Star/Linear Polymer Topology Transformation Facilitated by Mechanical Linking of Polymer Chains

Topology transformation of a star polymer to a linear polymer is demonstrated for the first time. A three‐armed star polymer possessing a mechanical linking of two polymer chains was synthesized by the living ring‐opening polymerization of δ‐valerolactone initiated by a pseudo[2]rotaxane having three hydroxy groups as the initiator sites on the wheel component and at both axle termini. The polymerization was followed by the propagation end‐capping reaction with a bulky isocyanate not only to prevent the wheel component deslippage but also to introduce the urethane moiety at the axle terminal. The resulting rotaxane‐linked star polymer with a fixed rotaxane linkage based on the ammonium/crown ether interaction was subjected to N‐acetylation of the ammonium moiety, which liberated the components from the interaction to move the wheel component to the urethane terminal as the interaction site, eventually affording the linear polymer. The physical property change caused by the present topology transformation was confirmed by the hydrodynamic volume and viscosity.     

Controlling the rate of shuttling motions in [2]rotaxanes by electrostatic interactions: a cation as solvent-tunable brake

A series of rotaxanes, with phenolic axle centerpieces and tetralactam macrocycles as the wheels, has been prepared in good yields. The threaded rotaxane structure is confirmed in the gas phase by tandem mass spectrometric experiments through a detailed fragmentation pattern analysis, in solution by NMR spectroscopy, and in the solid state through X-ray crystallography. A close inspection of the 1H,1H NOESY and 1H,1H ROESY NMR data reveals the wheel to travel along the axle between two degenerate diamide "stations" close to the two stoppers. By deprotonation of a phenolic OH group in the axle centerpiece with Schwesinger's P1 base, surprisingly no additional shuttling station is generated at the axle center, although the wheel could form rather strong hydrogen bonds with the phenolate. Instead, the wheel continues to travel between the two diamide stations. Experimental data from 1H,1H NOESY spectra, together with theoretical calculations, show that strong electrostatic interactions between the phenolate moiety and the P1 cation displace the wheel from the "phenolate station". The cation acts as a "brake" for the shuttling movement. Instead of suppressing the shuttling motion completely, as observed in other rotaxanes, our rotaxane is the first system in which electrostatic interactions modulate the speed of the mechanical motion between a fast and a slow motion state as a response to a reversible external stimulus. By tuning these electrostatic interactions through solvent effects, the rate of movement can be influenced significantly, when for example different amounts of DMSO are added to dichloromethane. Besides the shuttling motion, circumrotation of the wheel around the axle is observed and analyzed by variable temperature NMR spectroscopy. Force field and AM1 calculations are in good agreement with the experimental findings.     

Synthesis of a pH‐Sensitive Hetero[4]Rotaxane Molecular Machine that Combines [c2]Daisy and [2]Rotaxane Arrangements

The synthesis of a novel pH‐sensitive hetero[4]rotaxane molecular machine through a self‐sorting strategy is reported. The original tetra‐interlocked molecular architecture combines a [c2]daisy chain scaffold linked to two [2]rotaxane units. Actuation of the system through pH variation is possible thanks to the specific interactions of the dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8) macrocycles for ammonium, anilinium, and triazolium molecular stations. Selective deprotonation of the anilinium moieties triggers shuttling of the unsubstituted DB24C8 along the [2]rotaxane units.     

Molecular dynamics study of 2rotaxanes: influence of solvation and cation on co-conformation

