Calix[6]pyrrole and hybrid calix[n]furan[m]pyrroles (n+m=6): Syntheses and host-guest chemistry

Calix[6]pyrrole 2 and the "hybrid systems" calix[3]furan[3]pyrrole 12, calix[2]furan[4]pyrrole 13, and calix[l]-furan[5]pyrrole 14, have been synthesized by increasing conversion of the furan units present in the readily accessible calix[6]furan 3 to pyrroles. The host-guest chemistry of these novel macrocycles towards a number of anions, including halogen ions, dihydrogen phosphate, hydrogen sulfate, nitrate, and cyanide has been investigated in solution by 1H NMR titration techniques and/or phase transfer experiments. The solid-state structures of the free receptors 2, 12, and 13, the 1:1 complexes of calix[6]pyrrole 2 with chloride and bromide, and the 1:1 complex of 14 with chloride are also reported.