Carmen Talotta

Pseudorotaxanes with self-sorted sequence and stereochemical orientation.

Partner preferences in pseudorotaxane formation were exploited to establish an integrative self-sorting system able to discriminate simultaneously at the sequence and stereochemical level (see picture). It was found that calix[6]arenes were threaded selectively with a preferred orientation onto bisammonium axles, even when the structural differences between the possible building blocks were small and located remote from the binding sites.

Fixed or Invertible Calixarene-Based Directional Shuttles

The first examples of rotaxanes based on calixarenes threaded by dialkylammonium ions, which also represent the first examples of calixarene-based molecular shuttles, are reported. The base/acid treatment demonstrated that these systems act as molecular shuttles, which move between three sites on the axle. When small OMe groups are appended at the calix[6]arene lower rim an unprecedented inversion of its shuttling direction is observed, which occurs through a cone-to-cone inversion of the macrocycle.

Stereoprogrammed direct synthesis of calixarene-based [3]rotaxanes.

Directional calixarene wheels were threaded along a bis(benzylalkylammonium) axle in a stereoprogrammed way to obtain the first examples of calixarene-based [3]rotaxanes. The base/acid treatment demonstrated that these systems act as nanosized molecular shuttles. An unprecedented switching between the tail-to-tail and head-to-head relative orientation of the calix-wheels was observed.

Absolute configuration assignment of inherently chiral calix[4]arenes using DFT calculations of chiroptical properties.

The racemate of an inherently chiral meta-substituted calix[4]arene derivative 3 has been resolved via enantioselective HPLC. Measured optical rotation dispersion and electronic circular dichroism have been compared with DFT theoretical predictions. The comparison indicates that the absolute configuration of the dextrorotatory enantiomer (+)-3 is cS. The procedure has been successfully tested against a literature precedent confirming the validity of the method.

Conformational features and recognition properties of a conformationally blocked calix[7]arene derivative.

The shaping of a calix[7]arene macrocycle into cone-like structure 3, through exhaustive alkylation of doubly bridged calix[7]arene derivative 2 with bulky groups, has been investigated. Conformational details about the structure adopted by calix[7]arene derivative 3 in solution have been obtained by using chemical shift surface maps, as previously reported by our group. Thus, chemical shift contour plots indicated that 3 adopted a cone-shaped structure in solution analogous to that adopted by the known p-tert-butylcalix[7]arene heptacarboxylic acid derivative 4. Interestingly, the X-ray structure of derivative 3 showed a high degree of similarity to the theoretical structure, which confirmed the validity of the contour plots method. The preorganized calix[7]arene host 3 showed interesting recognition abilities toward both organic and alkali cations. In fact, an unprecedented endo-cavity complexation of linear and branched alkyl ammonium cations with a larger calix[7]arene host was evidenced. A comparable affinity for branched tBuNH(3)(+) and linear nBuNH(3)(+) guests was observed.

Polyoxomolybdate-Calix[4]arene Hybrid: A Catalyst for Sulfoxidation Reactions with Hydrogen Peroxide

An easily accessible polyoxomolybdate-calix[4]arene hybrid 1 has been synthesized and applied as a heterogeneous catalyst in the sulfoxidation of thioethers to sulfoxides and to sulfones under strictly stoichiometric amounts of 30% H2O2 in CH3CN as the solvent. This study represents the first promising example of successful employment of calixarenes-polyoxometalate (POM) hybrid materials in the area of catalytic oxidations.

Calixpyrrole Derivatives: “Multi Hydrogen Bond” Catalysts for γ-Butenolide Synthesis

Calix[4]pyrrole (1), calix[2]m-benzo[4]pyrrole (2), 10α,20β- and 10α,20α- bis(4-nitrophenyl)-calix[4]pyrroles 3 and 4, respectively, were found to exhibit various organocatalytic activities in the diastereoselective vinylogous addition reaction of 2-trimethylsilyloxyfuran (TMSOF, 7) to aldehydes. The γ-hydroxybutenolide products are obtained in fairly good yields and with moderate diastereoselectivity. The structures of the catalysts, as well as the reaction conditions, strongly influence the efficiency of the reaction.

Exploiting the hydrophobicity of calixarene macrocycles for catalysis under “on-water” conditions

An example of calixarene-mediated catalysis under “on-water” conditions is here reported. In the presence of thioureido-calixarenes a rate acceleration for the Vinylogous Mukaiyama Aldol Reaction (VMAR) was observed, under on-water conditions. The ability of the calixarene catalyst to accelerate the VMAR under on-water conditions is closely related to its hydrophobicity and to its recognition abilities toward the substrate.

Anion-Induced Dimerization in p-Squaramidocalix[4]arene Derivatives

Spherical anions induce the dimerization of calix[4]arene derivatives 3 and 4 bearing squaramide moieties at the exo rim (p-squaramidocalixarenes). (1)H NMR titration experiments showed that unlike the distal isomer 3, proximal p-squaramidocalixarene 4 is also able to form dimeric complexes with trigonal-planar anions.

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.