Synthesis, Structure, and Binding Properties of Lipophilic Cavitands Based on a Calix[4]pyrrole-Resorcinarene Hybrid Scaffold

Aryl- and Superaryl-Extended Calix[4]pyrroles: From Syntheses to Potential Applications

The incorporation of aryl substituents at the meso-positions of calix[4]pyrrole (C4P) scaffolds produces aryl-extended (AE) and super-aryl-extended (SAE) calix[4]pyrroles. The cone conformation of the all-α isomers of "multi-wall" AE-C4Ps and SAE-C4Ps displays deep aromatic clefts or cavities. In particular, "four-wall" receptors feature an aromatic polar cavity closed at one end with four convergent pyrrole rings and fully open at the opposite end. This makes AE- and SAE-C4P scaffolds effective receptors for the molecular recognition of negatively charged ions and neutral guest molecules with donor-acceptor and hydrogen bonding motifs. In addition, adequately functionalized all-α isomers of multi wall AE- and SAE-C4P scaffolds self-assemble into uni-molecular and supra-molecular aggregates displaying capsular and cage-like structures. The self-assembly process requires the presence of template ions or molecules that lock the C4P cone conformation and complementing the inner polar functions and volumes of their cavities. We envisioned performing an in-depth revision of AE- and SAE-C4P scaffolds owing to their importance in different domains such as supramolecular chemistry, biology, material sciences and pharmaceutical chemistry. Herewith, besides the synthetic details on the elaboration of their structures, we also draw attention to their diverse applications. The organization of this review is mainly based on the number of "walls" present in the AE-C4P derivatives and their structural modifications. The sections are further divided based on the C4P functions and applications. The authors are convinced that this review will be of interest to researchers working in the general area of supramolecular chemistry as well as those involved in the study of the binding properties and applications of C4P derivatives.

Molecular recognition of pyrazine N,N'-dioxide using aryl extended calix[4]pyrroles

Calix[4]pyrrole (C4P)-based systems have been extensively explored as binding agents for anions and ion pairs. However, their capacity to act as molecular containers for neutral species remains underexplored. We report here the molecular recognition of pyrazine N,N'-dioxide (PZDO) using a series of aryl extended C4Ps including three α,α-diaryl substituted C4Ps (receptors 1-3), an α,β-diaryl substituted C4P (receptor 4) and an α,α,α,α-tetraaryl substituted C4P (receptor 5). Single crystal structural analyses of the 2 : 1 host-guest complexes between receptors 1-3 and PZDO revealed that the C4P subunits exist in an unusual partial cone conformation and that the PZDO guest is held within electron-rich cavities formed by the lower rims of the individual C4P macrocycle. In contrast, receptor 5 was seen to adopt the cone conformation in the solid state, allowing one PZDO molecule to be accommodated inside the upper-rim cavity. Evidence for guest-directed self-assembly is also seen in the solid state. Evidence for C4P-PZDO interactions in CD3CN/CD3OD solution came from 1H NMR spectroscopic titrations. Electrostatic potential maps created by means of density functional theory calculations were constructed. Density functional theory calculations were also performed to analyse the energetics of various limiting binding modes. On the basis of these studies, it is inferred that interactions between the 'two-wall' C4P derivatives (i.e. receptors 1-4) and PZDO involve a complex binding mode that differs from what has been seen in previous host-guest complexes formed between C4Ps and N-oxides. The present study thus paves the way for the further design of C4P-based receptors with novel recognition features.

Optical Supramolecular Sensing of Creatinine

Calix[4]pyrrole phosphonate-cavitands were used as receptors for the design of supramolecular sensors for creatinine and its lipophilic derivative hexylcreatinine. The sensing principle is based on indicator displacement assays of an inherently fluorescent guest dye or a black-hole quencher from the receptor's cavity by means of competition with the creatinine analytes. The systems were thermodynamically and kinetically characterized regarding their 1:1 binding properties by means of nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (¹H and ³¹P NMR), isothermal titration calorimetry, and optical spectroscopies (UV/vis absorption and fluorescence). For the use of the black-hole indicator dye, the calix[4]pyrrole was modified with a dansyl chromophore as a signaling unit that engages in Förster resonance energy transfer with the indicator dye. The 1:1 binding constants of the indicator dyes are in the range of 10⁷ M^-1, while hexylcreatinine showed values around (2-4) × 10⁵ M^-1. The competitive displacement of the indicators by hexylcreatinine produced supramolecular fluorescence turn-on sensors that work at micromolar analyte concentrations that are compatible with those observed for healthy as well as sick patients. The limit of detection for one of the systems reached submicromolar ranges (110 nM).