The conformational preference of a [2]rotaxane system has been examined by molecular dynamics simulations. The rotaxane wheel consists of two bridged binding components: a cis-dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether and a 1,3-phenyldicarboxamide, and the penetrating axle consists of a central isophthaloyl unit with phenyltrityl capping groups. The influence of solvation on the co-conformation of the [2]rotaxane was evaluated by comparing the conformational flexibility in two solvents: chloroform and dimethyl sulfoxide. Attention was also paid to the effect of cation binding on the dynamical properties of the [2]rotaxane. The conformational stability of the [2]rotaxane was calculated using a MM/PB-SA strategy, and the occurrence of specific motions was examined by essential dynamics analysis. The changes in the co-conformational properties in the two solvents and upon cation binding are discussed in light of the available NMR data. The results indicate that in chloroform solution the [2]rotaxane system exists as a mixture of co-conformational states including some that have hydrogen bonds between axle C=O and wheel NH groups. Analysis of the simulations allow us to hypothesize that the [2]rotaxane's circumrotation motion can occur as the result of a dynamic process that combines a preliminary axle sliding step that breaks these hydrogen bonds and a conformational change in the ester group more distant from the wheel. In contrast, no hydrogen-bonded co-conformation was found in dimethyl sulfoxide, which appears to be due to the preferential formation of hydrogen bonds between the wheel NH groups with solvent molecules. Moreover, the axle experiences notable changes in anisotropic shielding, which would explain why the NMR signals are broadened in this solvent. Insertion of a sodium cation into the crown ether reduces co-conformational flexibility due to an interaction of the axle with the cation. Overall, the results reveal how both solvent and ionic atmosphere can influence the co-conformational preferences of rotaxanes.     

Energy Transfer and Concentration‐Dependent Conformational Modulation: A Porphyrin‐Containing [3]Rotaxane

A zinc porphyrin‐containing [3]rotaxane A was synthesized through a copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) reaction. Energy donors and acceptor porphyrin were introduced to dibenzo[24]crown‐8 (DB24C8) and dibenzyl ammonium (DBA) units of [3]rotaxane A to understand the intramolecular energy transfer process. Investigations of the photophysical properties of [3]rotaxane A demonstrated that the intramolecular efficient energy transfer readily occurred from the donors on the wheels to the porphyrin center on the axis. The fluorescence of energy donors in the region of 400 to 450 nm was efficiently absorbed by the porphyrin acceptor under irradiation at 345 nm, and finally a red light emission at about 600 nm was achieved. Further investigation indicated that the conformation of [3]rotaxane A was self‐modulated by changing its concentration in CH₂Cl₂. The triazole groups on the wheel coordinated or uncoordinated to Zn²⁺ through intramolecular self‐coordination with the change in the concentration of [3]rotaxane A in CH₂Cl₂. Therefore, this conformational change was reversible in a non‐coordinating solvent such as CH₂Cl₂ but inhibited in a coordinating solvent such as THF. Such interesting behaviors were rarely observed in porphyrin derivatives. This self‐modulation feature opens up the possibility of controlling molecular conformation by varying concentration.     

Accordion‐Like Motion in Electrochemically Switchable Crown Ether/Ammonium Oligorotaxanes

Reversible oxidation reactions in electrochemically switchable oligorotaxanes with tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) decorated 24‐crown‐8 ether wheels generate intramolecular mixed‐valence and radical‐cation interactions between the wheels. This induces shuttling of the wheels and a contraction of inter‐wheel distances. Further oxidation generates repulsive forces between the TTFs and maximizes the inter‐wheel distances instead. These interactions and co‐conformational changes were not observed for structurally similar controls in which acetyl groups along the axle prevent translational motion of the wheels. This operation mode of oligorotaxanes, which is reminiscent of an accordion‐like motion, is promising for functional materials and nanodevices such as piston‐type rotaxane motors.     

The Effect of Incorporating Fréchet Dendrons into Rotaxanes and Molecular Shuttles Containing the 1,2‐Bis(pyridinium)ethane⊂[24]Crown‐8 Templating Motif

Fréchet‐type dendrons (G0–G3) were added as both axle stoppering units and cyclic wheel appendages in a series of [2]rotaxanes, [3]rotaxanes, and molecular shuttles that employ 1,2‐bis(pyridinium)ethane axles and 24‐membered crown ethers wheels. The addition of dendrimer wedges as stoppering units dramatically increased the solubility of simple [2]rotaxanes in nonpolar solvents. The X‐ray structure of a G1‐stoppered [2]rotaxane shows how the dendritic units affect the structure of the interlocked components. Increased solubility allows observation of how the interaction of dendritic units on separate components in interlocked molecules influences switching properties and molecular size. In a series of [2]rotaxane molecular shuttles incorporating two recognition sites, it was demonstrated that an increase in generation on either the stoppering unit or cyclic wheel could influence both the rate of shuttling and the site preference of the wheel on the axle.     

