Flattened Cone Conformation Research Articles

Grafting of phosphorus-containing tetrahydroxy(thia)calixarenes on silica enhances europium(III) adsorption

One pot sequential reactions of silica gel with tetrachlorosilane/triethylamine mixture and after with the conical upper rim tetraphosphorylated tetrahydroxy(thia)calixarenes yielded porous organo-inorganic sorbents modified by spatially ordered phosphonate, phosphinate or phosphine oxide groups capable of co-operative binding of metal cations. The grafting improves efficacy of europium(III) sorption by the silica gels. DFT calculations of the calixarene-Eu3+ complexes predict a calixarene flattened cone conformation with the coordination of Eu3+ cation to three of four P = O oxygen atoms and one of the aromatic systems. Adding three water molecules excludes completely cation–π interactions.

Self-Assembly of Discrete Porphyrin/Calix[4]tube Complexes Promoted by Potassium Ion Encapsulation.

The pivotal role played by potassium ions in the noncovalent synthesis of discrete porphyrin-calixarene nanostructures has been examined. The flattened-cone conformation adopted by the two cavities of octa-cationic calix[4]tube C4T was found to prevent the formation of complexes with well-defined stoichiometry between this novel water-soluble calixarene and the tetra-anionic phenylsulfonate porphyrin CuTPPS. Conversely, preorganization of C4T into a C4v-symmetrical scaffold, triggered by potassium ion encapsulation (C4T@K+), allowed us to carry out an efficient hierarchical self-assembly process leading to 2D and 3D nanostructures. The stepwise formation of discrete CuTPPS/C4T@K+ noncovalent assemblies, containing up to 33 molecular elements, was conveniently monitored by UV/vis spectroscopy by following the absorbance of the porphyrin Soret band.

Metal-dependent selective formation of calix[4]arene assemblies based on dynamic covalent chemistry.

The reaction of calix[4]arene derivatives 1a and 1b bearing four salicylaldehyde moieties with 1,3-propanediamine gave macrocyclic trimers 5a and 5b, respectively, which have intramolecular bridges formed via the flattened cone conformation. In contrast, a capsular-shaped dimeric cage [7a·2Na]2+ was selectively formed when the conformation of the calix[4]arene moiety of 1a was fixed in the spread cone conformation by complexation with Na+ at the lower-rim amide groups.

Synthesis of bifunctional receptor for fluoride and cadmium based on calix[4]arene with thiourea moieties

A new calix[4]arene thiourea derivative bearing a benzothiazolyl moiety (L) was synthetized and characterized by single crystal X-ray, NMR and ESI-TOF. The binding ability of the bifunctional receptor towards several ions was investigated in acetonitrile by means of UV–Visible and NMR spectroscopy. The UV–Vis studies of receptor L demonstrated a stoichiometry of 1:1 for all ions studied. Also, recognize selectively F− and Cd2+ with a detection limit of 97 and 37 μM, respectively.Also, 1H NMR titration of receptor L indicated that both thiourea bridge and phenolic hydroxyl functional groups played a critical role in the binding of F− and Cd2+ ions. 1H NMR spectrum showed that receptor L has a flattened-cone conformation in solution that changes to a cone conformation in the presence of fluoride while cadmium maintained the initial conformation.

The study of calixarenes complexation with phenols by RP HPLC

The Host-Guest complexation of octakis(diphenoxyphosphoryloxy)tetramethylcalix[4]resorcinarene, 5,17-bis-(N-tolyliminomethyl)-25,27-dipropoxycalix[4]arene and 5,11,17,23-tetrakis(diisopropoxyphosphonyl)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropoxycalix[4]arene with a series of 11 phenols (phenol, p-fluorophenol, p-chlorophenol, p-bromophenol, pyrogallol, p-cresol, p-aminophenol, p-nitrophenol, salicylic aldehyde, guaiacol and veratrole) has been studied by the high-performance liquid chromatography (RP HPLC) method. Chromatographic characteristics and log P of industrial phenols have been determined. Using the relationship of the phenol retention factor k’ vs the calixarene concentration in the mobile phase the stability constants of the supramolecular complexes K A (29-331 M -1 ) have been determined. The stability constants of the calixarene complexes show that the Host-Guest interaction strongly depends on the nature of the substituents in the Host and Guest molecules. Calixresorcinarene functionalized by diphenoxyphosphoryl groups and calixarene containing tolyliminomethyl groups formed more stable complexes with some phenols compared to calixarene functionalized by diisopropoxyphosphonyl groups. In accordance with the molecular modeling data the complexation does not change the C2v flattened-cone conformation of the calixarene skeleton. The Host-Guest complexes are stabilized by the intermolecular hydrogen bonds of phenolic OH groups with oxygen atoms of P = O groups at the upper rim, and OH groups at the lower rim of the macrocycle. Hydrophobic interactions also participate in the complexation.

