James A. Shriver

Functionalized calix[4]pyrroles

The synthesis and properties of a number of functionalized calix(4)pyrroles are described. To date, two generalized preparative approaches have been pursued. The first involves modifying the basic pyrrole-plus-ketone synthesis of calix(4)pyrrole by using modified precursors or by co-condensing more than one ketone with pyrrole. The second approach relies on the reaction of a pre-formed calix(4)pyrrole with an electrophile. In both cases, the resulting species can be subject to further manipulation. In this way a range of structures, including ones bearing ancillary recognition subunits, electro- or photochemical reporter groups, and/or water solubilizing substituents may be obtained. Solid supports bearing calix(4)pyrroles may also be produced in this way.

Enhanced liquid–liquid anion exchange using macrocyclic anion receptors: effect of receptor structure on sulphate–nitrate exchange selectivity

When certain macrocyclic anion receptors are added to a chloroform solution of the nitrate form of a lipophilic quaternary ammonium salt (methyltri-C8,10-ammonium nitrate, Aliquat 336N), the extraction of sulphate from an aqueous sodium nitrate solution via exchange with the organic-phase nitrate is significantly enhanced. Eight macrocycles were surveyed, including two derivatives of a tetraamide macrocycle, five derivatives of calix[4]pyrrole and β-decafluorocalix[5]pyrrole. Under the hypothesis that the enhancement originates from sulphate binding by the anion receptors in the chloroform phase, it was possible to obtain reasonable fits to the sulphate distribution survey data based on the formation of 1:1 and 2:1 receptor:sulphate complexes in the chloroform phase. Apparent 1:1 sulphate-binding constants obtained from the model in this system fell in the range . Comparison of the results for the various anion receptors included in this study reveals that sulphate binding is sensitive to the nature of the substituents on the parent macrocycle scaffolds in a way that does not follow straightforwardly from simple chemical expectations, such as electron-withdrawing effects on hydrogen-bond donor strength.

Novel Deep Cavity Calix[4]pyrroles Derived from Steroidal Ketones

Novel steroidal calix[4]pyrroles were prepared in excellent yields from commercially available cholic acid derivatives using an efficient synthetic sequence. Once in hand, it was found that these calix[4]pyrroles exist in the form of four different configurational isomers. Separation of these isomers was achieved readily using normal phase HPLC techniques. Once purified, the steroidal calix[4]pyrroles were screened via -FABMS analyses to judge their utility in effecting the enantioselective recognition of appropriate organic anions. Results that provided support for antipodal R > S selectivity were obtained in the case of both tartaric acid and mandelic acid. Direct extraction studies were then carried out and these confirmed the pattern of R > S selectivity observed by -FABMS.

Fluorinated calixpyrroles: anion-binding extractants that reduce the Hofmeister bias

Beta-octafluoro-meso-octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole (1) and beta-decafluoro-meso-decamethylcalix[5]pyrrole (2) were found to extract caesium salts of smaller anions (bromide and chloride for 1 and nitrate for 2) as effectively as that of iodide into nitrobenzene (NB) thereby overcoming the Hofmeister bias normally observed for processes of this type.