Effects of Alkyl Chain Length and Hydrogen Bonds on the Cooperative Self‐Assembly of 2‐Thienyl‐Type Diarylethenes at a Liquid/Highly Oriented Pyrolytic Graphite (HOPG) Interface

An appropriate understanding of the process of self‐assembly is of critical importance to tailor nanostructured order on 2D surfaces with functional molecules. Photochromic compounds are promising candidates for building blocks of advanced photoresponsive surfaces. To investigate the relationship between molecular structure and the mechanism of ordering formation, 2‐thienyl‐type diarylethenes with various lengths of alkyl side chains linked through an amide or ester group were synthesized. Their self‐assemblies at a liquid/solid interface were investigated by scanning tunneling microscopy (STM). The concentration dependence of the surface coverage was analyzed by using a cooperative model for a 2D surface based on two characteristic parameters: the nucleation equilibrium constant (K_n) and the elongation equilibrium constant (K_e). The following conclusions can be drawn. 1) The concentration at which a stable 2D molecular ordering is observed by STM exponentially decreases with increasing length of the alkyl chain. 2) Compounds bearing amide groups have higher degrees of cooperativity in self‐assembly on 2D surfaces (i.e., σ, which is defined as K_n/K_e) than compounds with ester groups. 3) The self‐assembly process of the open‐ring isomer of an ester derivative is close to isodesmic, whereas that of the closed‐ring isomer is cooperative because of the difference in equilibrium constants for the nucleation step (i.e., K_n) between the two isomers.     

On‐Surface Self‐Assembly of a C3‐Symmetric π‐Conjugated Molecule Family Studied by STM: Two‐Dimensional Nanoporous Frameworks

The on‐surface self‐assembled behavior of four C ₃‐symmetric π‐conjugated planar molecules ( Tp , T12 , T18 , and Ex ) has been investigated. These molecules are excellent building blocks for the construction of noncovalent organic frameworks in the bulk phase. Their hydrogen‐bonded 2D on‐surface self‐assemblies are observed under STM at the solid/liquid interface; these structures are very different to those in the bulk crystal. Upon combining the results of STM measurements and DFT calculations, the formation mechanism of different assemblies is revealed; in particular, the critical role of hydrogen bonding in the assemblies. This research provides us with not only a deep insight into the self‐assembled behavior of these novel functional molecules, but also a convenient approach toward the construction of 2D multiporous networks.     

Synthesis,structural characterization and cytotoxic activity of diorganotin(IV) complexes of N‐(5‐halosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid

Fourteen new diorganotin(IV) complexes of N‐(5‐halosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid, R′₂Sn(5‐X‐2‐OC₆H₃CH?NCHRCOO) (where X = Cl, Br; R = H, Me, i‐Pr; R′ = n‐Bu, Ph, Cy), were synthesized by the reactions of diorganotin halides with potassium salt of N‐(5‐halosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn) spectra. The crystal structures of Bu₂Sn(5‐Cl‐2‐OC₆H₃CH?NCH(i‐Pr)COO) and Ph₂Sn(5‐Br‐2‐OC₆H₃CH?NCH(i‐Pr)COO) were determined by X‐ray single‐crystal diffraction and showed that the tin atoms are in a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry and form five‐ and six‐membered chelate rings with the tridentate ligand. Bioassay results of a few compounds indicated that the compounds have strong cytotoxic activity against three human tumour cell lines, i.e. HeLa, CoLo205 and MCF‐7, and the activity decreased in the order Cy>n‐Bu>Ph for the R′ group bound to tin. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Three different fluoro‐ or chloro‐substituted 1′‐deoxy‐1′‐phenyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranoses

Crystal structures are reported for three fluoro‐ or chloro‐substituted 1′‐deoxy‐1′‐phenyl‐β‐D‐ribofuranoses, namely 1′‐deoxy‐1′‐(2,4,5‐trifluorophenyl)‐β‐D‐ribofuranose, C₁₁H₁₁F₃O₄, (I), 1′‐deoxy‐1′‐(2,4,6‐trifluorophenyl)‐β‐D‐ribofuranose, C₁₁H₁₁F₃O₄, (II), and 1′‐(4‐chlorophenyl)‐1′‐deoxy‐β‐D‐ribofuranose, C₁₁H₁₃ClO₄, (III). The five‐membered furanose ring of the three compounds has a conformation between a C2′‐endo,C3′‐exo twist and a C2′‐endo envelope. The ribofuranose groups of (I) and (III) are connected by intermolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonds to six symmetry‐related molecules to form double layers, while the ribofuranose group of (II) is connected by O—H...O hydrogen bonds to four symmetry‐related molecules to form single layers. The O...O contact distance of the O—H...O hydrogen bonds ranges from 2.7172 (15) to 2.8895 (19) Å. Neighbouring double layers of (I) are connected by a very weak intermolecular C—F...π contact. The layers of (II) are connected by one C—H...O and two C—H...F contacts, while the double layers of (III) are connected by a C—H...Cl contact. The conformations of the molecules are compared with those of seven related molecules. The orientation of the benzene ring is coplanar with the H—C1′ bond or bisecting the H—C1′—C2′ angle, or intermediate between these positions. The orientation of the benzene ring is independent of the substitution pattern of the ring and depends mainly on crystal‐packing effects.     

Synthesis,characterization and biological activity of diphenyltin(IV) complexes of N‐(3,5‐dibromosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid and their diphenyltin dichloride adducts

Diphenyltin(IV) complexes of N‐(3,5‐dibromosalicylidene)‐α‐amino acid, Ph₂Sn[3,5‐Br₂‐2‐OC₆H₂ CH?NCH(R)COO] (where R = H, Me, i‐Pr, Bz), and their 1:1 adducts with diphenyltin dichloride, Ph₂Sn[3,5‐Br₂‐2‐OC₆H₂CH?NCH(R)COO]·Ph₂SnCl₂, have been synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR and NMR (¹H, ¹³C and ¹¹⁹Sn) spectra. The crystal structure of Ph₂Sn[3,5‐Br₂‐2‐OC₆H₂CH?NCH(i‐Pr)COO] shows a distorted trigonal bipyramidal geometry with the axial locations occupied by a carboxylate–oxygen and a phenolic–oxygen atom of the ligand, and that of Ph₂Sn[3,5‐Br₂‐2‐OC₆H₂CH?NCH(i‐Pr)COO]·Ph₂SnCl₂ reveals that the two tin atoms are joined via the carbonyl atom of the ligand to form a mixed organotin binuclear complex. Bioassay indicates that the compounds possess better cytotoxic activity against three human tumor cell lines (HeLa, CoLo205 and MCF‐7) than cis‐platin and moderate antibacterial activity against two bacteria (E. coli and S. aureus). Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Luminescent mesogen jacketed poly(1‐alkyne) bearing lateral terphenyl with hexyloxy tail

Mesogen jacketed liquid crystalline poly(1‐alkyne) and poly(1‐phenyl‐1‐alkyne) linked pendants of terphenyl mesogens with hexyloxy tails at the waist position (? {RC?C? [(CH₂)₃OOC‐terpheyl‐(OC₆H₁₃)₂]}_n? , where R?H, PHATP(OC6)2 ; R?C₆H₅, PPATP(OC6)2 ) were synthesized. The influences of structural variations on the thermal, mesomorphic, and luminescent properties were investigated. Polymerizations of all monomers are carried out by WCl₆‐Ph₄Sn catalysts successfully. The polymers are stable (T_d ≥ 340 °C) and soluble in common solvents. The monomers and polymers show enantiotropic SmA phases in the heating and cooling processes, and the lateral side chains of the mesogenic units are perpendicular to the main chain. The “jacket effect” of chromophoric terphenyl core “shell” around the main chain also contributes to polymers with high photoluminescence, and the pendant‐to‐backbone energy transfer path is involved in the luminescence process of this polymers. In comparison with monosubstituted polyacetylene PHATP(OC6)2 , the disubstituted polyacetylene PPATP(OC6)2 shows better photoluminescence in both THF solution and film, and exhibited about 40 nm red‐shifted than PHATP(OC6)2 , indicating that the “jacket effect” of terphenyl mesogens forces poly(1‐phenyl‐1‐alkyne) backbone to extend in a more planar conformation with a better conjugation. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Desymmetrization of 3,3′‐Bis(acylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine‐Based Discotics: The High Fidelity of Their Self‐Assembly Behavior in the Liquid‐Crystalline State and in Solution