Differential Recognition of Anions with Selectivity towards F(-) by a Calix[6]arene-Thiourea Conjugate Investigated by Spectroscopy, Microscopy, and Computational Modeling by DFT.

Anion recognition studies were performed with triazole-appended thiourea conjugates of calix[6]arene (i.e., compound (6) L) by absorption and (1) H NMR spectroscopy by using nineteen different anions. The composition of the species of recognition was derived from ESI mass spectrometry. The absorption spectra of compound (6) L showed a new band at λ=455 nm in the presence of F(-) due to a charge transfer from the anion to the thiourea moiety and the absorbance increases almost linearly in the concentration range 5 to 200 μm. This is associated with a strong visual color change of the solution. Other anions, such as H2 PO4 (-) and HSO4 (-) , exhibit a redshift of the λ=345 nm band and the spectral changes are associated with the formation of an isosbestic point at λ=343 nm. (1) H NMR studies further confirm the binding of F(-) efficiently to the thiourea group among the halides by shifting the thiourea proton signals downfield followed by their disappearance after the addition of more than one equivalent of F(-) . The other anions also showed interactions with compound (6) L, however, their binding strength follows the order F(-) >CO3 (2-) >H2 PO4 (-) ≈CH3 COO(-) >HSO4 (-) . The NMR spectral changes clearly revealed the anion-binding region of the arms in case of all these anions. The anion binding to compound (6) L indeed stabilizes a flattened-cone conformation as deduced based on the calix-aromatic proton signals and was further confirmed by VT (1) H NMR experiments. The stabilization of the flattened-cone conformation was further augmented by the interaction of the butyl moiety of the nBu4 N(+) counterion. The structural features of the anion-bound species were demonstrated by DFT computations and the resultant structures carried the features that were predicted based on the (1) H NMR spectroscopic measurements. In addition, SEM images showed a marigold flower-type morphology for compound (6) L and this has been transformed into a chain-like structure of connected spherical particles in the presence of F(-) . The anion-induced microstructural features are reflective of the binding strength, size, and shape of the anions. The binding strengths of the anions by compound (6) L were further compared with that of compound (4) L, a calix[4]arene analogue of compound (6) L, in order to address the role of the number of arms built on the calixarene platform based on absorption spectroscopy, (1) H NMR spectroscopy, and DFT computations and it was found that compound (6) L is a better receptor for F(-) , which extends its interactions from all the three arms.

Crystal structure of a mono-bridged calix[4]arene.

The title compound, 5(2)-[(5-bromo-pent-yl)-oxy]-1(2),1(14),3(5),5(5)-tetra-tert-butyl-1(7),1(8),1(9),1(10)-tetra-hydro-1(6) H,1(16) H-1(4,12)-dibenzo[b,e][1,7]dioxa-cyclo-dodecina-3,5(1,3)-dibenzena-cyclo-hexa-phan-3(2)-ol, C54H73BrO4, was synthesized from the reaction of tert-butyl-calix[4]arene with 1,5-di-bromo-pentane using K2CO3 in CH3CN. The structure consists of a calixarene unit with a five-carbon bridge connecting two proximal phenolic O atoms, and with a bromo-pent-oxy chain on one of the remaining phenolic O atoms. The calixarene unit was found to have a flattened cone conformation with no solvent (or other guest) mol-ecule observed in the cavity. Two of the opposite phenyl rings lean outwards with fold angles of 136.2 (1) and 133.0 (1)° between the rings and the plane of the bridging methyl-ene C atoms, while the other two opposite rings form fold angles of 83.27 (9) and 105.46 (9)°. There is considerable disorder in this mol-ecule. One of the tert-butyl groups is disordered over two conformations with occupancies of 0.527 (5) and 0.473 (5). The bromo-pent-oxy chain is disordered over three configurations with occupancies of 0.418, 0.332 and 0.250. The five-carbon bridge connecting two proximal phenolic O atoms is disordered over two conformations with occupancies of 0.537 (7) and 0.463 (7).