Crown ether-tert-ammonium salt complex fixed as rotaxane and its derivation to nonionic rotaxane

First rotaxane having tert-ammonium axle was prepared from tert-ammonium salt axle and dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether (DB24C8) wheel, suggesting that tert-ammonium salt axle forms the corresponding threaded complex with a crown ether. Same rotaxane was obtained quantitatively by N-methylation of sec-ammonium-type rotaxane. The tert-ammonium-type rotaxane was neutralized with amine base to tert-amine-type rotaxane in 100% yield, indicating the first isolation of ‘nonionic’ amine-type rotaxane. The reversible protonation and deprotonation of tert-amine-type rotaxane were achieved.     

Insights into the Difference Between Rotaxane and Pseudorotaxane

Rotaxane and pseudorotaxane are two types of mechanically interlocked molecular architectures, and there is a clear topological difference and boundary between them. In this work, a “suggested [2]rotaxane 1 ⊂α‐CD” was constructed based on axle molecule 1 bearing two terminal ferrocene groups and a wheel component α‐cyclodextrin (α‐CD), but the result obtained indicated that the ferrocene group cannot prevent α‐CD dethreading under UV irradiation. That is, 1 ⊂α‐CD is just a pseudo[2]rotaxane. Furthermore, the two ferrocene groups in 1 ⊂α‐CD were encapsulated by two cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) units to obtain a heteropseudo[4]rotaxane 1 ⊂α‐CD⋅2CB[7]. This heteropseudo[4]rotaxane displayed high stability towards harsh temperatures and the isomerization of azobenzene in 1 , so it can be regarded as a [2]rotaxane. In this [2]rotaxane, the stoppers are not the bulky groups covalently bonded to the axle, but the cyclic CB[7] units connected through noncovalent interactions.     

Weinreb Amide,Ketone and Amine as Potential and Competitive Secondary Molecular Stations for Dibenzo-[24]Crown-8 in [2]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttles

This paper reports the synthesis and study of new pH-sensitive DB24C8-based [2]rotaxane molecular shuttles that contain within their axle four potential sites of interaction for the DB24C8: ammonium, amine, Weinreb amide, and ketone. In the protonated state, the DB24C8 lay around the best ammonium site. After either deprotonation or deprotonation-then-carbamoylation of the ammonium, different localizations of the DB24C8 were seen, depending on both the number and nature of the secondary stations and steric restriction. Unexpectedly, the results indicated that the Weinreb amide was not a proper secondary molecular station for the DB24C8. Nevertheless, through its methoxy side chain, it slowed down the shuttling of the macrocycle along the threaded axle, thereby partitioning the [2]rotaxane into two translational isomers on the NMR timescale. The ketone was successfully used as a secondary molecular station, and its weak affinity for the DB24C8 was similar to that of a secondary amine.     

Controlled molecular motions in copper-complexed rotaxanes: an XAS study

The environment of the central metal of a molecular machine-like copper rotaxane was observed by XAS experiments. The wheel of the rotaxane is a hetero-bischelating macrocycle containing both bidentate (phenanthroline) and terdentate (terpyridine) moieties. The axle of the assembly contains only a bidentate moiety. Applying an external chemical stimulus-oxidation of the metal-increases the number of coordinating atoms required by the metal template from 4 to 5. This variation is consistent with the oscillation of the wheel around the axle, leading thus to the most stable environment for the metal in the Cu(II) rotaxane.     

Cationic and Neutral Rotaxanes Having Different Functional Groups in the Axle Molecule and Their Coordination to PtII

Dibenzo[24]crown‐8 (DB24C8) forms rotaxanes with a linear molecule having a dialkylammonium group and a triazole group as well as with the acetylation product of a cationic axle molecule. The former cationic rotaxane is stabilized by multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the NH₂⁺ and oxyethylene groups. The neutral rotaxane contains the macrocycle in the vicinity of the terminal aryl group. The co‐conformation of both the cationic and neutral rotaxanes can be fixed by coordination of the triazole group of the axle molecule to PtCl₂(dmso)₂. A ¹H NMR spectroscopic study on the thermodynamics of the Pt coordination revealed a larger association constant for the rotaxanes than for the corresponding axle molecules and a larger value for the neutral rotaxane than for the cationic rotaxane.     

