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  • Linear and crosslinked copolymers of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives and styrene: new synthetic approaches to polymer-bound calix[4]arenes
    Publication . Mendes, Ana R.; Gregório, Carla C.; Barata, Patrícia; Costa, Alexandra I.; Prata, José V.
    As an extension of our previous studies concerning the free radical copolymerisation of 25,26,27-tripropoxy-28-(4-vinyl-benzyloxy)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (3) with styrylic monomers, we report herein on the synthesis and characterisation of new terpolymers derived from 3, styrene and divinylbenzene, having nominal crosslinking degrees ranging from 4% to 40% wt. The terpolymers exhibited good thermal stabilities (DSC) and were prepared in good yields. Depending on the reaction conditions (dilution degree and aqueous phase to porogen ratio), materials with identical nominal crosslinking but otherwise differentiated morphologies and swelling abilities were obtained. In a related study, the radical polymerisation of styrene was carried out in the presence of a novel calix[4]arene derivative 4, bearing two distal benzyl–vinyl groups in the lower rim. It is shown that, albeit the presence of two phenolic groups within the calixarene moiety which could have functioned as inhibitors of the free radical polymerisation, the macrocycle was able to take part in the copolymerisation reaction, yielding new soluble and crosslinked polymers. In both cases, no pendant vinyl groups were found in the polymeric materials. The probable mechanisms underlying their formation are discussed.
  • The synthesis of novel polymer-bound calix[4]arenes
    Publication . Barata, Patrícia; Costa, Alexandra I.; Granja, Paulo; Prata, José V.
    Two simple and efficient procedures for the synthesis of linear and cross-linked polymers containing hydrophobic and hydrophilic lower rim derivatives of p-tert-butylcalix[4]arenes are described. The target polymers were prepared either through the direct attachment of 25,26,27,28-tetrahydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1), or its tripropoxy (2) and tetracarboxymethoxy (4) derivatives, to light cross-linked Merrifield's resins (1–2% DVB) or via radical addition copolymerisation of 25,26,27-tripropoxy-28-(4-vinyl-benzyloxy)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (11) with styrene and a cross-linking agent.
  • Comparative study of the copolymerization kinetics of mono and divinylbenzyl p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivatives and styrene
    Publication . Costa, Alexandra I.; Barata, Patrícia; Prata, José V.
    A study of the copolymerization kinetics of 25,27-bis(4-vinyl-benzyloxy)-26,28-dihydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1) and 25,26,27-tripropoxy-28-(4-vinyl-benzyloxy)-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (2) with styrene (St) was undertaken. The radical copolymerizations were carried outin THF in thepresence ofbenzoyl peroxideat 758C for a certain period. Six molar feed ratios, ranging from 1:1 to 1:20 (1 or 2 to St), were used to calculate the reactivity parameters. The copolymer composition was determined by FT-IR spectroscopy using a Beer’s law plot obtained from the corresponding homopolymers. The reactivity ratio calculations were performed with the linearization methods of Fineman-Ross (F-R) and Kelen-Tu ¨do ¨s (K-T), assuming the validity of the so-called terminal model. In the copolymerization of the monoene 2, similar reactivity ratios were found for the comonomers (ca. 1.2; K-T). On the other hand, the reactivity ratios calculated for the copolymerization of 1 with St yielded rSt 5 0.67 and rcalix 5 3.0 (K-T method). The higher reactivity of monomer 1 as compared to styrene is discussed in connection with our previously postulated cyclocopolymerization route.
  • Highly selective and sensitive detection of toxic metals by fluorescent Bicyclic Calix[4]arene-based sensors
    Publication . D. Barata, Patrícia; Fialho, Carina B.; Prata, José Virgílio; Costa, Alexandra I.
    Development of fast and portable chemosensors for trace detection of toxic metals, in particular those which are mostly present in the environment due to natural phenomenon and human activities (e.g. cadmium, mercury and lead), is a challenging area of current research.1 Calixarenes are one of the most widespread scaffolds in host-guest chemistry because of their rigid structures, which make them perfect candidates for complexation studies with ions and neutral molecules. Metal ions commonly bind at the lower rim of the calixarene moiety. Host-guest interaction can be enhanced by proper choice of additional binding sites containing nitrogen, oxygen, sulfur or a combination of them, and specifically designed calixarene architectures. Exploring the inherent capabilities of certain fluorescent calixarene-based compounds for establishing strong host:guest interactions, several sensing materials have been developed and tested by us towards the detection of neutral molecular species.2. We report in this communication the chemosensing ability of CALIX-OCP-CBZ and CALIX-OCP (Scheme 1) towards the detection of toxic metals, either by using the sensing element in fluid phase or solid state.
  • Radical cyclopolymerization of a divinylbenzyl-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene derivative
    Publication . Costa, Alexandra I.; Barata, Patrícia; Prata, José V.
    The synthesis and characterization of a new homopolymer (poly 1), obtained in the course of the radical polymerization of 25,27-bis-(4-vinyl-benzyloxy)-26,28-dihydroxy-p-tert-butylcalix[4]arene (1), is described. Homopolymerization of 1 in THF, using BPO or thermal initiation, afforded soluble polymers in good isolated yields (60–90%). Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) profiles showed unimodal distributions for all the analyzed polymers, which is indicative that chain branching reactions did not occur to a major extent. Molecular weights (Mn) ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 g mol−1 were reached within a 8 h period, when the reactions were conducted at 0.06–0.5 mol% of BPO or thermally initiated, showing relatively narrow polydispersity indexes (1.5–2.0). The structure of the polymers was deduced upon analysis of their 1H NMR and FT-IR spectra, which, in conjunction with GPC and solubility data led to their formulation as cyclopolymers.