Metal complexes with macrocyclic ligands. Part XXV. One-step synthesis of mono-N-substituted azamacrocycles with a carboxylic group in the side-chain and their complexes with Cu2+ and Ni2+

Mono-N-substituted azamacrocycles 2 – 7 , containing a carboxyalkyl or carboxyaryl side-chain, are obtained by reacting a five-fold excess of the macrocycle with 1 equiv. of a suitable halogenocarboxylic acid in alkaline aqueous EtOH. For halogenocarboxylic acids, which easily lactonize under alkaline conditions, a variant with the corresponding ester or nitrile as alkylating agent is also described. The salient point of this synthesis lies in the use of an excess of the macrocycle over the alkylating agent, thus reducing the amount of polyalkylation to a minimum, and in the easy separation of the excess of unreacted educt from the aminocarboxylic acid. These new ligands form Ni²⁺ and Cu²⁺ complexes, the spectral properties of which have been studied. In the case of the Cu²⁺ complexes with ligand 2 , 3 , and 6 , a pH-dependent color change is observed. This is explained with an equilibrium between a species, in which the carboxylate group is bound to the metal, and one, in which it is protonated and non-coordinated. In the case of the Ni²⁺ complexes with the same ligands, only the species with a coordinated carboxylate was observed. In the Cu²⁺ and Ni²⁺ complexes with ligands 4 and 5 , however, the carboxylate group does not coordinate at all, because of the length or the special structure of the chain.     

Ligand Exchange Strategy for Tuning of Helicity Inversion Speeds of Dynamic Helical Tri(saloph) Metallocryptands

We developed a new strategy, ligand exchange strategy, for tuning the response speeds of helicity inversion of a metal-containing helical structure. This is based on the exchange of the two axial amine ligands of the octahedral Co³⁺ centers in the metallocryptands [LCo₃X₆] (X=axial amine ligand). The response speeds of the helicity induction were controlled by using different combinations of achiral and chiral amines as the starting and entering ligands, respectively. The response speeds of the helicity inversion from P to M were also tuned by using different combinations of chiral amines.     

α-Amino-iso-Butyric Acid Foldamers Terminated with Rhodium(I) N-Heterocyclic Carbene Catalysts

To investigate how remotely induced changes in ligand folding might affect catalysis by organometallic complexes, dynamic α-amino-iso-butyric acid (Aib) peptide foldamers bearing rhodium(I) N-heterocyclic carbene (NHC) complexes have been synthesized and studied. X-ray crystallography of a foldamer with an N-terminal azide and a C-terminal Rh(NHC)(Cl)(diene) complex showed a racemate with a chiral axis in the Rh(NHC) complex and a distorted 3₁₀ helical body. Replacing the azide with either one or two chiral L-α-methylvaline (L-αMeVal) residues gave diastereoisomeric foldamers that each possessed point, helical and axial chirality. NMR spectroscopy revealed an unequal ratio of diastereoisomers for some foldamers, indicating that the chiral conformational preference of the N-terminal residue(s) was relayed down the 1 nm helical body to the axially chiral Rh(NHC) complex. Although the remote chiral residue(s) did not affect the stereoselectivity of hydrosilylation reactions catalysed by these foldamers, these studies suggest a potential pathway towards remote conformational control of organometallic catalysts.     

Axial Ligand exchange in chiral macrocyclic ytterbium(III) complexes

We investigate the role of axial ligands on the near-IR-optical and paramagnetic NMR spectra of the complex [YbL](+3) where L is the stereodefined enantiopure chiral macrocycle (L = hexaazapentacyclo[25.3.1.1(12,24).0(4,9).0(19,24)]dotriaconta-1(31),2,10,12,14,16(32),17,25,27,29-decaene). The conformation in solution of the lanthanide complex is characterized by analyzing the pseudocontact 1H NMR shifts and is consistent with X-ray data of single crystal of analogue systems. The macrocycle is confined within a thin equatorial disk, leaving the cation open to at least two axial sites, on the opposite hemispheres. We recorded, assigned, and analyzed the 1H NMR spectra of several species upon changing the anion in solution, calculating the magnetic susceptibility anisotropy tensor for each. Near-IR circular dichroism is used to investigate the solution equilibria involving the competing ligands and to derive a spectroscopic series for Yb.     