Strapped calix[4]pyrroles: from syntheses to applications

Supramolecular chemistry is a central topic in modern chemistry. It touches on many traditional disciplines, such as organic chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, materials chemistry, environmental chemistry, and biological chemistry. Supramolecular hosts, inter alia macrocyclic hosts, play critical roles in supramolecular chemistry. Calix[4]pyrroles, non-aromatic tetrapyrrolic macrocycles defined by sp³ hybridized meso bridges, have proved to be versatile receptors for neutral species, anions, and cations, as well as ion pairs. Compared to the parent system, octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole and its derivatives bearing simple appended functionalities, strapped calix[4]pyrroles typically display enhanced binding affinities and selectivities. In this review, we summarize advances in the design and synthesis of strapped calix[4]pyrroles, as well as their broad utility in molecular recognition, supramolecular extraction, separation technology, ion transport, and as agents capable of inhibiting cancer cell proliferation. Future challenges within this sub-field are also discussed.

Synthesis, Optoelectronic, and Supramolecular Properties of a Calix[4]arene-Cycloparaphenylene Hybrid Host

A novel hybrid host has been obtained by fusion of the calix[4]arene skeleton with a cycloparaphenylene (CPP) ring. The CPP-bridged calix[4]arene 1 combines the optoelectronic and structural properties of the CPP rings with the recognition abilities of the calix[4]arene hosts. Thus, calix-CPP 1 shows an unexpected selectivity for the Li⁺ cation over Na⁺, as a result of more favorable cation···π interactions of Li⁺ with the CPP bridge and its better size complementarity.

A conformationally adaptive macrocycle: conformational complexity and host-guest chemistry of zorb[4]arene

Large amplitude conformational change is one of the features of biomolecular recognition and is also the basis for allosteric effects and signal transduction in functional biological systems. However, synthetic receptors with controllable conformational changes are rare. In this article, we present a thorough study on the host–guest chemistry of a conformationally adaptive macrocycle, namely per-O-ethoxyzorb[4]arene (ZB4). Similar to per-O-ethoxyoxatub[4]arene, ZB4 is capable of accommodating a wide range of organic cations. However, ZB4 does not show large amplitude conformational responses to the electronic substituents on the guests. Instead of a linear free-energy relationship, ZB4 follows a parabolic free-energy relationship. This is explained by invoking the influence of secondary C–H···O hydrogen bonds on the primary cation···π interactions based on the information obtained from four representative crystal structures. In addition, heat capacity changes (ΔC_p) and enthalpy–entropy compensation phenomena both indicate that solvent reorganization is also involved during the binding. This research further deepens our understanding on the binding behavior of ZB4 and lays the basis for the construction of stimuli-responsive materials with ZB4 as a major component.

Host-guest complexes of conformationally flexible C-hexyl-2-bromoresorcinarene and aromatic N-oxides: solid-state, solution and computational studies

Host-guest complexes of C-hexyl-2-bromoresorcinarene (BrC6) with twelve potential aromatic N-oxide guests were studied using single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and 1H NMR spectroscopy. In the solid state, of the nine obtained X-ray crystal structures, eight were consistent with the formation of BrC6-N-oxide endo complexes. The lone exception was from the association between 4-phenylpyridine N-oxide and BrC6, in that case the host forms a self-inclusion complex. BrC6, as opposed to more rigid previously studied C-ethyl-2-bromoresorcinarene and C-propyl-2-bromoresorcinarene, undergoes remarkable cavity conformational changes to host different N-oxide guests through C-H···π(host) interactions. In solution phase CD3OD/CDCl3 (1:1 v/v), all twelve N-oxide guests form endo complexes according to 1H NMR; however, in more polar CD3OD/DMSO-d6 (9:1 v/v), only three N-oxides with electron-donating groups form solution-phase endo complexes with BrC6. In solid-state studies, 3-methylpyridine N-oxide+BrC6 crystallises with both the upper- and lower-rim BrC6 cavities occupied by N-oxide guests. Computational DFT-based studies support that lower-rim long hexyl chains provide the additional stability required for this ditopic behaviour. The lower-rim cavity, far from being a neutral hydrophobic environment, is a highly polarizable electrostatically positive surface, aiding in the binding of polar guests such as N-oxides.

Regioselective Synthesis of Methylene-Bridged Naphthalene Oligomers and Their Host-Guest Chemistry

In this research, we report the regioselective synthesis of methylene-bridged naphthalene oligomers from 2,6-dialkoxyl naphthanene and paraformaldehyde by using p-TsOH as the catalyst and CH₂Cl₂ as the solvent. The structures were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. Their host-guest chemistry with organic cations was studied, and optimal naphthalene numbers in the oligomers were revealed for different guests. In addition, the reason for the unsuccessful synthesis of methylene-bridged naphthalene macrocycles was discussed.

