Metallocalix[n]arenes in catalysis: A 13-year update

Iridium-Catalyzed C-H Borylations: Regioselective Functionalizations of Calix[4]arene Macrocycles

We report iridium-catalyzed C-H borylations for the regioselective synthesis of distally disubstituted calix[4]arene macrocycles. The atom- and step-economical method led to a broad family of calix[4]arenes in good yields and functional group tolerance. The synthetic utility of the C-H borylation protocol was finally illustrated with several late-stage modifications for the synthesis of elaborate calix[4]arenes frameworks, otherwise challenging to achieve with commonly employed procedures.

Optically Pure Calixarenyl Phosphine via Stereospecific Alkylation on Evans' Oxazolidinone Moiety

A convenient protocol for the synthesis of 25,26,27-tribenzoyl-28-[((S)-1-diphenylphos- phanyl-propan-2-yl)oxy]-calix[4]arene via stereospecific methylation on Evans' oxazolidinone moiety was reported. According to the 13C NMR analysis of this phosphine, the calix[4]arene skeleton adopted a 1,3-alternate conformation. The latter conformation of the macrocycle and the (S)-chirality of the carbon atom bearing the methyl substituent were confirmed by a single-crystal X-ray diffraction study. After coordination of the phosphinated ligand to the dimeric [RuCl2(p-cymene)]2 organometallic precursor, the resulting arene-ruthenium complex was tested in the asymmetric reduction of acetophenone and alcohol was obtained with modest enantiomeric excess.

Mixed-magnesium/zinc calix[4]arene complexes: structure, and ring opening polymerisation studies

Different combinations of organomagnesium reagents and zinc bromide react with either 1,3-dimethoxy-4-tert-butylcalix[4]areneH2 (L(OMe)2H2) or trialkoxycalix[4]arenes (L(OR)3H) (R = n-Pr, n-pentyl) to afford mixed-metal calix[4]arene systems. Intriguing molecular structures are formed and the systems are capable of the ring opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone under N2, air, or as melts.

New Carboxytriazolyl Amphiphilic Derivatives of Calix[4]arenes: Aggregation and Use in CuAAC Catalysis

This work focuses on the synthesis of a new series of amphiphilic derivatives of calix[4]arenes for the copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. The aggregation properties of synthesized calix[4]arenes were studied using various techniques (fluorescence spectroscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and dynamic light scattering). Increasing the length of the alkyl substituent led to stronger hydrophobic interactions, which increased polydispersity in solution. The zwitterionic nature of the synthesized calix[4]arenes was established using different types of dyes (Eosin Y for anionic structures and Rhodamine 6G for cationic structures). The synthesized calix[4]arenes were used as organic stabilizers for CuI. The catalytic efficiency of CuI-calix[4]arene was compared with that of the phase transfer catalyst tetrabutylammonium bromide (TBAB) and the surfactant sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS). For all calixarenes, the selectivity in the CuAAC reaction was higher than that observed when TBAB and SDS were estimated.

Gold(I)-catalysed hydroarylations of alkynes for the synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes

We describe the first gold(I)-catalysed intramolecular hydroarylation of alkynes for the straightforward synthesis of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes. This step- and atom-economical approach, which exploits a formal meta-functionalisation of the calix[4]arene macrocycle, is able to deliver an ample family of N-heterocyclic, chiral compounds in high yields and functional group tolerance.

Synthesis and Characterization of Zinc(II), Cadmium(II), and Palladium(II) Complexes with the Thiophene-Derived Schiff Base Ligand

