Synthesis of new calix[4]pyrrole derivatives via 1,3-dipolar cycloadditions

Octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole-2-carbaldehyde 1 and 3-(octamethylcalix[4]pyrrol-2-yl)propenal 5 were used as precursors of azomethine ylides, which were trapped in situ with a range of dipolarophiles, such as 1,4-benzoquinone, 1,4-naphthoquinone, and fumaronitrile. Aldehyde 1 showed very low reactivity but the azomethine ylide generated from the reaction of aldehyde 5 with N-methylglycine could be trapped with those dipolarophiles to afford new β-substituted octamethylcalix[4]pyrrole derivatives in moderate yields. The resulting cycloadducts show high affinity constants for fluoride and acetate anions; compounds 7 and 8 display sharp changes in color in the presence of these anions.