C 4 Dissymmetric resorcinarene derivatives: synthesis, crystal structure and micelle formation

The synthesis of a C 4 dissymmetric resorcinarene tetracarboxylic acid derivative and determination of its critical micelle concentration is reported. The tetrahydroxy derivative was prepared by reduction of the tetra-acid. The low-temperature single crystal X-ray structure of the methyl ester derivative of the tetra-acid is also reported. This crystallised with two independent molecules of similar boat (flattened cone) conformation within the asymmetric unit.

Complexation of calix[4]arene hydroxymethyl-phosphonic acid with tryptophan and N-acetyl-tryptophan amide

The Host-Guest complexation of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid with tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide has been investigated by the RP HPLC method in H2O/MeCN (99/1) solution (column support Hypersil CN, UV-detector, λ = 254 nm). Adsorption of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid on the Hypersil CN surface has been studied. It has been found that hydroxymethylphosphonic acid is characterized by reversible sorption on the Hypersil CN surface. The binding constants (KA = 23000 M-1 and 39000 M-1 for tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide, respectively) of the supramolecular complexes have been calculated from the ratio between the capacity factors k’ of the Guest and the calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid Host concentration in the mobile phase. The Gibbs free energies of the tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide complexes are -24.84 and -26.15 kJ/mol, respectively. The molecular modelling of calixarene hydroxymethylphosphonic acid and its complexes with tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide (Hyper Chem, version 8, force field PM3) has indicated that the complexes are stabilized by hydrogen bonds, electrostatic, π-π, and solvatophobic interactions. The geometric parameters of the energy minimized calixarene macrocycle and its complexes with tryptophan and N-acetyltryptophan amide have been calculated. According to the calculations it has been shown that the Host-Guest complexation does not change the flattened-cone conformation of calixarene. Finally, the inverse correlation has been found between the KA values of the complexes and the Log P values of the guest molecules.

Synthesis and structure of [2-oxo(thioxo)tetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl]calix[4]arenes

Cone-shaped di- and tetrapropoxycalix[4]arenes functionalized at the upper rim with one or two 2-oxo(thioxo)tetrahydropyrimidine residues were synthesized by the Biginelli reaction of formylcalixarenes with urea (thiourea) and methyl acetoacetate. The steric structure of the products was studied by NMR and X-ray diffraction. The Biginelli reaction with dipropoxyformylcalixarene was diastereoselective, and it quantitatively produced the corresponding meso form. Tetrapropoxydiformylcalixarenes under analogous conditions gave rise to equimolar mixtures of racemic and meso compounds. The macrocyclic skeleton of the synthesized pyrimidine-containing calixarenes in crystal and in solution has a flattened cone conformation. (5-Methoxycarbonyl-2-oxotetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl)calixarene molecules in crystal undergo self-organization to form infinite chains via repeated inclusion of the methoxy group into the cavity of the neighboring macrocycle. Selforganization of bis(5-methoxycarbonyl-2-oxotetrahydropyrimidin-4-yl)calixarene with formation of analogous chains involves intermolecular hydrogen bonding NH ... O=C.

Calixarene-based molecular capsule from olefin metathesis

The reaction of tetra­kis­(all­yloxy)calix[4]arene with the first-generation Grubbs catalyst, followed by catalytic hydrogenation, gave the novel bis-calixarene 15,20,46,51,64,69,74,79-octa­oxatridecacyclo[32.28.8.83,28.113,53.122,44.09,14.021,26.038,70.040,45.052,57.059,63.07,80.032,73]octa­conta-1(63),3,5,7(80),9(14),10,12,21,23,25,28(73),29,31,34,36,38(70),40,42,44,52,54,56,59,61-tetra­cosa­ene benzene monosolvate, C72H72O8·C6H6. The structure consists of two calix[4]arene units connected by four-carbon chains at each of the four O atoms on their narrow rims, to form a cage. Each of the calix[4]arene units has a flattened cone conformation in which two of the opposite aryl groups are closer together and nearly parallel [dihedral angle between planes = 7.35 (16)°], and the other two aryl groups are splayed outward [dihedral angle between planes = 72.20 (8)°]. While the cavity contains no solvent or other guest mol­ecule, there is benzene solvent mol­ecule in the lattice. Two of the alkyl linking arms were disordered over two conformations with occupancies of 0.582 (3)/0.418 (3) and 0.33 (4)/0.467 (4). They were constrained to have similar metrical and thermal parameters.