Zn(II), Pd(II), and Cd(II) complexes, [L _TH MCl ₂ ] (M = Zn, Pd; X = Br, Cl) and [L _TH Cd(μ-X)X] _n (X = Cl, Br; n = n, 2), supported by the (E)-N ¹,N ¹-dimethyl-N ²-(thiophen-2-ylmethylene)ethane-1,2-diamine (L _TH ) ligand are synthesized and structurally characterized. Density functional theory (DFT) electronic structure calculations and variable-temperature NMR support the presence of two conformers and a dynamic interconversion process of the minor conformer to the major one in solution. It is found that the existence of two relevant complex conformers and their respective ratios in solution depend on the central metal ions and counter ions, either Cl^- or Br^-. Among the two relevant conformers, a single conformer is crystallized and X-ray diffraction analysis revealed a distorted tetrahedral geometry for Zn(II) complexes, and a distorted square planar and square pyramidal geometry for Pd(II) and Cd(II) complexes, respectively. It is shown that [L _TH MCl ₂ ]/LiO ⁱ Pr (M = Zn, Pd) and [L _TH Cd(μ-Cl)Cl] _n /LiO ⁱ Pr can effectively catalyze the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) reaction of rac-lactide (rac-LA) with 94% conversion within 30 s with [L _TH ZnCl ₂ ]/LiO ⁱ Pr at 0 °C. Overall, hetero-enriched poly(lactic acid)s (PLAs) were provided by these catalytic systems with [L _TH ZnCl ₂ ]/LiO ⁱ Pr producing PLA with higher heterotactic bias (P _r up to 0.74 at 0 °C).

Oxyethylated Fluoresceine-(thia)calix[4]arene Conjugates: Synthesis and Visible-Light Photoredox Catalysis in Water-Organic Media

Fluorescent derivatives attract the attention of researchers for their use as sensors, photocatalysts and for the creation of functional materials. In order to create amphiphilic fluorescent derivatives of calixarenes, a fluorescein derivative containing oligoethylene glycol and propargyl groups was obtained. The resulting fluorescein derivative was introduced into three different (thia)calix[4]arene azide derivatives. For all synthesized compounds, the luminescence quantum yields have been established in different solvents. Using UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, as well as transmission and confocal microscopy, aggregation of macrocycles was studied. It was evaluated that calixarene derivatives with alkyl substituents form spherical aggregates, while symmetrical tetrafluorescein-containing thiacalix[4]arene forms extended worm-like aggregates. The macrocycle containing tetradecyl fragments was found to be the most efficient in photoredox ipso-oxidation of phenylboronic acid. In addition, it was shown that in a number of different electron donors (NEt₃, DABCO and iPr₂EtN), the photoredox ipso-oxidation proceeds best with triethylamine. It has been shown that a low molecular weight surfactant Triton-X100 can also improve the photocatalytic abilities of an oligoethylene glycol fluorescein derivative, thus showing the importance of a combination of micellar and photoredox catalysis.

Catalysis enabled synthesis, structures, and reactivities of fluorinated S8-corona[n]arenes (n = 8-12)

Previously inaccessible large S₈-corona[n]arene macrocycles (n = 8-12) with alternating aryl and 1,4-C₆F₄ subunits are easily prepared on up to gram scales, without the need for chromatography (up to 45% yield, 10 different examples) through new high acceleration S_NAr substitution protocols (catalytic NR₄F in pyridine, R = H, Me, Bu). Macrocycle size and functionality are tunable by precursor and catalyst selection. Equivalent simple NR₄F catalysis allows facile late-stage S_NAr difunctionalisation of the ring C₆F₄ units with thiols (8 derivatives, typically 95+% yields) providing two-step access to highly functionalised fluoromacrocycle libraries. Macrocycle host binding supports fluoroaryl catalytic activation through contact ion pair binding of NR₄F and solvent inclusion. In the solid-state, solvent inclusion also intimately controls macrocycle conformation and fluorine-fluorine interactions leading to spontaneous self-assembly into infinite columns with honeycomb-like lattices.

