) and p-nbz(-) were carried out and showed that supermolecules with a RS(2) stoichiometry are formed with the first three anions, but RS(4) with p-nbz(-). In all cases the binding occurs outside the macrocyclic cavity via N-H...O=C hydrogen bonds for carboxylate anions and N-H...F hydrogen bonds for the PF(6)(-) anion, which is in agreement with the solution results. The macrocyclic framework adopts different conformations in order to interact with each substrate having Fe...Fe intramolecular distances ranging from 10.125(14) to 12.783(15)A.     

Preparation of a new receptor for anions, macrocyclic polythiolactam—structure and high anion-binding ability

Thiocarbonylation of a macrocyclic tetralactam gave a new macrocyclic tetrathiolactam. The chemical transformation enhances hydrogen-bonding ability of the NH protons in the cavity of the macrocycle, and provides strong affinity toward anions. The association properties of the polythiolactam with anions was examined, and molecular structures of the macrocycle and its Cl⁻ complex were determined.     

Novel Synthesis of Macrocylic Systems Containing Phosphorus and Sulfur

Abstract

Macrocyclic systems containing phosphine. phosphoryl or thiophosphoryl functions in the ring demonstrate high ability to complex metal ions Complexed structures of this type show interesting Fatalytic properties and can be used in homogenous and heterogenous catalysis^[1,2] Macrocyclic compounds containg phosphorus are also useful as complexing agents for ammonlum salts. anions. etc [3,4] Generally three types of reactions are used to synthesize phosphorus containing macrocyclic compounds the cyclocondensation, the ring opening reaction and the reaction with metal as a matrix^[5]. We have devoloped a new procedure for the synthesis of the title systems of different sizes and of different P and S contents It is based on a double conjugate addition of dithiolates to divlnyl phosphine oxides and sulfides and makes use of the so-called “cesium effect”.     

Transition metal and organometallic anion complexation agents

Anions are ubiquitous species, and therefore, their sensing is of considerable interest. Anion receptors containing electrochemically active groups such as ferrocene or cobaltocenium, or optically active groups such as ruthenium(II) bipyridyl derivatives, allow the binding of anions to be detected by a physical response at the metal centre. These systems have been incorporated into various acyclic, macrocyclic and calix[4]arene frameworks, many of which include an amide hydrogen-bonding group. Anions may be recognised in a range of environmental conditions, with some receptors even being active in aqueous solution. The incorporation of new transition metal and organometallic systems has led to the development of several new strategies in anion recognition.