Construction of anion‐responsive crosslinked polypseudorotaxane based on molecular recognition of pillar[5]arene

A pillar[5]arene pendant polymer (Poly‐P[5]A) is synthesized via ROMP using Grubb's first‐generation catalyst. GPC analysis of the polymer suggested ~30 pendant pillar[5]arene units in the polymer. Supramolecular polypseudorotaxane assembly is constructed by intermolecularly crosslinking pendant pillar[5]arene units using a bispyridinium guest via host–guest complexation. Formation of the polypseudorotaxane assembly is characterized by 1D/2D NMR techniques and DLS analysis. Moreover, anion‐responsiveness of the polypseudorotaxane assembly is demonstrated by ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis using chloride anion as external stimulus. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the poly‐P[5]A showed breath‐figure assembly and upon crosslinking with G.2PF₆ the polymer self‐assemble to give a supramolecular polymer network. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1508–1515     

Macromolecular Recognition and Macroscopic Interactions by Cyclodextrins

Herein macromolecular recognition by cyclodextrins (CDs) is summarized. Recognition of macromolecules by CDs is classified as main‐chain recognition or side‐chain recognition. We found that CDs form inclusion complexes with various polymers with high selectivity. Polyrotaxanes in which many CDs are entrapped in a polymer chain were prepared. Tubular polymers were prepared from the polyrotaxanes. CDs were found to recognize side‐chains of polymers selectively. CD host polymers were found to form gels with guest polymers in water. These gels showed self‐healing properties. When azobenzene was used as a guest, the gel showed sol‐gel transition by photoirradiation. When ferrocene was used, redox‐responsive gels were obtained. Macroscopic self‐assembly through molecular recognition has been discovered. Photoswitchable gel association and dissociation have been observed.     

Templated conversion of a crown ether-containing macrobicycle into [2]rotaxanes

A crown ether-containing macrobicycle was used as the wheel component in a templated synthesis of a [2]rotaxane with an acetal-containing axle. The molecular structures of the macrobicycle and the [2]rotaxane were characterized by NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. The chloride-binding ability of the macrobicycle, either free in solution or when it is part of a [2]rotaxane, is quite weak as determined by NMR titration experiments. A second analogous [2]rotaxane, with a longer axle, was synthesized, and its solvent-dependent co-conformation was characterized by 2D NMR spectroscopy. The position of the wheel along the axle can be controlled by the solvent polarity, however, attempts to use metal cations such as Na(+), K(+), Ba(2+), and Ag(+) to switch the wheel position in polar solvents were unsuccessful.     

Integrative Self‐Sorting: One‐Pot Synthesis of a Hetero[4]rotaxane from a Daisy‐Chain‐Containing Hetero[4]pseudorotaxane

The structural complexity of mechanically interlocked molecules are very attractive to chemists owing to the challenges they present. In this article, novel mechanically interlocked molecules with a daisy‐chain‐containing hetero[4]rotaxane motif were efficiently synthesized. In addition, a novel integrative self‐sorting strategy is demonstrated, involving an ABB‐type (A for host, dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8), and B for guest, ammonium salt sites) monomer and a macrocycle host, benzo‐21‐crown‐7 (B21C7), in which the assembled species in hydrogen‐bonding‐supported solvent only includes a novel daisy‐chain‐containing hetero[4]pseudorotaxane. The found self‐sorting process involves the integrative recognition between B21C7 macrocycles and carefully designed components simultaneously containing two types of secondary ammonium ions and a host molecule, DB24C8 crown ether. The self‐sorting strategy is integrative to undertake self‐recognition behavior to form one single species of pseudorotaxane compared with the previous report. This self‐sorting system can be used for the efficient one‐pot synthesis of a daisy‐chain‐containing hetero[4]rotaxane in a good yield. The structure of hetero[4]rotaxane was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution electrospray ionization (HR‐ESI) mass spectrometry.     