Calix[4]arene Polyamine Triazoles: Synthesis, Aggregation and DNA Binding

Artificial gene delivery systems are in great demand from both scientific and practical biomedical points of view. In this paper, we present the synthesis of a new click chemistry calix[4]arene precursor with free lower rim and new water-soluble calixarene triazoles with 12 amino-groups on the upper rim (one with free phenol hydroxyl groups and two another containing four butyl or tetradecyl fragments). Aggregation in the series of amino-triazole calixarenes of different lipophilicity (calixarene with free phenol hydroxyl groups or butyl and tetradecyl fragments on the lower rim) was studied using dynamic light scattering and fluorescent pyrene probe. It was found that calix[4]arene with a free lower rim, like alkyl-substituted butyl calix[4]arene, forms stable submicron aggregates 150-200 nm in size, while the more lipophilic tetradecyl -substituted calix[4]arene forms micellar aggregates19 nm in size. Using UV-Vis spectroscopy, fluorimetry and CD, it was shown that amino-triazole calix[4]arenes bind to calf thymus DNA by classical intercalation. According to DLS and TEM data, all studied macrocycles cause significant DNA compaction, forming stable nanoparticles 50-20 nm in size. Among all studied calix[4]arenes the most lipophilic tetradecyl one proved to be the best for both binding and compaction of DNA.

How Do Positions of Phosphito Units on a Calix[4]Arene Platform Affect the Enantioselectivity of a Catalytic Reaction?

Three chiral diphosphites, (S,S)-5,17-bis(1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-dioxyphosphanyloxy)-25,26,27,28-tetrapropyloxycalix[4]arene (1), (S,S)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,27-dipropoxy-26,28-bis(1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-dioxyphosphanyloxy)calix[4]arene (2) and (S,S)-5,11,17,23-tetra-tert-butyl-25,26-dipropoxy-27,28-bis(1,1′-binaphthyl-2,2′-dioxyphosphanyloxy)calix[4]arene (3), based on conical calix[4]arene were investigated in the rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of α-dehydroamino esters. High conversions were observed after 24 h under 5 bar of hydrogen whatever the employed diphosphite, and the chiral induction increases in the order 1 < 3 < 2. This may be due to the presence of the calix[4]arene moiety, which by its presence modifies the second coordination sphere of the catalytic center. The larger steric hindrance around the rhodium atom leads to the higher enantiomeric excess.

Encapsulation Enhances the Catalytic Activity of C-N Coupling: Reaction Mechanism of a Cu(I)/Calix[8]arene Supramolecular Catalyst

Development of C-N coupling methodologies based on Earth-abundant metals is a promising strategy in homogeneous catalysis for sustainable processes. However, such systems suffer from deactivation and low catalytic activity. We here report that encapsulation of Cu(I) within the phenanthroyl-containing calix[8]arene derivative 1,5-(2,9-dimethyl-1,10-phenanthroyl)-2,3,4,6,7,8-hexamethyl-p-tert-butylcalix[8]arene (C8PhenMe6 ) significantly enhances C-N coupling activity up to 92 % yield in the reaction of aryl halides and aryl amines, with low catalyst loadings (2.5 % mol). A tailored multiscale computational protocol based on Molecular Dynamics simulations and DFT investigations revealed an oxidative addition/reductive elimination process of the supramolecular catalyst [Cu(C8PhenMe6)I]. The computational investigations uncovered the origins of the enhanced catalytic activity over its molecular analogues: Catalyst deactivation through dimerization is prevented, and product release facilitated. Capturing the dynamic profile of the macrocycle and the impact of non-covalent interactions on reactivity allows for the rationalization of the behavior of the flexible supramolecular catalysts employed.

A Calix[8]arene-Based Catalyst for Suzuki–Miyaura Couplings with Reduced Pd_Leaching

Pd-catalysed reactions are amongst the most important in current chemistry. Consequently, very reactive catalysts were developed during the last decades, allowing very high conversions at low catalytic rates. However, decreasing Pd leaching in final products without decreasing catalyst efficiency remains an unsolved issue, especially in the pharma industry. We recently showed that using calixarenes as platforms for Pd-based catalysts constitutes an efficient answer to this concern. In the present work, we show that using these calixarenic platforms in combination with suitably engineered ligands allows for an even more strongly decreased Pd leaching. It thus opens up interesting perspectives for the synthesis of new families of catalysts combining a very high reactivity and a very low Pd leaching in final products.

