Azatripyrrolic and Azatetrapyrrolic Macrocycles from the Mannich Reaction of Pyrrole: Receptors for Anions

Does Larger Cavity-Size Really Help Bigger Anions to Bind? A Scrutiny on Core-Expanded Calix[4]pyrroles and Their Properties

Calix[4]pyrroles are an important class of oligopyrrolic macrocycles and have found applications in many diverse fields including anion recognition. To modulate the properties of the calix[4]pyrrole, several structural modifications are realized. The core-expansion has attracted extra attention as it provides larger cavity-size compared to parent calix[4]pyrrole(s). This review highlights the synthetic development of various core-expanded calix[4]pyrroles and their applications in anion-binding properties. Emphasis is given to the changes in the binding properties observed with expanded versions of calix[4]pyrrole(s) in both solution and the solid states. The expanded versions of calix[4]pyrrole do not always show higher binding affinities for larger anions as anticipated. Rather, they display reduced affinities with the anions. The truncated form or asymmetric nature of the expanded versions of calix[4]pyrrole does not probably allow to access all the available binding sites for the anions and hence reduced binding affinities are observed. The receptors which contain a greater number of binding sites and are somehow rigid or preorganized apparently show enhanced binding affinities for anions. The relative binding constants for halide series indicate that the enlarged molecules are more beneficial for largest iodide among others. However, most of the receptors show selectivity towards smallest fluoride over other anions studied.

Molecular recognition and activation by polyaza macrocyclic compounds based on host-guest interactions

The design and syntheses of supramolecular hosts for the recognition and activation of molecules and anions are one of the most active research fields in supramolecular chemistry, in which polyaza macrocyclic ligands and their complexes have drawn particular attention due to their strong host-guest interactions. This review mainly focuses on the recent progress in the recognition of molecules and anions by polyaza macrocyclic compounds including polyaza macrocycles, polyaza macrobicycles and polyaza macrotricycles, as well as the activation of molecules by polyaza macrocyclic ligands and their metal complexes.

Synthesis and structural characterization of anion complexes with azacalix[2]dipyrrolylmethane: effect of anion charge on the conformation of the macrocycle

Tetrahomodiazacalix[2]dipyrrolylmethane 1, [-CH2(C4H3N)CR2(C4H3N)CH2N(Me)-]2 an expanded version of the calix[4]pyrrole system, has the tendency to change its ring conformation (1,3-alternate) upon anion binding analogous to calix[4]pyrrole. However, owing to its tertiary amine nitrogen atoms in the ring, it can be protonated and becomes a powerful cationic receptor for anions, besides its inherent hydrogen bonding features. Macrocycle 1 binds with a series of monoanions BF4(-), Cl(-), PhCOO(-) and ClO4(-), and their X-ray structures showed that the ring conformation constitutes the 1,2-alternate form. Upon binding with dianions SO4(2-), CrO4(2-), SiF6(2-) and S2O3(2-), the ring conformation changes to the cone conformation. The intermediate partial cone conformation results for complexes with NO3(-) and Cr2O7(2-) ions. The change in the orientation of the pyrrole NH groups depending on the charge of the anion demonstrates the flexibility of the macrocycle and the dicationic macrocycle stabilizes the anions via both hydrogen bonding and electrostatic interactions.

The syn and anti isomers of the porphyrinogen-like precursor of calix[4]phyrin: isolation, X-ray structure, anion binding and fluoride-ion-mediated proton-deuterium exchange studies

Porphyrinogen-like precursors of calix[4]phyrins are presumed to be unstable owing to their auto-oxidation. In contrast to this, the syn and the anti isomers of a calix[4]pyrrole molecule containing pyridine moieties at the meso positions were isolated and their structures were determined by single crystal X-ray diffraction studies. Both the isomers gave the same calix[4]phyrin molecule upon oxidation. The anion binding properties of both the isomers were studied in DMSO-d6 by the EQNMR method, which showed that they have a preference of binding with the F(-) ion over the other large sized halide and oxo anions. In addition, the F(-) ion mediated H/D exchange process was monitored by the (19)F NMR method. The solution state structures of the 1 : 1 F(-) ion complexes containing deuterium atoms formed by a random but sequential substitution of NH protons by deuterium atoms were identified from their multiplicity patterns observed in the proton coupled (19)F NMR spectrum, which are supported by the proton decoupled (19)F NMR spectrum showing one singlet for each type of F(-) ion complex in solution for both the syn and anti isomers, correlating with their solid state structures.