Two novel nonsymmetrical disc‐shaped molecules 1 and 2 based on 3,3′‐bis(acylamino)‐2,2′‐bipyridine units were synthesized by means of a statistical approach. Discotic 1 possesses six chiral dihydrocitronellyl tails and one peripheral phenyl group, whereas discotic 2 possesses six linear dodecyloxy tails and one peripheral pyridyl group. Preorganization by strong intramolecular hydrogen bonding and subsequent aromatic interactions induce self‐assembly of the discotics. Liquid crystallinity of 1 and 2 was determined with the aid of polarized optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and X‐ray diffraction. Two columnar rectangular mesophases (Col_r) have been identified, whereas for C₃‐symmetrical derivatives only one Col_r mesophase has been found. 1 In solution, the molecularly dissolved state in chloroform was studied with ¹H NMR spectroscopy, whereas the self‐assembled state in apolar solution was examined with optical spectroscopy. Remarkably, these desymmetrized discotics, which lack one aliphatic wedge, behave similar to the symmetric parent compound. To prove that the stacking behavior of discotics 1 and 2 is similar to that of reported C₃‐symmetrical derivatives, a mixing experiment of chiral 1 with C₃‐symmetrical 13 has been undertaken; it has shown that they indeed belong to one type of self‐assembly. This helical J‐type self‐assembly was further confirmed with UV/Vis and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. Eventually, disc 2 , functionalized with a hydrogen‐bonding acceptor moiety, might perform secondary interactions with molecules such as acids.     

A new two‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer based on 1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene and 5‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid: synthesis,crystal structure and physical properties

A novel two‐dimensional (2D) Zn^II coordination framework, poly[[μ‐1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene](μ‐5‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylato)zinc(II)], [Zn(C₈H₃NO₆)(C₁₄H₁₄N₄)]_n or [Zn(NO₂‐BDC)(1,3‐BMIB)]_n [1,3‐BMIB is 1,3‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene and NO₂‐H₂BDC is 5‐nitrobenzene‐1,3‐dicarboxylic acid], has been prepared and characterized by IR, elemental analysis, thermal analysis and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. Single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis revealed that the compound is a new 2D polymer with a 6³ topology parallel to the (10) crystal planes based on left‐handed helices, right‐handed helical NO₂‐BDC–Zn chains and [Zn₂(1,3‐BMIB)₂]_n clusters. In the crystal, adjacent layers are further connected by C—H…O hydrogen bonds, C—H…π interactions, C—O…π interactions and N—O…π interactions to form a three‐dimensional structure in the solid state. In addition, the compound exhibits strong fluorescence emissions in the solid state at room temperature.     

Two Coordination Polymers Constructed from 5‐(4‐Pyridyl)‐1H‐tetrazole Ligands with Different Organic Carboxylates: Structure and Luminescence Properties

Two coordination polymers (CPs), namely, [Cu(Hptz)₂(Hhba)₂]_n ( 1 ) [Hptz = 5‐(4‐pyridyl)‐1H‐tetrazole, H₂hba = 2‐hydroxybenzoic acid] and [Zn₃(ptz)₂(hpa)₂]_n ( 2 ) (H2hpa = 2‐hydroxy‐2‐phenylacetic acid), were synthesized by solvothermal reactions. Both complexes were characterized by elemental analysis, infrared spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 exhibits a 2D (4,4) network, where each layer connects to four adjacent layers to construct a 3D supramolecular framework. Compound 2 has a 3D framework structure composed of 1D SUBs, which are formed by both carboxyl and tetrazole groups. The complexes represent two rare examples of CPs constructed from Hptz and organic carboxyl acid ligands. Complex 2 exhibits intense, red‐shifted emissions in the visible region at room temperature.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Photocatalytic Activities of Three Copper Coordination Polymers Based on Bis(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)benzene/3‐(2‐Pyridyl)pyrazole