Synthesis of a Zirconium Complex of an N,O-type p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arene and Its Application in Some Multicomponent Reactions

The synthesis and characterization of a new octahedral Zr(IV) complex of oxygen-depleted N,O-type calixarene ligand comprising two distal-functionalized pyrazole rings have been reported. The cone shape and structure of the prepared complex were confirmed univocally by single-crystal X-ray diffraction and NMR studies. The Zr metal lies at 2.091 Å from the plane of the calixarene ring. This complex has been utilized as an efficient catalyst for the synthesis of Biginelli adducts, bis(indolyl)methanes, and coumarins. This complex (Cl₂Zr-calixarene) showed superior activity for these multicomponent reactions in comparison to the corresponding Ti(IV) and Zn(II) analogues. Ferrocene-appended bis(indolyl)methane, prepared using this catalyst, was also evaluated for its anticancer activity against the A-172 cell line.

Ancillary ligand-regulated Ti(IV)-based metallocalixarene coordination cages for photocatalytic H2 evolution

High-valence Ti(IV)-based metallocalixarene coordination cages that are linked by oriented ancillary ligands are unknown so far. Herein, the first family of tunable calixarene-based coordination cages of Ti(IV) with a framework formula [Ti₁₂(OⁱPr)₁₂(TBC[4])₆L₆] have been assembled from six {Ti₂(OⁱPr)₂(TBC[4])}²⁺ nodes and six pyridinedicarboxylic ligands. Furthermore, the {Ti12L6} cage showed strong photocatalytic H₂ evolution activity, and DFT studies were performed to explore its electronic structure.

Trinuclear zinc calix[4]arenes: synthesis, structure, and ring opening polymerization studies

The trinuclear zinc calix[4]arene complexes [Zn₃(O₂CCH₃)₂(L(O)₂(OMe)₂)₂·xMeCN (x = 7.5, 1; x = 6, 1'), [Zn₃(O₂CCH₃)₂(L(O)₂(OnPr)₂)₂·5MeCN (2·5MeCN), [Zn₃(OEt)₂(L(O)₂(OMe)₂)₂]·4MeCN (3·4MeCN), [Zn₃(OEt)₂(L(Opentyl)₂)₂]·4.5MeCN (4·4.5MeCN) and [Zn₃(OH)₂(L(O)₂(On-pentyl)₂]·8MeCN (5·8MeCN) have been isolated from reaction of [(ZnEt)₂(L(O)₂(OR)₂)₂] (L(OH)₂(OR)₂ = 1,3-dialkoxy-4-tert-butylcalix[4]arene; R = methyl, n-propyl or pentyl) and the reagents acetic acid, ethanol, and presumed adventitious water, respectively. Attempts to make 5via a controlled hydrolysis led only to the isolation of polymorphs of (L(OH)₂(Opentyl)₂·MeCN. Reaction of [Zn(C₆F₅)₂] with L(OH)₂(Opentyl)₂, in the presence of K₂CO₃, led to the isolation of the complex [Zn₆(L(On-pentyl))₂(OH)₃(C₆F₅)₃(NCMe)₃]·3MeCN (6·3MeCN). The molecular structures of 1-6 reveal they all contain a near linear (163 to 179°) Zn₃ motif. In 1-5, a central tetrahedral Zn centre is flanked by trigonal bipyramidal Zn centres, whilst in 6, for the linear Zn₃ unit, a central distorted octahedral zinc centre is flanked by trigonal planar and a tetrahedral zinc centres. Screening for the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone at 90 °C revealed that they are active with moderate to good conversion affording low to medium molecular weight products with at least two series of ions. For comparative studies, the trinuclear aminebis(phenolate) complex [Zn₃(Oi-Pr)₂L^/] (L^/ = n-propylamine-N,N-bis(2-methylene-4,6-di-tert-butylphenolate) I was prepared. Kinetics revealed the rate order I > 4 > 6 ≈ 2 ≈ 1 > 3.

