Magic ring catenation by olefin metathesis

[reaction: see text]. Olefin metathesis has been employed in the efficient syntheses of a [2]catenane with the templation being provided by the recognition between a secondary ammonium ion and a crown ether. In one approach, a crown ether precursor has been clipped around an NH2+ center situated in a macrocyclic ring, yielding the mechanically interlocked compound. In the other approach, the reversible nature of olefin metathesis allows for a magic ring synthesis to occur wherein two free macrocycles can be employed as the stationary materials, leading to the formation of the same [2]catenane.     

The effects of conformation on the noncovalent bonding interactions in a bistable donor-acceptor [3]catenane

A switchable donor-acceptor bistable [3]catenane, composed of a crown ether containing a pair of alternating π-electron rich tetrathiafulvalene and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene units, encircled by two π-electron deficient cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) rings, has been synthesised and the redox-activated switching it undergoes investigated.     

Palladium(II)-directed self-assembly of dynamic donor-acceptor [2]catenanes

Highly efficient syntheses of donor-acceptor [2]catenanes were developed using a combination of templation and reversible metal-ligand coordination. The desired [2]catenanes were obtained within minutes through a five-component assembly, involving a donor-containing crown ether, an acceptor-containing ligand, two Pd(II) metal centers, and a dipyridyl ligand. The [2]catenane formation was characterized by 1H NMR and UV-vis spectroscopies and cold-spray ionization mass spectrometry. In particular, great translational selectivity was observed when a crown ether with two different donor units was employed.     

A double ring-closing olefin metathesis approach to [3]catenanes

A [3]catenane with peripheral olefinic macrocycles was conveniently synthesized via a double ring-closing olefin metathesis. Highlights of this work include the synthesis of a 65-membered macrocycle featuring two phenanthroline ligands, a Cu(I)-templated synthesis of a [3]pseudorotaxane, and the key double ring-closing olefin metathesis to afford the desired [3]catenane in 71% yield.     

Unusual solid-state behavior in a neutral [2]catenane bearing a hydrolyzable component

A template-directed strategy to forming a bis(diimide) macrocycle through an intermediate asymmetric [2]catenane is reported. Saponification of the ester linkages within the crown ether component is much slower in the mechanically interlocked structure when compared to the free crown. The predominance of a single translational isomer leads to a dimeric structure, resulting in the generation of infinite channels within the crystal lattice. [structure: see text]     

Intermetallic interactions in face-to-face homo- and heterodinuclear bismacrocyclic complexes of copper(II) and nickel(II)

New face-to-face heterodinuclear complexes containing copper(II) and nickel(II) in identical tetraazamacrocyclic environments have been synthesized and characterized using ESI mass-spectrometry, X-ray diffraction, spectroscopic methods, and elemental analysis. These new bismacrocyclic systems were compared with the respective mono- and bismacrocyclic and [2]catenane homonuclear complexes. Interactions between the metal centers were monitored by magnetic and electrochemical measurements. Magnetic data indicate that all copper compounds studied behave as weakly interacting magnets. In the case of copper [2]catenane, the extent of magnetic interactions decreased when a benzocrown moiety was introduced between the macrocyclic units. On the basis of electrochemical data, the interactions between the metal centers were found to be substantially larger for the nickel complexes than for the corresponding copper ones. Interlocking of a benzocrown ether to form [2]catenane led to a nonequivalence of the metal centers and to the increase of donor abilities of the catenane compared to the respective bismacrocyclic complex. This is reflected by the shift of the first formal potential to less positive values. Intermetallic interactions for the heteronuclear nickel/copper complexes were found intermediary compared to the homonuclear ones. They were strengthened by shortening the spacer between the two tetraazamacrocyclic subunits which is a convenient way of fine-tuning the interactions. The increase of intermetallic interactions led to the increased stability of the intermediate mixed-valence states indicated by the higher values of comproportionation constants.     

Macrocyclization and molecular interlocking via Mitsunobu alkylation: highlighting the role of C-H...O interactions in templating

[reaction: see text] A series of diimide-based macrocycles have been prepared using Mitsunobu-mediated alkylation as the macrocyclization step. These macrocycles could not be incorporated into [2]catenanes using previously established building blocks and coupling methodology. However, when one of the macrocycle syntheses was conducted in the presence of a dinaphtho crown ether, catenane formation was achieved. This result is discussed in terms of the ability of the components to establish intermolecular C-H...O hydrogen-bonding contacts.     

Formation of Self‐Templated 2,6‐Bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine [2]Catenanes by Triazolyl Hydrogen Bonding: Selective Anion Hosts for Phosphate

We report the remarkable ability of 2,6‐bis(1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine ( btp ) compounds 2 with appended olefin amide arms to self‐template the formation of interlocked [2]catenane structures 3 in up to 50 % yield when subjected to olefin ring‐closing metathesis in CH₂Cl₂. X‐ray diffraction crystallography enabled the structural characterization of both the [2]catenane 3 a and the non‐interlocked macrocycle 4 a . These [2]catenanes showed selective triazolyl hydrogen‐bonding interactions with the tetrahedral phosphate anion when screened against a range of ions; 3 a , b are the first examples of selective [2]catenane hosts for phosphate.     

