Conjugated 1,3-diketone calix[4]arenes: synthesis, complexation and structure-dependent sensitizing of Eu3+-luminescence

This work presents new type of bis-1,3-diketone calix[4]arene derivatives, in which the chelate groups are directly conjugated through the carbonyl carbon atom with aromatic fragments of calix[4]arene, and their lower rims bear four propoxy groups or pairs of hydroxy and propoxy groups. Tetrapropoxy-calix[4]arene is synthesized by acylation of magnesium enolates of a calix[4]arene ketone with 1-benzoylbenzotriazoles, and the dipropoxy analogue is obtained by bromination of bis(chalcone)-calix[4]arene, followed by methanolysis and hydrolysis. Significant conjugation of 1,3-diketo groups with the π-system of calix[4]arene is revealed for calixarenes of both types. Analysis of complexes formed by the ligands using the UV–Vis and NMR diffusion methods in combination with DFT calculations makes it possible to identify differences in the modes of complex formation of di- and tetrapropoxy- substituted ligands. It is demonstrated that a more enhanced sensibilization of Eu³⁺-luminescence in complexes with dipropoxy-calix[4]arene compared to that for complexes with tetrapropoxy-counterpart correlates with the formation of a tetrameric structure, in which the binding of Eu³⁺ ions does not disturb the conjugation of 1,3-diketonate moieties with aromatic calix[4]arene fragments. This is quite different from the significant disturbance of conjugation during intramolecular bis-chelation of Eu³⁺ ion by 1,3-diketo groups of tetraalkyl substituted ligand.