Mixed-metal calix[8]arene complexes: structure, and ring opening polymerisation studies

Reactions of différent combinations of group V alkoxides or tungsten oxyalkoxide salts with p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneH₈ (L⁸H₈) affords mixed-metal calix[8]arene systems. Intruiging molecular structures are formed and the systems are capable of the ring opening polymerisation of ε-caprolactone under N₂, air, or as melts affording mostly low molecular weight products.

An ultrastable Ti-based metallocalixarene nanocage cluster with photocatalytic amine oxidation activity

Polyhedral metallocalixarene nanocage clusters based on pure Ti(IV) ions are to our knowledge unknown hitherto. Herein we report the first Ti(IV)-based metallocalixarene nanocage cluster by assembling a [Ti₁₃O₁₄] cage with six t-butylcalix[4]arene molecules. Notably, the cluster exhibits extraordinary stability in high-concentration acid/alkali solutions and can act as a stable photocatalyst to catalyze the oxidation of ammonia to imines.

Heterometallic cobalt(ii) calix[6 and 8]arenes: synthesis, structure and electrochemical activity

Heterometallic cobalt p-tert-butylcalix[6 and 8]arenes have been generated from the in situ reaction of lithium reagents (n-BuLi or t-BuOLi) or NaH with the parent calix[n]arene and subsequent reaction with CoBr₂. The reverse route, involving the addition of in situ generated Li[Co(Ot-Bu)₃] to p-tert-butylcalix[6 and 8]arene, has also been investigated. X-ray crystallography reveals the formation of complicated products incorporating differing numbers of cobalt and lithium or sodium centers, often with positional disorder, as well as, in some cases, the retention of halide. The electrochemical analysis revealed several oxidation events related to the subsequent oxidation of Co(ii) centers and the reduction of the metal cation at negative potentials. Moreover, the electrochemical activity of the phenol moieties of the parent calix[n]arenes resulted in dimerized products or quinone derivatives, leading to insoluble oligomeric products that deposit and passivate the electrode. Preliminary screening for electrochemical proton reduction revealed good activity for a number of these systems. Results suggest that [Co₆Na(NCMe)₆(μ-O)(p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH)₂Br]·7MeCN (6·7MeCN) is a promising molecular catalyst for electrochemical proton reduction, with a mass transport coefficient, catalytic charge transfer resistance and current magnitude at the catalytic turnover region that are comparable to those of the reference electrocatalyst (Co(ii)Cl₂).

Reactions between p-tert-butylcalix[6 and 8]arenes and lithium or sodium reagents led to complex structures often with positional disorder. Such systems are capable of electrochemical proton reduction.

Lead calix[n]arenes (n = 4, 6, 8): structures and ring opening homo-/co-polymerization capability for cyclic esters

