Easily accessible symmetrically and unsymmetrically bridge disubstituted tetrahydroxycalix[4]arenes in advantageous trans-cone conformation

The Unexpected Chemistry of Thiacalix[4]arene Monosulfoxide

Thiacalix[4]arene monosulfoxide 4 possesses a very unusual chemistry, as demonstrated by several unprecedented derivatives in calixarene chemistry. Interestingly, compound 4 cannot be prepared by the dealkylation of its corresponding tetramethoxy derivative using BBr₃. Instead, the borate complex is formed with a boron bound by the two neighboring phenolic oxygens and a sulfoxide group. A similar type of borate complex with a spirodienone fragment was then isolated as a by-product. The oxidation of monosulfoxide with Chloramine-T did not provide the expected spirodienone moiety, but rather a complex oxathiane-based spiroheterocyclic part containing a chlorine atom. X-ray analyses confirmed the structures of the unusual products and feasible formation mechanisms were proposed. These results provide further evidence of the distinction between thiacalixarene chemistry and the chemistry of classical CH₂ analogues.

Calixrotanes: Calixarenes Incorporating Spiro-Linked Cyclopropyl Groups

Macrocyclic compounds (calix[4]- and calix[6]arene derivatives) with aryl rings interconnected by spirocyclopropyl groups have been synthesized and structurally characterized. The compounds were prepared by the reaction of dichlorocarbene with calixarenes possessing exocyclic double bonds at the bridges, followed by reductive perdechlorination of the spirocyclopropyl groups. In all systems, pairs of geminal rings connected to the quaternary spiro carbon atoms are oriented anti, and the methylene groups of the cyclopropyl rings are located in isoclinal positions. Calix[6]rotane adopts in the crystal and in solution a 1,3,5-alternate conformation. The presence of the spirocyclopropyl groups increases the rigidity of the macrocyclic ring.

The Lithiation/Oxygenation Approach to Calix[6]arenes Selectively Functionalized at a Pair of Opposite Methylene Bridges

Lithiation of the calix[6]arene methyl ether 2 followed by reaction with O₂ yields derivatives with two opposite methylene groups hydroxylated. Calix[6]arenes with two opposite bridges functionalized with alkoxy, azido, and m-xylyl groups were prepared via reaction of a dichlorocalix[6]arene derivative with nucleophiles.

Hantzsch Ester as a Photosensitizer for the Visible-Light-Induced Debromination of Vicinal Dibromo Compounds

The debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds to generate alkenes usually requires harsh reaction conditions and the addition of catalysts. Just recently the visible-light-induced debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds emerged as a possible alternative to commonly used methods, but the substrate scope of this reaction is limited and a photocatalyst is necessary for the successful conversion of the starting compounds. A catalyst-free visible-light-induced debromination of vicinal dibromo compounds with a base-activated Hantzsch ester as photosensitizer is reported. The method has a wide substrate scope and a broad functional-group compatibility.

Regioselective alkylation of a methylene group via meta-bridging of calix[4]arenes

The meta-iodo derivative, fixed in the cone conformation, enables the gram-scale preparation of a meta-bridged calix[4]arene. This intermediate, possessing a fluorene moiety within the macrocyclic skeleton, can be regioselectively alkylated on the corresponding methylene bridge to form a unique substitution pattern in classical calixarene chemistry.