Design of Chiral β-Double Helices from γ-Peptide Foldamers

Chirality is ubiquitous in nature, and homochirality is manifested in many biomolecules. Although β-double helices are rare in peptides and proteins, they consist of alternating L- and D-amino acids. No peptide double helices with homochiral amino acids have been observed. Here, we report chiral β-double helices constructed from γ-peptides consisting of alternating achiral (E)-α,β-unsaturated 4,4-dimethyl γ-amino acids and chiral (E)-α,β-unsaturated γ-amino acids in both single crystals and in solution. The two independent strands of the same peptide intertwine to form a β-double helix structure, and it is stabilized by inter-strand hydrogen bonds. The peptides with chiral (E)-α,β-unsaturated γ-amino acids derived from α-L-amino acids adopt a (P)-β-double helix, whereas peptides consisting of (E)-α,β-unsaturated γ-amino acids derived from α-D-amino acids adopt an (M)-β-double helix conformation. The circular dichroism (CD) signature of the (P) and (M)-β-double helices and the stability of these peptides at higher temperatures were examined. Furthermore, ion transport studies suggested that these peptides transport ions across membranes. Even though the structural analogy suggests that these new β-double helices are structurally different from those of the α-peptide β-double helices, they retain ion transport activity. The results reported here may open new avenues in the design of functional foldamers.     

Conformationally Locked Cyclo[2]Dipyrrins Linked with Anthracene Subunits: Synthesis and Chiroptical Properties

Herein, we report the synthesis of anthracene-containing twisted cyclo[2]dipyrrin 1 by utilizing a non-planar building block, 1,5-dipyrrylanthracene (1,5-DPA). The non-planar nature of the macrocycle enhanced the solubility and helped in structural characterization. Macrocycle 1 adopts a twisted ‘figure of eight’ conformation stabilized by strong intramolecular H-bonding interactions and exists as a pair of helical enantiomers, as revealed by X-ray crystallographic analysis. More importantly, the sterically locked structure enabled facile optical resolution using chiral HPLC. The (P,P) and (M,M) enantiomers show moderate chiroptical properties, such as absorption dissymmetry factors |g_abs| in the order of 10⁻³, and luminescence dissymmetry factors |g_lum| of 3.8×10⁻³ and 2.9×10⁻³ at 702 nm, respectively.     

Chiral single-stranded metallohelix: metal-mediated folding of linear oligooxime ligand

A linear tetraoxime ligand H₄L bearing chiral (S)-2-hydroxylpropyl groups at both ends was synthesized. Complexation between H₄L with Zn²⁺ and Mⁿ⁺ (=Ca²⁺, Y³⁺, La³⁺) afforded helical trinuclear complex [LZn₂M]ⁿ⁺. The helical sense was the most effectively induced when Ca²⁺ was used as the central metal Mⁿ⁺.     

Molecular Recognition by Zn(II)-Capped Dynamic Foldamers

Two α-aminoisobutyric acid (Aib) foldamers bearing Zn(II)-chelating N-termini have been synthesized and compared with a reported Aib foldamer that has a bis(quinolinyl)/mono(pyridyl) cap (BQPA group). Replacement of the quinolinyl arms of the BQPA-capped foldamer with pyridyl gave a BPPA-capped foldamer, then further replacement of the linking pyridyl with a 1,2,3-triazole gave a BPTA-capped foldamer. Their ability to relay chiral information from carboxylate bound to Zn(II) at the N-terminus to a glycinamide-based NMR reporter of conformational preference at the C-terminus was measured. The importance of the quinolinyl arms became readily apparent, as the foldamers with pyridyl arms were unable to report on the presence of chiral carboxylate in acetonitrile. Low solubility, X-ray crystallography and ¹H NMR spectroscopy suggested that interfoldamer interactions inhibited carboxylate binding. However changing solvent to methanol revealed that the end-to-end relay of chiral information could be observed for the Zn(II) complex of the BPTA-capped foldamer at low temperature.     

Stereospecificity and Self-Selectivity in the Generation of a Chiral Molecular Tetrahedron by Metal-Assisted Self-Assembly

The chiral bidentate ligand (S,S)-1 reacts stereospecifically with Ga³⁺ to generate a [Ga₄(L)₆]¹²⁻ molecular tetrahedron although similar ligands generate [Ga₂(L)₃]⁶⁻ complexes. The assembly of this complex is self-selective as a racemic mixture of the ligand sorts by chirality to generate an enantiomeric pair of homochiral complexes.     