Which One is Bulkier: The 3,5‐Dimethylphenyl or the 2,6‐Dimethylphenyl Group? Development of Size‐Complementary Molecular and Macromolecular [2]Rotaxanes

We developed novel size‐complementary molecular and macromolecular rotaxanes using a 2,6‐dimethylphenyl terminal group as the axle‐end‐cap group in dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8‐ether (DB24C8)‐based rotaxanes, where the 2,6‐dimethylphenyl group was found to be less bulky than the 3,5‐dimethylphenyl group. A series of molecular and macromolecular [2]rotaxanes that bear a 2,6‐dimethylphenyl group as the axle‐end‐cap were synthesized using unsubstituted and fluorine‐substituted DB24C8. Base‐induced decomposition into their constituent components confirmed the occurrence of deslipping, which supports the size‐complementarity of these rotaxanes. The deslipping rate was independent of the axle length but dependent on the DB24C8 substituents. A kinetic study indicated the rate‐determining step was that in which the wheel is getting over the end‐cap group, and deslipping proceeded via a hopping‐over mechanism. Finally, the present deslipping behavior was applied to a stimulus‐degradable polymer as an example for the versatile utility of this concept in the context of stimulus‐responsive materials.     

Calix[4]arene‐Based Rotaxane Host Systems for Anion Recognition

The synthesis, structure and anion binding properties of the first calix[4]arene‐based [2]rotaxane anion host systems are described. Rotaxanes 9? Cl and 12? Cl, consisting of a calix[4]arene functionalised macrocycle wheel and different pyridinium axle components, are prepared via adaption of an anion templated synthetic strategy to investigate the effect of preorganisation of the interlocked host’s binding cavity on anion binding. Rotaxane 12? Cl contains a conformationally flexible pyridinium axle, whereas rotaxane 9? Cl incorporates a more preorganised pyridinium axle component. The X‐ray crystal structure of 9? Cl and solution phase ¹H NMR spectroscopy demonstrate the successful interlocking of the calix[4]arene macrocycle and pyridinium axle components in the rotaxane structures. Following removal of the chloride anion template, anion binding studies on the resulting rotaxanes 9? PF₆ and 12? PF₆ reveal the importance of preorganisation of the host binding cavity on anion binding. The more preorganised rotaxane 9? PF₆ is the superior anion host system. The interlocked host cavity is selective for chloride in 1:1 CDCl₃/CD₃OD and remains selective for chloride and bromide in 10 % aqueous media over the more basic oxoanions. Rotaxane 12? PF₆ with a relatively conformationally flexible binding cavity is a less effective and discriminating anion host system although the rotaxane still binds halide anions in preference to oxoanions.     

One‐pot synthesis of polyrotaxane by clipping and cyclopolymerization of α,ω‐diethynyl isophthalamide with pyridiniumdicarboxamide chloride

The one‐pot synthesis of a main chain‐type polyrotaxane composed of axle molecules threaded through the macrocyclic units on the polymer main chain was achieved via the combination of cyclopolymerization and clipping procedures. The cyclopolymerization of an α,ω‐diethynyl monomer bearing an isophthalamide moiety ( 1 ), which clips onto an axle component bearing a pyridiniumdicarboxamide moiety ( 2·Cl ) through a chloride anion was carried out in chloroform with the monomer concentration of 0.06 mol L^?1 at 40 °C using [Rh(nbd)Cl]₂/Et₃N as a catalyst to afford a gel‐free polymer. The resulting polymer was assigned to the main chain‐type polyrotaxane with a poly(phenylacetylene) backbone (poly‐ 3·Cl ) based on size exclusion chromatography and ¹H NMR measurements. The diffusion‐order two‐dimensional NMR and circular dichroism spectra provided definitive proof of the rotaxaned architecture in the polymer. The mole fraction of the rotaxane unit in the total cyclic repeating unit was determined to be 26.3%. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2011     

Synthesis and Dynamics of Nanosized Phenylene–Ethynylene–Butadiynylene Rotaxanes and the Role of Shape Persistence

Phenylacetylene‐based [2]rotaxanes were synthesized by a covalent‐template approach by aminolysis of the corresponding prerotaxanes. The wheel and the bulky stoppers are made of phenylene–ethynylene–butadiynylene macrocycles of the same size. The stoppers are large enough to enable the synthesis and purification of the rotaxane. However, the wheel unthreads from the axle at elevated temperatures. The deslipping kinetics and the activation parameters were determined. We described theoretically the unthreading by state‐of‐the‐art DFT‐based molecular‐mechanics models and a string method for the simulation of rare events. This approach enabled us to characterize in detail the unthreading mechanism, which involves the folding of the stopper during its passage through the wheel opening, a process that defies intuitive geometrical considerations. The conformational and energetic features of the transition allowed us to infer the molecular residues controlling the disassembly timescale.