A chiral [2]catenane self-assembled from meso-macrocycles of palladium(II)

Reaction of trans-[PdX2(SMe2)2](X = Cl or Br) with the chiral ligand LL = 1,1'-binaphthyl-2,2'-(NHC(= O)-3-C5H4N)2 gave the [2]catenane complexes trans-[{(PdX2)2(micro-LL)2}2], which are formed by self-assembly from 4 units each of trans-PdX2 and LL. The catenation is favored by the formation of multiple hydrogen bonds between the constituent macrocycles (4 x NHClPd, 2 x NHO double bond C). If the ligand LL is racemic, each macrocycle trans-[(PdX2)2(micro-LL)2] is formed in the meso form trans-[(PdX2)2(micro-R-LL)(micro-S-LL)] but the resulting [2]catenane is chiral as a direct result of the catenation step. This is the first time that this form of chiral [2]catenane has been observed. The enantiomers of the [2]catenane further self-assemble in the crystalline form, through secondary intermolecular PdX bonding, to form a racemic infinite supramolecular polymer of [2]catenanes.     

The topological and chemical implications of introducing oriented rings to [3]catenanes

We report the synthesis of three donor–acceptor azido-functionalised catenanes, wherein the asymmetric positioning of the azide group on one or two of the ring components renders its resident macrocycle constitutionally asymmetric, and so it acts as an oriented ring. As a consequence, the analyses of (i) a monoazido[2]catenane, (ii) a monoazido[3]catenane and (iii) a bisazido[3]catenane, which exists as a mixture of two conditional topological isomers, are significantly complicated. Accordingly, characterisation of the catenanes, which was achieved by a combination of dynamic ¹H NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction, is an arduous task. We expect that the difficulties in analysing these mechanically interlocked molecules will be encountered more frequently as chemists prepare entities with increasingly complex topologies.     

Dynamic [2]catenanes based on a hydrogen bonding-mediated bis-zinc porphyrin foldamer tweezer: a case study

This paper describes the self-assembly of a new class of three-component dynamic [2]catenanes, which are driven or stabilized by intramolecular hydrogen bonding, coordination, and electrostatic interaction. One of the component molecules 2, consisting of an aromatic oligoamide spacer and two peripheral zinc porphyrin units, was designed to adopt a folded preorganized conformation, which is stabilized by consecutive intramolecular three-centered hydrogen bonds. Component molecule 3 is a linear secondary ammonium bearing two peripheral pyridine units, which was designed to form a 1:1 complex with 24-crown-8 (5). The 1H NMR and UV-vis experiments in CDCl3-CD3CN (4:1 v/v) revealed that, due to the preorganized U-shaped feature, 2 could efficiently bind 3 through the cooperative zinc-pyridine coordination to generate highly stable 1:1 complex 2.3. Adding 5 to the 1:1 solution of 2 and 3 led to the formation of dynamic three-component [2]catenane 2.3.5 as a result of the threading of 3 through 5. 1H NMR studies indicated that in the 1:1:1 solution (3 mM) [2]catenane 2.3.5 was generated in 55% yield at 25 degrees C. The yield was increased with the reduction of the temperature and [2]catenane could be produced quantitatively in a 1:1:2 solution ([2]=3 mM) at -13 degrees C. Replacing 3 with 1,2-bis(4,4'-bipyridinium)ethane (4) in the three-component solution could also give rise to similar dynamic [2]catenane 2.4.5 albeit in slightly lower yield.     

Interlocked Porphyrin Switches

We describe the synthesis of a series of interlocked structures from porphyrin–glycoluril cage compounds and bis(olefin)‐terminated viologens by an olefin‐metathesis protocol. The length of the chain connecting the olefin substituents with the viologen has a marked effect on the products of the ring‐closure reaction. Long chains give [2]‐ and [3]catenane structures, whereas short chains give a mixture of [3]‐, [4]‐, and [5]catenanes. For comparison several [2]rotaxane compounds were prepared. The interlocked catenane and rotaxane structures display switching behavior, which can be controlled by the addition of acid and base. The kinetic and thermodynamic parameters of the switching processes have been determined by NMR spectroscopy.     

Macrocycle Dynamics in a Branched [8]Catenane Controlled by Three Different Stimuli in Three Different Regions

A branched [8]catenane from an efficient one-pot synthesis (72 % HPLC yield, 59 % isolated yield) featuring the simultaneous use of three kinds of templates and cucurbit[6]uril-mediated azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CBAAC) for ring-closing is reported. Design and assembly of the [8]catenane precursors are unexpectedly complex that can involve cooperating, competing and non-influencing interactions. Due to the branched structure, dynamics of the [8]catenane can be modulated in different extent by rigidifying/loosening the mechanical bonds at different regions by using solvent polarity, acid-base and metal ions as the stimuli. This work not only highlights the importance of understanding the delicate interplay of the weak and non-obvious supramolecular interactions in the synthesis of high-order [n]catenane, but also demonstrates a complex control of dynamics and flexibility for exploiting [n]catenanes applications.     

