1H and 7 Li NMR Study on the Complex Formation of Lithium Cations with Pyridinium Derivatives of Calix[4]arenes.

Complexation of lithium ions by three chromoionophoric calix[4]arenes has been studied by ¹H and ⁷Li NMR spectroscopy. The signalling unit of the chromoionophores is the N-methylpyridinium(methyleneimino) group in conjugation with a phenolic group of the calixarene ring while the coordination spheres contain esteric (ethoxycarbonylmethoxy) or etheric (ethoxy, propoxy) units. ¹H NMR and NOESY measurements suggest the dominance of cone conformations of the calixarene rings with slight, solvent-dependent distortions. Complexation occurs only in the presence of a weak base. The interaction with lithium ions causes a broadening of both the ¹H and ⁷Li NMR signals. Analysis of the chemical shifts in the three complexes indicates a different coordination environment for the lithium with the calixarene containing esteric groups from those having etheric groups. This explains the differences in the stabilities of the lithium complexes of the two types of calixarenes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]