Calix[6]arene-based cascade complexes of organic ion triplets stable in a protic solvent

Herein we report a D(3h)-symmetric tail-to-tail bis-calix[6]arene 3 featuring two divergent cavities triply connected by ureido linkages. This calix[6]tube was synthesized by a domino Staudinger/aza-Wittig reaction followed by a macrocyclization reaction. This process also afforded a C(2h)-symmetric isomer that represents a rare example of a self-threaded rotaxane based on calix[6]arene subunits. The binding properties of 3 have been evaluated by NMR studies. Thus, bis-calix[6]arene 3 is able to bind simultaneously two neutral ureido guests through an induced-fit process. The guests are located in the cavities and are recognized through multiple hydrogen-bonding interactions with the ureido bridges. Host 3 can also simultaneously bind multiple ions and is especially efficient for the complexation of organic ion triplets. The anion is recognized through hydrogen-bonding interactions at the ureido binding site and is thus located between the two ammonium ions accommodated in the cavities. The resulting [1+1+2] quaternary complexes represent rare examples of cascade complexes with organic cations. These complexes are unique: 1) They are stable even in a markedly protic solvent, 2) the recognition of the ion triplets proceeds in a cooperative way through an induced-fit process and with a high selectivity, linear cations and doubly charged anions being particularly well recognized, 3) the ions are bound as contact ion triplets thanks to the closeness of the three binding sites, 4) the cationic guests can be exchanged and thus mixed [1+1+1+1] complexes can be obtained, 5) the ureido linkers wrapped around the anion adopt a helical shape and the resulting chirality is sensed by the cations. In other words, bis-calix[6]arene 3 presents a selective inner tunnel in which multiple guests such as organic ion triplets can be aligned in a cooperative way through induced-fit processes.