Synthesis and complexation properties towards amino acids of mono-substituted p-sulphonato-calix-[n]-arenes

A series of mono-hydroxy functionalised calix-[n]-arenes, and p-sulphonato-calix-[n]-arenes where n=4, 6 and 8, have been synthesised, with the pendant functions being ethoxycarbonyl methoxy group, 2-carboxy methoxy group, 2-amido methoxy group or 2-amino ethoxy group. With calix-[4]-arene and calix-[6]-arenes the compounds are obtained in good yield by treatment of the relevant p-H-calix-[n]-arene with a suitable metal carbonate, as a weak base, in the presence of one equivalent of the corresponding alkyl bromide. However in the case of calix-[8]-arene, the extremely low solubility of p-H-calix-[8]-arene prevented its use and p-tBu-calix-[8]-arene was used in the monosubstitution reactions. The corresponding sulphonate derivatives were prepared in the case of the 2-carboxy methoxy group, 2-amido methoxy group and 2-amino ethoxy group systems, either by sulphonation of the para-H derivatives or by ipso-sulphonation of the tert-butyl derivatives. The complexation properties of the water-soluble p-sulphonato-derivatives with regard to 11 amino acids have been studied by 1H NMR titration experiments. The obtained association constants show a 1:1 stoichiometry. The presence of a pendant group at the lower rim of calix strongly modifies the observed association constant as compared to the parent p-sulphonato-calix-[n]-arenes. While generally, the cationic amino acids lysine and arginine bind strongly to all the derivatives, the binding of other amino acids is dependant on the nature of the pendant functions, in particular pendant arm-lateral chain function leads to strong binding with aspartic acid, serine and tryptophan.