Tuning conformations of calix[4]tubes by weak intramolecular interactions

The conformational distribution in distally functionalized adamantylated calix[4]tubes was analyzed with NMR and quantum-chemical calculations. Without any intramolecular interactions, ester-, acid-, amino-, alcohol-, isocyanate-, phthalimide- and urea-substituted calixtubes preferred less sterically hindered flattened cone conformers in solution. In contrast, in a non-polar medium (CDCl3) for calixtubes bearing two 3-carboxymethyl-1-adamantyl or 3-(2-ureidoethyl)-1-adamantyl units, the less sterically preferable flattened cone conformation with bulky substituents connected by intramolecular hydrogen bonds was found to be more favorable. On the other hand, for a calixtube with two positively charged units, only the conformer with distanced substituents was exclusively detected. Thus, the conformational equilibrium in functionalized calix[4]tubes can be controlled by intramolecular hydrogen bonding between appropriately arranged carboxylic groups or urea moieties, or by electrostatic repulsion of positively charged substituents.

A bis-calixarene from olefin metathesis

A ring-closing olefin metathesis reaction of tetra­kis­(all­yl­oxy)calix[4]arene gave the bis­ calixarene, (15E,40E,60E)-65,74-bis­(prop-2-en-1-yl­oxy)-13,18,38,43,58,63-hexa­oxado­deca­cyclo­[28.26.8.720,36.111,45.151,55.05,57.07,12.019,24.026,64.032,37.044,49.168,72]tetra­hepta­conta-1,3,5(57),7,9,11,15,19(24),20,22,26,28,30(64),32,34,36,40,44(49),45,47,51,53,55(65),60,68,70,72(74)-hepta­cosa­ene, C74H68O8. It is a cage formed from two calix[4]arene units joined by butenyl groups at three of the O atoms on the narrow rim. The fourth O atom on each calixarene unit is joined with an allyl group. Each of the calix[4]arene units has a flattened cone conformation in which the all­yloxy-substituted aryl group and the opposite aryl group are close together and almost parallel [dihedral angle between planes = 1.09 (11)°], and the other two aryl groups are splayed outward [dihedral angle between planes = 79.53 (11)°]. No guest mol­ecule (e.g. solvent) was observed within the cage. The alkene C atoms of one of the links between the calixarene moieties are disordered over two orientations with occupancies of 0.533 (9) and 0.467 (9).

An Integrated Approach (Thermodynamic, Structural, and Computational) to the Study of Complexation of Alkali-Metal Cations by a Lower-Rim Calix[4]arene Amide Derivative in Acetonitrile

The calix[4]arene secondary-amide derivative L was synthesized, and its complexation with alkali-metal cations in acetonitrile (MeCN) was studied by means of spectrophotometric, NMR, conductometric, and microcalorimetric titrations at 25 °C. The stability constants of the 1:1 (metal/ligand) complexes determined by different methods were in excellent agreement. For the complexation of M(+) (M = Li, Na, K) with L, both enthalpic and entropic contributions were favorable, with their values and mutual relations being quite strongly dependent on the cation. The enthalpic and overall stability was the largest in the case of the sodium complex. Molecular and crystal structures of free L, its methanol and MeCN solvates, the sodium complex, and its MeCN solvate were determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. The inclusion of a MeCN molecule in the calixarene hydrophobic cavity was observed both in solution and in the solid state. This specific interaction was found to be stronger in the case of metal complexes compared to the free ligand because of the better preorganization of the hydrophobic cone to accept the solvent molecule. Density functional theory calculations showed that the flattened cone conformation (C(2) point group) of L was generally more favorable than the square cone conformation (C(4) point group). In the complex with Na(+), L was in square cone conformation, whereas in its adduct with MeCN, the conformation was slightly distorted from the full symmetry. These conformations were in agreement with those observed in the solid state. The classical molecular dynamics simulations indicated that the MeCN molecule enters the L hydrophobic cavity of both the free ligand and its alkali-metal complexes. The inclusion of MeCN in the cone of free L was accompanied by the conformational change from C(2) to C(4) symmetry. As in solution studies, in the case of ML(+) complexes, an allosteric effect was observed: the ligand was already in the appropriate square cone conformation to bind the solvent molecule, allowing it to more easily and faster enter the calixarene cavity.

