Synthesis, NMR, X-ray structural analyses and complexation studies of new Ag⁺ selective calix[4]arene based dipodal hosts—a co-complexation of neutral and charged species

Abstract

New podands based on the p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene unit with substitution at the lower rim incorporating imine units, have been synthesized in high yield by simple condensation method. These podands have been shown to extract and transport Ag⁺ selectively over alkali, alkaline earth metal cations, Zn²⁺, Pb²⁺ and Hg²⁺ ions, from neutral aqueous phase to organic phase. In all the ligands the calix unit has been found to be present in a cone conformation except for the one having pyridine as end group, at the ortho position. It has been isolated in two conformations; cone and 1,2-alternate. To the best of our knowledge, this may be the first 1,3-lower rim substituted calix[4]arene to exist in a 1,2-alternate conformation and is among a few known compounds with this conformation in the general class of calix[4]arenes. A complex of this ligand, which happens to be the highest extractant of Ag⁺ has been isolated and characterized using mass, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectroscopy's and elemental analysis. The spectroscopic evidence and molecular modelling studies performed on the complex suggest a participation of the imine and pyridine nitrogens and two of the ether oxygens in coordination to the metal ion. The X-ray crystal structures of three of the ligands establish the formation of inclusion complexes with polar acetonitrile solvent molecules. The 1H and ¹³C NMR spectra of all the compounds, taken in CDCl₃, show the presence of acetonitrile molecules in the cavity of the calix[4]arene, indicating inclusion of the neutral guest molecules in the solution phase as well. For one of the podands X-ray crystal structure has shown a formation of clatharate complex of chloroform with the ligand which has rarely been found in the case of calix[4]arenes.