Three copper(II) coordination polymers (CuCPs), namely, [Cu_0.5(1,4‐bib)(SO₄)_0.5]_n ( 1 ), {[Cu(1,3‐bib)₂(H₂O)] · SO₄ · H₂O}_n ( 2 ), and [Cu(bpz)(SO₄)_0.5]_n ( 3 ), were assembled from the reaction of three N‐donors [1,4‐bib = 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)benzene, 1,3‐bib = 1,3‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐4‐yl)benzene, and Hbpz = 3‐(2‐pyridyl)pyrazole] with copper sulfate under hydrothermal conditions. Their structures were determined by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses and further characterized by elemental analyses (EA), IR spectroscopy, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD), and thermogravimetric analyses (TGA). Structure analyses reveal that complex 1 is a 3D 6‐connected {4¹² · 6³}‐ pcu net, complex 2 is a fourfold 3D 4‐connected 6⁶‐ dia net, whereas complex 3 is a 1D snake‐like chain, which further expanded into 3D supramolecular architectures with the help of C–H ··· O hydrogen bonds. Moreover, the photocatalytic tests demonstrate that the obtained CuCPs are photocatalysts in the degradation of MB with the efficiency is 86.4 % for 1 , 75.3 % for 2 , and 91.3 % for 3 after 2 h, respectively.     

1,3‐Bis(ethylamino)‐2‐nitrobenzene, 1,3‐bis(n‐octylamino)‐2‐nitrobenzene and 4‐ethylamino‐2‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole

1,3‐Bis(ethylamino)‐2‐nitrobenzene, C₁₀H₁₅N₃O₂, (I), and 1,3‐bis(n‐octylamino)‐2‐nitrobenzene, C₂₂H₃₉N₃O₂, (II), are the first structurally characterized 1,3‐bis(n‐alkylamino)‐2‐nitrobenzenes. Both molecules are bisected though the nitro N atom and the 2‐C and 5‐C atoms of the ring by twofold rotation axes. Both display intramolecular N—H...O hydrogen bonds between the amine and nitro groups, but no intermolecular hydrogen bonding. The nearly planar molecules pack into flat layers ca 3.4 Å apart that interact by hydrophobic interactions involving the n‐alkyl groups rather than by π–π interactions between the rings. The intra‐ and intermolecular interactions in these molecules are of interest in understanding the physical properties of polymers made from them. Upon heating in the presence of anhydrous potassium carbonate in dimethylacetamide, (I) and (II) cyclize with formal loss of hydrogen peroxide to form substituted benzimidazoles. Thus, 4‐ethylamino‐2‐methyl‐1H‐benzimidazole, C₁₀H₁₃N₃, (III), was obtained from (I) under these reaction conditions. Compound (III) contains two independent molecules with no imposed internal symmetry. The molecules are linked into chains via N—H...N hydrogen bonds involving the imidazole rings, while the ethylamino groups do not participate in any hydrogen bonding. This is the first reported structure of a benzimidazole derivative with 4‐amino and 2‐alkyl substituents.     