Synthesis, structure and spectroscopic properties of calix[4]phloroglucinarene dodecamethyl ether and its trifluoroacetic acid complex

The action of trifluoroacetic acid (TFA) on 2,4,6-trimethoxybenzyl alcohol 3 affords the title tetrameric compound in high yield as a maroon TFA complex, 4; trituration of which with acetone gives the free, colorless, calix[4]phloroglucinarene (5) that can also be directly isolated by treating the reaction mixture with base. The novelty of compounds 4 and 5 is that they possess four additional methoxy groups, which occupy the cavity of the known calix[4]resorcinarene octamethyl ether (2). Ultraviolet-visible spectroscopic analysis shows that TFA-complex 4 exhibits transannular charge-transfer interactions between the opposite aromatic rings. The (1)H-NMR spectrum of the TFA-complex 4 does not change over a wide temperature range, strongly suggesting that it adopts a saddle (1,3-alternate) structure. The conformation of the free phloroglucinarene 5 is temperature-dependent, as determined by variable temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy. Tetramer 5 adopts a partial cone conformation at low temperatures, but at elevated temperatures is similar to that of the TFA complex 4 (saddle). Tetramer 5 is conformationally mobile at ambient temperature, but generally has a flattened cone (boat) conformation. The ΔG(≠) for inversion in 5 between partial cone and boat conformation is 12.5 Kcal mol(-1), while that between boat and saddle conformation is 14.3 Kcal mol(-1). Conformational changes are also dependant on pH.

5,11,17,23‐Tetrakis[( p ‐carboxyphenyl)azo]‐25,26,27,28‐tetrahydroxy Calix[4]arene: Crystal Structure and pH Sensing Properties

Treatment of 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(p-carboxyphenyl)azo]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxy calix[4]arene (2) with HCl in DMF or NaOH in MeOH produced 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(p-carboxyphenyl)azo]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]-arene·4DMF (2·4DMF) and 5,11,17,23-tetrakis[(p-carboxyphenylsodium)azo]-25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxycalix[4]- arene (3), respectively, which were characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV-vis, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. An X-ray analysis of 2·4DMF revealed that its calix[4]arene core adopts a flattened cone conformation in which opposed phenyl groups take parallel or sharply inclined positions. The intra- and intermolecular hydrogen-bonding interactions and the π···π interactions form a 2D hydrogen-bonded wavelike network. Compound 2 had a unique reversible color change in a wide pH range from 1 to 13.5 and showed interesting pH sensing properties.

Synthesis, structures and full characterization of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanionic ligand precursors

Abstract The synthesis, complete characterization, and solid state conformation of a new series of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene (ButC5) mono-, di-, tri- and pentaanions are reported. X-ray structures of the alkali metal salts illustrate the strong influence of the alkali metal ion on the structure of the calixanion. The strength of the alkali metal base and its reaction stoichiometry play an important role in the conformation and level of deprotonation of the resulting anion. Reaction of ButC5 in a 2:1 molar ratio with alkali metal bases M2CO3 (M = Rb, Cs), or in a 1:1 ratio with M2CO3 (M = Na, K), MOH (M = Na, K, Rb, Cs) or MH (M = Li, Na) produces ButC5 monoanions, but ButC5 reacts in a 1:1 molar ratio with M2CO3 (M = Rb, Cs) or a 1:2 molar ratio with MOC(CH3)3 (M = Na, K) to afford ButC5 dianions. Due to the steric bulkiness of the But group no polymeric structures are observed. Alkali metal salts of trianionic ButC5 were obtained in high yields from reactions of ButC5 with MOC(CH3)3 (M = Li, Na, K), BunLi, LiH and LiOH in a 1:3 molar ratio. Pentaanionic ButC5 salts were obtained by the reaction with MOC(CH3)3 (M = Li, Na, K) or BunLi in a 5:1 ratio. X-ray crystal structures of ButC5 · Na and ButC5 · Cs indicate that the size of the alkali metal influences the level of cation-π arene interactions and therefore the conformation of the ButC5 unit; for example, ButC5 · Na has a cone conformation while ButC5 · Cs shows a flattened cone conformation. Cation-π arene interactions are observed in most of the calixarene salts.