Poly[[diaqua‐μ‐4,4′‐bipyridine‐dinitratodi‐μ‐l‐tyrosinato‐dicopper(II)]: a chiral two‐dimensional coordination polymer

The title compound, [Cu₂(C₉H₁₀NO₃)₂(NO₃)₂(C₁₀H₈N₂)(H₂O)₂]_n, contains Cu^II atoms and l ‐tyrosinate (l ‐tyr) and 4,4′‐bipyridine (4,4′‐bipy) ligands in a 2:2:1 ratio. Each Cu atom is coordinated by one amino N atom and two carboxylate O atoms from two l ‐tyr ligands, one N atom from a 4,4′‐bipy ligand, a monodentate nitrate ion and a water molecule in an elongated octahedral geometry. Adjacent Cu atoms are bridged by the bidentate carboxylate groups into a chain. These chains are further linked by the bridging 4,4′‐bipy ligands, forming an undulated chiral two‐dimensional sheet. O—H...O and N—H...O hydrogen bonds connect the sheets in the [100] direction. This study offers useful information for the engineering of chiral coordination polymers with amino acids and 4,4′‐bipy ligands by considering the ratios of the metal ion and organic components.     

The phosphate–carboxylate mixed-anhydride method: a mild,efficient process for ester and amide bond construction

A highly efficient carboxylate–phosphate anhydride pathway is described for the direct, economical synthesis of esters and amides from carboxylic acids and alcohols or amines. The reaction proceeds with retention of configuration with both chiral secondary alcohols and α-amino acid derivatives allowing access to useful chiral auxiliaries, ligands, and organocatalysts. Ester and amide products can be isolated directly in high yield due to the water soluble nature of the side products.     

Enantiomerically pure chiral pyridino-crown ethers: synthesis and enantioselectivity toward the enantiomers of α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorate

Seven new enantiomerically pure chiral pyridino-crown ethers (S,S)-4–(R,R)-10 were prepared. Three of them [(S,S)-4, (S,S)-7 and (R,R)-10] contain one, and two of them [(S,S)-5 and (S,S)-8] contain two linker chains with a terminal double bond. These linker chains were connected to the carbon atom at position 9 (opposite the pyridine moiety) of the macrocycle. The terminal double bond of the linker makes it possible to attach these ligands to silica gel to obtain chiral stationary phases (CSPs). The enantioselectivity of the new ligands toward the enantiomers of α-(1-naphthyl)ethylammonium perchlorate (NEA) was also determined by a titration ¹H NMR method.     

Epimerization, diastereoselectivity and hemilability in dicationic chiral ruthenium complexes with bidentate (PS) bisphosphine monosulfide ligands

The binding of heterobidentate P^∧S ligands introduces metal-centered chirality to the planar chiral parent complex Ru(η⁶:η¹-NMe₂C₆H₄C₆H₄PCy₂)Cl₂. Observed diastereomeric ratios for the kinetic product vary dramatically depending upon ring size of the chelate formed with the P^∧S ligand. The complexes epimerize very slowly to thermodynamic product ratios that are substantially different from the kinetic product ratios.     

Yellow Circularly Polarized Luminescence from C1-Symmetrical Copper(I) Complexes

The synthesis of chiral C₁-symmetrical copper(I) complexes supported by chiral carbene ligands is described. These complexes are yellow emitters with modest quantum yields. Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra show a polarized emission band with dissymmetry factors |g_lum|=1.2×10⁻³. These complexes are the first reported examples of molecular copper(I) complexes exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence. In contrast with most CPL-emitting molecules, which possess either helical or axial chirality, the results presented show that simple chiral architectures are suitable for CPL emission and unlock new synthetic possibilities.     

Yellow Circularly Polarized Luminescence from C1‐Symmetrical Copper(I) Complexes

The synthesis of chiral C₁‐symmetrical copper(I) complexes supported by chiral carbene ligands is described. These complexes are yellow emitters with modest quantum yields. Circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) spectra show a polarized emission band with dissymmetry factors |g_lum|=1.2×10^?3. These complexes are the first reported examples of molecular copper(I) complexes exhibiting circularly polarized luminescence. In contrast with most CPL‐emitting molecules, which possess either helical or axial chirality, the results presented show that simple chiral architectures are suitable for CPL emission and unlock new synthetic possibilities.     

