Tailored Functionalization of Polyphenol-Based Molecular Platforms

Development of a Cone Homooxacalix[3]arene-Based Fluorescent Chemosensor for the Selective Detection of Biogenic Ammonium Ions in Protic Solvents

We report here on the development of a fluorescent cone homooxacalix[3]arene-based receptor with a pyrene unit on the wide rim of the macrocycle (Ox3F) for the selective detection of primary ammonium ions, including those of biological importance. Ox3F was synthesized efficiently via an innovative strategy that enables the regio- and iteroselective wide rim functionalization of the readily available p-tBu-substituted homooxacalix[3]arene precursor. Nuclear magnetic resonance studies and in silico methods highlighted the endo-complexation of primary ammonium ions, including the protonated form of biogenic dopamine, tryptamine, serotonin, mexamine, and 3-iodothyronamine. The binding mode is similar for all guests with the ion deeply inserted into the polyaromatic cavity, enabling the NH3+ head to establish three hydrogen bonds with the ethereal oxygens of the macrocycle. Fluorescence quenching of the pyrene unit was observed following the π-π interaction between the pyrene moiety and the aromatic groups of serotonin, mexamine, and 3-iodothyronamine. No quenching was observed upon complexation of the smaller aromatic neurotransmitter dopamine as well as aliphatic amines and polyamines. This study presents a novel approach for biologically relevant ammonium ion chemosensing with ongoing efforts focused on translating these systems for aqueous environment applications.

Chemical Site-Differentiation of Calix[4]arenes through Enforced Conformations by Confinement in a Cage

Desymmetrization of a symmetric skeleton enables late-stage functionalization of molecules. However, reagent-controlled desymmetrization by site-selective reactions of symmetric molecules remains a difficult synthetic strategy. Here, we found that complete confinement of a symmetric molecule within a coordination cage can desymmetrize the guest conformation, making it possible to site-selectively activate or protect the otherwise equivalent reaction sites of calix[4]arene derivatives. Multistep, one-cage reactions also demonstrated the transformation of an AAAA-type calix[4]arene into a lower symmetry ABAC-type one.

Synthesis of C60 /[10]CPP-Catenanes by Regioselective, Nanocapsule-Templated Bingel Bis-Addition

The addition of two unsymmetric malonate esters to the Buckminster fullerene C60 can lead to 22 spectroscopically distinguishable isomeric products and therefore represents a formidable synthesis challenge. In this work, we achieve 87 % selectivity for the formation of a single (in,out-trans-3) isomer by combining three approaches: (i) we use a starting material, in which the two malonates are covalently connected (tether approach); (ii) we form the strong supramolecular complex of C60 with the shape-persistent [10]CPP macrocycle (template approach) and (iii) we embed this complex further within a self-assembled nanocapsule (shadow mask approach). Variation of the spacer chain shed light on the limitations of the approach and the ring dynamics in the unusual [2]catenanes were studied in silico with atomistic resolution. This work significantly widens the scope of mechanically interlocked architectures comprising cycloparaphenylenes (CPP).

Tiara[5]arenes: Synthesis, Solid-State Conformational Studies, Host-Guest Properties, and Application as Nonporous Adaptive Crystals

Tiara[5]arenes (T[5]s), a new class of five‐fold symmetric oligophenolic macrocycles that are not accessible from the addition of formaldehyde to phenol, were synthesized for the first time. These pillar[5]arene‐derived structures display both unique conformational freedom, differing from that of pillararenes, with a rich blend of solid‐state conformations and excellent host–guest interactions in solution. Finally we show how this novel macrocyclic scaffold can be functionalized in a variety of ways and used as functional crystalline materials to distinguish uniquely between benzene and cyclohexane.

An Indirect Synthetic Approach toward Conformationally Constrained 20-Membered Unclosed Cryptands via Late-Stage Installation of Intraannular Substituents

A new protocol for PTC-mediated O-alkylation of the intraannular position of 20-membered unclosed cryptands (UCs) is reported. In contrast to the classical, "direct" strategy, which requires functionalization of the lariat arm at the beginning of synthesis, this "indirect" approach enables the late-stage introduction of various benzylic substituents after an unfavorable macrocyclization step (11 examples, yields up to 98%). Notably, this method permits preparation of, previously inaccessible, crowded UCs bearing 1-acetylpyrene substituent and dimer joined by p-xylene linker.

Encapsulation and solid state sequestration of gases by calix[6]arene-based molecular containers

Two calix[6]arene-based molecular containers were synthesized in high yields. These containers can encapsulate small guests through a unique "rotating door" complexation process. The sequestration of greenhouse gases is clearly demonstrated. They can be stored in the solid state for long periods and released via dissolution of the inclusion complex.

Triflate-functionalized calix[6]arenes as versatile building-blocks: application to the synthesis of an inherently chiral Zn(ii) complex

Cavity-based metal complexes can find many applications notably in the fields of catalysis and biomimicry. In this context, it was shown that metal complexes of calix[6]arenes bearing three aza-coordinating arms at the small rim provide excellent structural models of the poly-imidazole sites found in the active site of many metallo-enzymes. All these N-donor ligands were synthesized from the 1,3,5-tris-methoxy-p-tBu-calix[6]arene platform, which presents some limitations in terms of functionalization. Therefore, there is a need for the development of new calix[6]arene-based building-blocks selectively protected at the small rim. Herein we describe the regioselective one step synthesis of two calix[6]arenes decorated with triflate groups, i.e. X6H4Tf2 and X6H3Tf3, from the parent calix[6]arene X6H6. It is shown that the triflate groups can either act as protecting or deactivating groups, allowing the elaboration of sophisticated calixarene-based systems selectively functionalized at the large and/or at the small rim. In addition, X6H3Tf3 is functionalized on the A, B, and D rings and thus gives access to inherently chiral compounds, as demonstrated by the synthesis of a rare example of inherently chiral cavity-based metal complex.

Synthesis of (Homooxa)calixarene-Monoquinones through the "All-but-One" Methodology

The iteroselective "all-but-one" carbamatation methodology has been successfully extended to homooxacalixarenes and used for the selective and controlled synthesis of homooxacalixarene-monoquinones and calixarene-monoquinones. These moquinone derivatives constitute interesting molecular platforms that, until now, were inaccessible through any efficient means.

A General Method for Synthesis of Unclosed Cryptands via H-Bond Templated Macrocyclization and Subsequent Mild Postfunctionalization

A practical four-step synthesis of a model 26-membered N-Boc-protected macrocycle, starting from commercially available and inexpensive materials, is reported. The crucial macrocyclization step does not require high-dilution conditions and is completed in a short time (8 h). The high yield of macrocyclization (61%) is achieved owing to templation by intramolecular H-bonds and a chloride anion, which both help to adopt a favorable folded conformation of the open-chain intermediate. Finally, mild, selective, and efficient incorporation of intraannular amide function leading to five diversely functionalized unclosed cryptands (UCs) is described.

Nucleophilic Functionalization of the Calix[6]arene Para- and Meta-Position via p-Bromodienone Route

It is here demonstrated that the p-bromodienone route, previously reported for calix[4]arenes, is also effective for the functionalization of the calix[6]arene macrocycle. Thus, alcoholic O-nucleophiles can be introduced at the calix[6]arene exo rim. In addition, the reaction of a calix[6]arene p-bromodienone derivative with an actived aromatic substrate, such as resorcinol, led to the first example of a meta-functionalized, inherently chiral calix[6]arene derivative.