Host-Guest Complexes of C-Ethyl-2-methylresorcinarene and Aromatic N,N'-Dioxides

The C‐ethyl‐2‐methylresorcinarene (1) forms 1:1 in‐cavity complexes with aromatic N,N′‐dioxides, only if each of the aromatic rings has an N−O group. The structurally different C‐shaped 2,2′‐bipyridine N,N′‐dioxide (2,2′‐BiPyNO) and the linear rod‐shaped 4,4′‐bipyridine N,N′‐dioxide (4,4′‐BiPyNO) both form 1:1 in‐cavity complexes with the host resorcinarene in C_4v crown and C_2v conformations, respectively. In the solid state, the host–guest interactions between the 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane N,N′‐dioxide (BiPyPNO) and the host 1 stabilize the unfavorable anti‐gauche conformation. Contrary to the N,N′‐dioxide guests, the mono‐N‐oxide guest, 4‐phenylpyridine N‐oxide (4PhPyNO), does not form an in‐cavity complex in the solid state. The host–guest complexation and the relative guest affinities were studied through ¹H NMR competition experiments in methanol. Single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography of the 1:1 complexes supports the proposed solution‐state structures, also revealing strong hydrogen bonds between the host and the guests, not observed in solution owing to hydrogen/deuterium (H/D) exchange processes in methanol.

Guest-Induced Folding and Self-Assembly of Conformationally Adaptive Macrocycles into Nanosheets and Nanotubes

A conformationally adaptive macrocycle is presented, namely zorb[4]arene, which exists in multiple conformations in the uncomplexed state. The binding cavity of zorb[4]arene is concealed, either due to a collapsed conformation or by self-inclusion. The zorb[4]arene with long alkyl chains manifests itself with surprisingly low melting point and thus exist as an oil at room temperature. Binding of a guest molecule induces the folding and conformational rigidity of zorb[4]arene and leads to well-defined three-dimensional structures, which can further self-assemble into nanosheets or nanotubes upon solvent evaporation, depending on guest molecules and the conformations they can induce.

Endo-/exo- and halogen-bonded complexes of conformationally rigid C-ethyl-2-bromoresorcinarene and aromatic N-oxides

Unlike that of the conformationally flexibleC-ethyl-2-methylresorcinarene the structurally more rigidC_4vcavity inC-ethyl-2-bromoresorcinarene prefers only small aromaticN-oxides stabilized through C–H⋯π interactions.

Oxatub[4]arene: a molecular "transformer" capable of hosting a wide range of organic cations

The molecular "transformer", oxatub[4]arene, was found to be able to host a wide range of organic cations. The strong binding ability is believed to originate from its four interconvertible and deep-cavity conformers. The binding behavior of such adaptable receptors may provide implications for molecular recognition in nature.

A chiral "Siamese-Twin" calix[4]pyrrole tetramer

We describe our results in the attempted template syntheses of oligomacrocycle calix[4]pyrrole dimer 4, using Hay coupling reaction conditions, tetraalkynyl calix[4]pyrrole 5 as starting material and two bipyridyl N-oxides of different length as templates. We found that the short bis-N-oxide 3 was not an efficient template for the macrocyclization reaction producing an insoluble crude reaction mixture containing exclusively oligomerization and polycondensation products. On the other hand, when we used the long bis-N-oxide 6 as template we obtained a soluble crude reaction mixture in which we did not detect the expected calix[4]pyrrole dimer 4. Instead, we isolated, in low yield, an encapsulation complex of the bis-N-oxide 6 in a partially reacted calix[4]pyrrole dimer. The major isolated species was an unprecedented calix[4]pyrrole tetramer encapsulating two molecules of 6. The complex adopted a chiral helical-like conformation in the solid state resembling the previously described so-called "Siamese-Twin porphyrins".

Inclusion complexes of Cethyl-2-methylresorcinarene and pyridine N-oxides: breaking the C–I⋯−O–N+ halogen bond by host–guest complexation

C_ethyl-2-Methylresorcinarene and aromatic N-oxides manifest host–guest chemistry by C–H⋯π interactions and halogen bonding; the C–I⋯⁻O–N⁺ halogen bond with 2-iodopyridine N-oxide is broken by the in-cavity C–I⋯π interactions.

Methylresorcinarene: a reaction vessel to control the coordination geometry of copper(II) in pyridine N-oxide copper(II) complexes

Pyridine and 2-picolinic acid N-oxides form 2 : 2 and 2 : 1 ligand : metal (L : M) discrete L2M2 and polymeric complexes with CuCl2 and Cu(NO3)2, respectively, with copper(ii) salts. The N-oxides also form 1 : 1 host-guest complexes with methylresorcinarene. In combination, the three components form a unique 2 : 2 : 1 host-ligand-metal complex. The methylresorcinarene acts as a reaction vessel/protecting group to control the coordination of copper(ii) from cis-see-saw to trans-square planar, and from octahedral to square planar coordination geometry. These processes were studied in solution and in the solid state via(1)H NMR spectroscopy and single crystal X-ray diffraction.

Bis-urea macrocycles with a deep cavity

Two bis-urea macrocycles with a deep cavity demonstrate an enzyme-like binding, and the influence of dipole alignments on molecular recognition.