Supramolecular chiral phosphorous ligands based on a [2]pseudorotaxane complex for asymmetric hydrogenation

A new type of supramolecular chiral phosphorus-based ligands was prepared from easily available monodentate ligands through complexation between dibenzylammonium salt and dibenzo[24]crown-8 macrocycle. Rhodium complexes with these supramolecular ligands were prepared, and the supramolecular bidentate ligand-containing catalyst has demonstrated better catalytic activity for all substrates, and higher enantioselectivity except for the ortho-substituted substrates than those obtained from the parent monodentate ligand in the asymmetric hydrogenation of α-dehydroamino acid esters.     

Axial ligand influence on geometries, charge distributions and electronic structures of iron tetraazamacrocycle [FeTIM(X)(Y)] complexes assessed by Density Functional Theory

We employed the Density Functional Theory along with small basis sets, B3LYP/LANL2DZ, for the study of FeTIM complexes with different pairs of axial ligands (CO, H₂O, NH₃, imidazole and CH₃CN). These calculations did not result in relevant changes of molecular quantities as bond lengths, vibrational frequencies and electronic populations supporting any significant back-donation to the carbonyl or acetonitrile axial ligands. Moreover, a back-donation mechanism to the macrocycle cannot be used to explain the observed changes in molecular properties along these complexes with CO or CH₃CN. This work also indicates that complexes with CO show smaller binding energies and are less stable than complexes with CH₃CN. Further, the electronic band with the largest intensity in the visible region (or close to this region) is associated to the transition from an occupied 3d orbital on iron to an empty π^∗ orbital located at the macrocycle. The energy of this Metal-to-Ligand Charge Transfer (MLCT) transition shows a linear relation to the total charge of the macrocycle in these complexes as given by Mulliken or Natural Population Analysis (NPA) formalisms. Finally, the macrocycle total charge seems to be influenced by the field induced by the axial ligands.     

Chiral Overpass Induction in Dynamic Helical Polymers Bearing Pendant Groups with Two Chiral Centers

The dynamic behavior of helical polymers bearing pendant groups with two chiral centers was studied. Controlled conformational changes at the chiral units placed either closer to or further away from the main chain promote different helical structures. Although the first residue is usually responsible for determining a specific helicity (P or M), we now found that the second chiral center is also able to induce a preferred helical sense when it is located closer in space to the main chain, thereby cancelling the order from the first chiral moiety. This result was achieved through proper coordination with a metal cation. As proof of concept, poly(phenylacetylene)s (PPAs) that bear one and two chiral amino acid units of different sizes and configuration combinations (l /d ‐alanine and l /d ‐phenylalanine) as pendants were evaluated. In total, ten polymers were studied. This constitutes the first report of axial control from a remote stereocenter in polymers bearing complex chiral pendants.     

Synthesis of chiral helical poly[p-(oligopinanylsiloxanyl)phenylacetylene]s and enantioselective permeability of their membranes

To develop better polymeric materials for optical-resolution membranes, we synthesized nine chiral phenylacetylenes containing pinanyl groups. We used them to investigate the effects of chemical structures, including the number and position of the chiral groups in the monomers, on the induction of chirality in the main chain during polymerization and on the degree of enantioselectivity in the permeation of the polymeric membranes. The monomers included six new chiral p-(oligomethylpinanylsiloxanyl)phenylacetylenes. The homopolymerizations of these nine monomers with a Rh complex produced high-molecular-weight polymers (molecular weight = 10⁵–10⁶). Of the five polymers with a chiral pinanyl group at the 1-position of each oligosiloxanyl group, all except for two polymers showed high molar ellipticity in the main-chain region in the circular dichroism spectra. This finding indicated that these polymers had a chiral helical main chain. The membranes fabricated from all the polymers synthesized in this study were high-quality, except for two polymers. All these membranes showed enantioselective permeabilities for two amino acids and an alcohol. The membranes from the polymers with a chiral helical backbone, a high content of pinanyl groups, no oligodimethylsiloxane moieties, or a combination of these showed good enantioselectivities (= 1.7–640) in permeation. We propose that the sense of the main-chain helicity determined the selectivity. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 42: 4502–4517, 2004