Reaction of [LiPb(OiPr)₃]₂ (generated in situ) with either p-tert-butylcalix[4]areneH₄ (L⁴H₄) or p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH₆ (L⁶H₆) resulted in the heterometallic lithium/lead complexes [Pb₄Li₂(L⁴)₄H₆(MeCN)₃]·4.5MeCN (1·4.5MeCN) and [Pb₈Li₁₀Cl₂(L⁶H₂)₃(L⁶)(OH)₂(O)₂(H₂O)₂(MeCN)₄]·14MeCN (2·14MeCN), respectively. Use of the dimethyleneoxa-bridged p-tert-butyltetrahomodioxacalix[6]areneH₆ (L^6'H₆) with five equivalents of [Pb(OiPr)₂] afforded [Pb₁₃(L^6')₃O₄(iPrOH)]·11MeCN (3·11MeCN). Use of the larger p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneH₈ (L⁸H₈) with [Pb(OtBu)₂] or {Pb[N(TMS)₂]} (TMS = SiMe₃) afforded the products [Pb₁₂(L⁸)₂O₄]·8.7C₇H₈ (4·8.7C₇H₈) or [Pb₆(SiMe₃)₂(L⁸)O₂Cl₂] (5), respectively. Reaction of {Pb[N(TMS)₂]} (generated in situ from (Me₃Si)₂NH, nBuLi and PbCl₂) with L⁶H₆ afforded, after work-up (MeCN), the mixed-metal complex [Pb₁₀Li₂(L⁶)₂(OH)Cl(O)₄]·9.5MeCN (6·9.5MeCN). Reaction of distilled {Pb[N(TMS)₂]} (six equivalents) with L⁸H₈ resulted in the complex [Pb₁₂(L⁸)₂O₄]·12MeCN (7·12MeCN). Complexes 1-7, Pb(OiPr)₂ and [Pb(N(TMS)₂)₂] have been screened for their potential to act as pre-catalysts in the ring opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-caprolactone (ε-CL) and δ-valerolactone (δ-VL) and the copolymerization thereof. Generally, the lithiated complexes 1 and 2 exhibited better activities than the other pre-catalysts screened herein. For ε-CL and δ-VL, moderate activity at 130 °C over 24 h was observed for 1-7. In the case of the co-polymerization of ε-CL with δ-VL, 1-7, Pb(OiPr)₂ and [Pb(N(TMS)₂)₂] afforded reasonable conversions and high molecular weight polymers. The systems 1-7, Pb(OiPr)₂ and [Pb(N(TMS)₂)₂] also proved to be active in the ROP of the rac-lactide (r-LA); the activity trend was found to be 1 > 2 ≈ Pb(OiPr)₂ ≈ [Pb(N(TMS)₂)₂] > 4 > 5 ≈ 6 ≈ 7 > 3.

Lithiated Calix[n]arenes (n = 6 or 8): Synthesis, Structures, and Use in the Ring-Opening Polymerization of Cyclic Esters

A variety of lithiated calix[n]arenes, for which n = 6 or 8, have been isolated, structurally characterized, and evaluated as catalysts for the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of the cyclic esters ε-caprolactone (ε-CL), δ-valerolactone (δ-VL), and rac-lactide (r-LA). In particular, interaction of p-tert-butylcalix[6]areneH₆ (L⁶H₆) with LiOtBu in THF led to the isolation of [Li₁₄(L⁶H)₂(CO₃)₂(THF)₆(OH₂)₆]·14THF (1·14THF), the core of which has a chain of five Li₂O₂ diamonds. Similar use of p-tert-butylcalix[8]areneH₈ (L⁸H₈) afforded [Li₁₀(L⁸)(OH)₂(THF)₈]·7THF (2·7THF), where the core is composed of a six-rung Li-O ladder. Use of debutylated calix[8]areneH₈ (deBuL⁸H₈) led to an elongated dimer [Li₁₈(deBuL⁸)₂(OtBu)₂(THF)₁₄]·4THF (3·4THF) in which the calix[8]arenes possess a wavelike conformation forming bridges to link three separate Li_xO_y clusters (where x and y = 6, ignoring the THF donor oxygens). Interaction of L⁸H₈ with LiOH·H₂O afforded [Li₄(L⁸H₄)(OH₂)₄(THF)₆]·5.5THF (4·5.5THF), where intramolecular H-bond interactions involving Li, O, and H construct a cage in the core of the structure with six- and eight-membered rings. Lastly, addition of Me₃Al to the solution generated from L⁸H₈ and LiOtBu led to the isolation of [(AlMe₂)₂Li₂₀(L⁸H₂)₂(OH₂)₄(O^2-)₄(OH)₂(NCMe)₁₂]·10MeCN (5·10MeCN) in which Li, O, Al, and N centers build a polyhedral core. These complexes have been screened for their potential to act as precatalysts in the ring-opening polymerization (ROP) of ε-CL, δ-VL, and r-LA. For the ROP of ε-CL, δ-VL, and r-LA, systems 1-4 exhibited moderate activity at 130 °C over 8 h. In the case of ROP using the mixed-metal (Li/Al) system 5, better conversions and high molecular weight polymers were achieved. In the case of the ROP of ω-pentadecalactone (ω-PDL), the systems proved to be inactive under the conditions employed herein.