Synthesis and Hg2+ Recognition of Novel Azobenzene Derivatives Bearing Heterocyclic Units

Four novel azobenzene derivatives, 4,4'-bis(CH2SAr)azobenzene (Ar = different heterocyclic units), have been prepared and characterised by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, MS and elemental analysis. Their complexation properties to different heavy and transition metal ions have been studied by UV and fluorescence spectra. The compound 4,4'-bis(4,6-dimethyl-pyrimidine-2-ylmethylthio)azobenzene shows selective recognition of Hg2+.

Spectrofluorometric study on the inclusion behavior of p-(p-carboxyl benzeneazo) calix[4]arene with norfloxacin

Spectrofluorometric titrations have been performed to investigate the inclusion behavior of p-(p-carboxyl benzeneazo) calix[4]arene (CBC4A) with norfloxacin (NFLX) in NaAc-HAc buffer solution (pH=5.0). It was found that the fluorescence intensity of NFLX quenched regularly upon the addition of CBC4A. The results indicated 1:1 complex stoichiometry and an association constant of 8.21 x 10(5) L mol(-1) at 20.0 degrees C were calculated by applying a deduced equation. Job's plot also verified the existence of 1:1 inclusion complex. The proposed interaction mechanism indicates that NFLX goes into (or partially goes into) the cavity of CBC4A with the help of hydrogen bonding and other forces. The various factors (pH value, ionic strength, and surfactants) affecting the inclusion process were examined in details.

An Amphiphilic Molecular Basket Sensitive to Both Solvent Changes and UV Irradiation

A molecular basket was obtained by linking four cholate units to a cone-shaped calix[4]arene scaffold through azobenzene spacers. The molecule turns its polar faces inward in nonpolar solvents to bind polar molecules such as sugar derivatives. In polar solvents, the nonpolar faces turn inward, allowing the binding of hydrophobic guests such as pyrene. The molecule can also respond to UV irradiation by trans-cis isomerization of the azobenzene spacers. Response toward both solvents and UV light is fully reversible.

Upper Rim Allyl- and Arylazo-Coupled Calix[4]arenes as Highly Sensitive Chromogenic Sensors for Hg2+ Ion

The syntheses and chromogenic properties of calix[4]arenes, carrying 5,17-bisallyl-11,23-bis(p-X-phenyl)azo 3a-c, 5,11,17-triallyl-23-(p-X-phenyl)azo 4a-c, and 5,17-bis(hydroxypropyl)-11,23-bis(p-X-phenyl)azo groups on the upper rims 5a,b, are described. Unexpectedly, UV/vis spectra of the very popular 4-(4-nitrophenyl)azophenol-coupled calix[4]arenes 3c and 4c did not show any shift in lambda(max) when 10 different metal perchlorates were added separately to the host in a methanol-chloroform (v/v = 1/399) cosolvent. In contrast, the absorption spectra of calix[4]arenes with either 4-methoxyphenylazo (3b-5b) or 4-phenylazo (3a-5a) on the upper rim showed substantial bathochromic shifts (Deltalambda = 128-162 nm) upon the addition of soft metal ions (such as Hg(2+), Cr(3+), and Cu(2+)). The 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)azophenol-coupled calix[4]arenes (the 3b-5b series) are found to be highly sensitive for mercury ion (Hg(2+)) among the 10 different metal ions screened. Strong interactions between Hg(2+) ion and the 4-(4-methoxyphenyl)azophenol(s) as well as the p-allyl groups are corroborated by the (1)H NMR studies of 3a,b.Hg(2+) complexes. Furthermore, Job's plots revealed 1:1 binding stoichiometry for all these p-allyl- and arylazo-coupled calix[4]arenes with transition metal ions, and Benesi-Hilderbrand plots were used for the determination of their association constants.

Effects on Metal Binding of Circular NH- - -O=C Intramolecular Hydrogen Bonding in Hydrophilic Pseudocavities of p-tert-Butylcalix[4]arenes Carrying Amino Acid Moieties

Calix[4]arenes bearing amino acid moieties were prepared by the reaction of carboxyl-protected amino acids with the acid chlorides of O-carboxymethylcalix[4]arenes. The binding ability toward metal ions was estimated by solvent extraction. These calixarenes showed selective extraction capability toward Na(+) and Ag(+) ions, which increased in the order 2a < 2b < 2d < 2c. The complexing ability was also affected by the nature of the solvents and was higher in ethyl acetate than dichloromethane. (1)H NMR studies showed that the complexation of 2c with Na(+) ion induces a change of the orientation of the amide groups from a network-like pattern with circular N-H- - -O=C intramolecular hydrogen bonding of 2c to a pattern in which carbonyl groups converge on the Na(+) ion. This change was also supported by a measurement of CD spectra.