Synthesis, X-ray structures and reactivity of calix[5]arene bismuth(iii) and antimony(iii) complexes

A series of calix[5]arene bismuth(III) and antimony(III) mono- and bimetallic complexes were synthesized and fully characterized by NMR, X-ray, IR, mp, UV-Vis and elemental analysis. Reaction of p-tert-butylcalix[5]arene (tBuC5(H)5) trianionic salts M'3.tBuC5(H)2 (M'=Li, Na, K) with MCl3 (M=Bi, Sb) yielded monometallic complexes [Bi{tBuC5(H)2}] 1 and [Sb{tBuC5(H)2}] 2, respectively. 1H NMR spectra of both complexes showed two remaining OH groups available for further reactivity. Alternatively, complexes 1 and 2 can be obtained by reacting tBuC5(H)5 in a 1:1 ratio with M(OtBu)3, but the yields are lower. When the tBuC5(H)5 lower rim monobenzyl ether [tBuC5(Bn)(H)4] is treated in a 1:1 ratio with Bi(OtBu)3, the monometallic complex [Bi{tBuC5(Bn)(H)}]2 3 is prepared. If, however, [tBuC5(Bn)(H)4] reacts with Sb(NMe2)3 or Sb(OtBu)3 in a 1:2 ratio the production of the bimetallic complex [Sb2O{tBuC5(Bn)}] 4 is observed. p-Benzylcalix[5]arene (BnC5(H)5) reacts with excess Bi(OtBu)3 to produce the bimetallic complex [Bi2O{BnC5(H)}]2 5. 1H NMR spectra of 5 display patterns characteristic for a cone conformer in solution. Treatment of calix[5]arene [HC5(H)5] with one equivalent of Bi[N(SiMe3)2]3 or with 0.75 equivalents of Sb(NMe2)3 yields bimetallic complexes [Bi2O{HC5(H)}] 6 and [Sb2O{HC5(H)}] 7, respectively. The reactivity of monometallic complexes 1 and 2 was tested in order to investigate the availability of their remaining OH groups. Treatment of 1 with Bi(OtBu)3 at ambient temperature yields bimetallic complex [Bi2O{tBuC5(H)}]2 8 while the reaction of complex 2 with Sb(OtBu)3 in a 1:1 ratio produces complex [Sb2O{tBuC5(H)}] 9. The crystal structures of the monometallic bismuth complexes 1 and 3 display dimeric units with the calixarene ligands in distorted cone and "paco-in" conformations, respectively. Complexes 4, 7 and 9 are all monomeric units, displaying [(RO)2Sb]2(micro-O) cores and the calixarene ligands in 1,2-alternate conformation. The dimeric units of bimetallic complexes 5 and 8 contain Bi4O2(OR)8 core structures that force the calixarene ligands to adopt a flattened cone conformation.

Control of Conformational Flexibility in Calix[6]Arenes: Synthesis and Characterisation of Triply Bridged Calix[6]Arene–-10,15-Dihydro-5H-Tribenzo [a,d,g]Cyclononene Conjugates

A series of triply bridged symmetrical tert-butylcalix[6]arene–-10,15-dihydro-5 H-tribenzo[ a,d,g]cyclononene conjugates have been synthesised in excellent yields. It has been observed that the synthesised multi-cavity molecular receptors retain the calix[6]arene and derivatised 10,15-dihydro-5 H-tribenzo[ a,d,g]cyclononene units in their cone conformations in solution. While the employed alkyl spacers confer flexibility to the conjugate units at room temperature, the synthesised receptors have been observed to exist in flattened cone conformations at low temperatures as determined by variable temperature NMR measurements. It has been observed that 6b shows a significant selectivity towards Ba2+ over other metal ions while compound 6c shows selectivity towards NH4+ ions from amongst alkali, alkaline-earth and transition metal picrates. Alkali and transition metal ions are poorly extracted by the hosts 6a–c. The extraction abilities of host molecules 5a–c towards metal picrates were found to be much less than that of 6a–c.

A novel structural motif for calix[4]arene dihydrophosphonic acid in its complex with di-methyl ammonium and tetra-methyl ammonium cations

The structure of calix[4]arene dihydrophosphonic acid in its complex with di-methyl ammonium and tetra-methyl ammonium cations shows a novel dimeric structural motifs for the calixarene assembly, with one calixarene unit showing distal aromatic rings inclined into the cavity and then both of the rings partially included into the cavity of a second molecule present in the flattened cone conformation.