New molecular topologies by fourfold metathesis reactions within a hydrogen-bonded calix[4]arene dimer

A calix[4]arene tetrapentyl ether in the cone conformation substituted at its wide rim by four m-(omega-octenyloxy)phenyl urea groups forms hydrogen-bonded dimeric capsules in dichloromethane/benzene (95:5). Metathesis reaction with Grubbs' catalyst under high-dilution conditions (1.1 x 10(-4) M) followed by hydrogenation leads to a covalent connection of all the urea groups within a dimer. Three topologically different products may be expected in such a reaction: a bis[2]catenane, a doubly bridged monocatenane and a tetrabridged capsule. All three possible reaction products could be isolated in an overall yield up to 60 % for the separated and purified compounds. Their identification was based on the NMR patterns which reflect the characteristic symmetry properties of the isomeric products especially in the region of the hydrogen-bonded NH protons and were further confirmed by MALDI-TOF mass spectra. Further structural support for the bis[2]catenane comes from a single-crystal X-ray structure, although severe disorder prevents the localization of all atoms in the aliphatic chains connecting the two calix[4]arenes. Kinetic studies for the guest release/exchange (cyclohexane against the solvent [D(6)]benzene) do not show remarkable differences between the starting dimer and the additionally linked dimers, while the mobility of an included tetraethylammonium cation is obviously more restricted.     

Anion-templated calix[4]arene-based pseudorotaxanes and catenanes

We present the rational design and anion-binding properties of the first anion-templated pseudorotaxanes and catenanes in which the "wheel" component is provided by a calix[4]arene macrobicyclic unit. The designs and syntheses of two new calix[4]arene macrobicycles, 2 and 3, are presented, and the abilities of these new species both to bind anions and to undergo anion-dependent pseudorotaxane formation are demonstrated. Furthermore, it is shown that performing ring-closing metathesis reactions on some of these pseudorotaxane assemblies gives novel catenane species 14 and 15, in which the yield of interlocked molecule obtained is critically dependent on the presence of a suitable anion template, namely, chloride. Exchange of the chloride anion in catenane 14 a for hexafluorophosphate gives catenane 14 d, which contains a unique anion-binding domain defined by the permanently interlocked hydrogen-bond-donating calix[4]arene macrobicycle and pyridinium macrocycle fragments. The anion-binding properties of this domain are presented, and shown to differ from non-interlocked components.     

Half-rotation in a [2]catenane via interconvertible Pd(II) coordination modes

Reaction of a [2]catenane with Pd(OAc)2 binds both macrocycles to the metal, locking them in position; treatment with PdCl2, however, results in coordination of only one ring, producing a half-turn in the relative orientation of the [2]catenane components in both solution and the solid state.     

First Catenane‐Containing Phosphino Groups: A Step toward a Catenane Ligand

A novel [2] catenane containing a diphenylphosphino group on each ring was prepared. Synthesis of the new catenane involved the use of tetraamide rings to form an efficient pseudorotaxane intermediate. The catenane was found to be applicable as a ligand for metal-catalyzed reactions such as Suzuki-Miyaura coupling.     

A [2]catenane containing an upper-rim functionalized calix[4]arene for anion recognition

A novel [2]catenane is synthesized in good yield from an upper-rim functionalized calix[4]arene macrobicycle and a nitro-substituted isophthalamide threading component in the presence of a chloride anion template via a ring-closing metathesis (RCM) reaction. After halide anion template removal the resulting catenane host exhibits a high degree of selectivity for chloride in competitive organic solvent mixtures.     

An electrochemical color-switchable RGB dye: tristable [2]catenane

We propose a design for an electrochemically driven RGB dye based on a tristable [2]catenane, in which the color of the molecule can be switched between Red, Green, and Blue by merely changing voltage. Based on DFT calculations, we conclude that the tristable [2]catenane should consist of a CBPQT4+ ring interlocked with a polyether macrocyle containing DNP (red), TTF (green), and FBZD (blue) units as the tunable RGB color-generating donors. Thus, at controllable voltages 0, V1, and V2, the [2]catenane is expected to display green, blue, and red colors, respectively. The advent of these RGB tristable molecules may have potential applications in low cost paperlike electronic displays.     

Chloride‐Anion‐Templated Synthesis of a Strapped‐Porphyrin‐Containing Catenane Host System

The synthesis, structure and anion‐recognition properties of a new strapped‐porphyrin‐containing [2]catenane anion host system are described. The assembly of the catenane is directed by discrete chloride anion templation acting in synergy with secondary aromatic donor–acceptor and coordinative pyridine–zinc interactions. The [2]catenane incorporates a three‐dimensional, hydrogen‐bond‐donating anion‐binding pocket; solid‐state structural analysis of the catenane?chloride complex reveals that the chloride anion is encapsulated within the catenane’s interlocked binding cavity through six convergent CH????Cl and NH???Cl hydrogen‐bonding interactions and solution‐phase ¹H NMR titration experiments demonstrate that this complementary hydrogen‐bonding arrangement facilitates the selective recognition of chloride over larger halide anions in DMSO solution.