Cation/anion recognition by a partially substituted lower rim calix[4]arene hydroxyamide, a ditopic receptor

The complexation ability of a partially substituted lower rim calix[4]arene hydroxyamide derivative, 25,27-bis[N-(2-hydroxy-1,1-bishydroxymethylethyl)amino- carbonylmethoxy]calix[4]arene-26,28-diol, 1, for cations and anions was investigated through (1)H NMR, conductometry, spectrophotometry, and calorimetry in dipolar aprotic media. (1)H NMR studies of 1 in the deuterated solvents (acetonitrile, methanol, and dimethylsulfoxide) reflect ligand-solvent interactions in methanol and dimethylsulfoxide. As far as the cations are concerned, a selectivity peak is found when standard Gibbs energies of complexation of 1 with cations (alkaline-earth, zinc, and lead) are plotted against corresponding data for cation hydration. This finding reflects the key role played by the desolvation and binding processes in the overall complexation of this receptor and these cations in acetonitrile. This is also interpreted in terms of enthalpy and entropy data. Factors such as, the nature and the arrangement of donor atoms in the hydrophilic cavity of the ligand on cation complexation process, are discussed. This paper also addresses anion complexation processes. It is found that 1 interacts through hydrogen bond formation with fluoride, dihydrogen phosphate, and pyrophosphate in acetonitrile and N,N-dimethylformamide. The thermodynamics associated with these processes is fully discussed taking into account literature data involving calix[4]pyrroles and these anions in these solvents. Previous work regarding the water solubility of these ligands is discussed. It is concluded that 1 behaves as a ditopic ligand in dipolar aprotic media.