Novel deep cavity calix[4]pyrroles derived from steroidal ketones

Novel steroidal calix[4]pyrroles were prepared in excellent yields from commercially available cholic acid derivatives using an efficient synthetic sequence. Once in hand, it was found that these calix[4]pyrroles exist in the form of four different configurational isomers. Separation of these isomers was achieved readily using normal phase HPLC techniques. Once purified, the steroidal calix[4]pyrroles were screened via -FABMS analyses to judge their utility in effecting the enantioselective recognition of appropriate organic anions. Results that provided support for antipodal R > S selectivity were obtained in the case of both tartaric acid and mandelic acid. Direct extraction studies were then carried out and these confirmed the pattern of R > S selectivity observed by -FABMS.