Syntheses,Structures, and Luminescent Properties of d10 Coordination Polymers with 2‐(4‐Carboxyphenyl)‐imidazo[4, 5‐f]‐1, 10‐phenanthroline and 1, 3‐Benzenedicarboxylate Derivatives

Four Zn^II/Cd^II coordination polymers (CPs) based on 2‐(4‐carboxy‐phenyl)imidazo[4, 5‐f]‐1, 10‐phenanthroline (HNCP) and different derivatives of 5‐R‐1, 3‐benzenedicarboxylate (5‐R‐1, 3‐BDC) (R = NO₂, H, OH), [Zn(HNCP)(5‐NO₂‐1, 3‐BDC)]_n ( 1 ), [Cd(HNCP)(5‐NO₂‐1, 3‐BDC)]_n ( 2 ), [Zn(HNCP)(1, 3‐BDC)(H₂O)₂]_n ( 3 ), and {[Zn(HNCP)(5‐OH‐1, 3‐BDC)(H₂O) · H₂O}_n ( 4 ) were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions. Compounds 1 – 4 were determined by elemental analyses, IR spectroscopy, and single‐crystal and powder X‐ray diffraction. Compounds 1 and 2 are isomorphous, presenting a 4‐connected uninodal (4, 4)‐sql 2D framework with threefold interpenetration, which are further extended into the three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular architecture through π ··· π stacking interactions between the aryl rings of 5‐NO₂‐1, 3‐BDC. Compared to compound 1 , 3 is obtained by using different reaction temperatures and metal‐ligand ratios, generating a 3D framework with –ABAB– fashion via π ··· π stacking interactions. Compound 4 is a 1D chain, which is further extended into a 3D supramolecular net by hydrogen bonds and π ··· π stacking interactions. The thermogravimetric and fluorescence properties of 1 – 4 were also explored.     

Organotin Carboxylates based on 3‐(1,3‐Dioxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐phenalen‐2‐yl)benzoic Acid and the Influence of Solvent on the Molecular Structure

Self‐assembly of dibutyltin oxide with 3‐(1,3‐dioxo‐2,3‐dihydro‐1H‐phenalen‐2‐yl)benzoic acid (HL) produces (nBu)₂SnL₂ ( 1 ) when benzene is used as solvent, whereas the reaction generates {[(nBu)₂SnO]₂L}₂ · C₇H₈ ( 2 ) when toluene is the reactive solvent. The novel organotin carboxylate (nBu)₂SnL₂ ( 1 ) was characterized by elemental analysis, as well as IR, ¹H, ¹³C, and ¹¹⁹Sn NMR spectroscopy. Single crystal X‐ray study reveals that 1 is a dialkyltin carboxylate monomer possessing crystallographically imposed twofold symmetry. Ligand HL in 1 chelates with tin atom in bidentate coordination mode. The molecules of 1 build complicate 1D, 2D, and 3D structures via intermolecular hydrogen bonds, and π ··· π interactions can be found in the 3D architecture. The preliminary fluorescence activity and antitumor activity of the complex were also studied.     

Two Coordination Polymers based on 2‐Ethyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic Acid and 1,3‐Bis(4‐pyridyl)propane: Synthesis,Crystal Structures,and Photoluminescent Properties

Two coordination polymers, [Cd(Heidc)(bpp)]_n ( 1 ) and [Zn₃ (eidc)₂(bpp)(H₂O)₂] · 2H₂O}_n ( 2 ) (H₃eidc = 2‐ethyl‐4,5‐imidazole dicarboxylic acid, bpp = 1,3‐bis(4‐pyridyl)propane) were hydrothermally synthesized and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, spectroscopy single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, and thermogravimetric analyses. Compound 1 features a 2D layer formed by C–H ··· π stacking interactions between adjacent chains, whereas compound 2 shows a 3D (8³)₂(8⁵.10)‐tfc framework constructed of the 2D (6,3) layer. The result demonstrates that the central metal atoms play a key role in governing the coordination motifs. Moreover, solid‐state properties such as thermal stabilities and photoluminescence of 1 and 2 were also investigated.     

Supramolecular Architectures with Open Frameworks Constructed by Transitional Metal Ions,Linear Dicarboxylic Acid,and 2,2′‐Bipyridine

Four new transitional metal supramolecular architectures, [Zn(cca)(2,2′‐bpy)]_n · n(2,2′‐bpy) ( 1 ), [Cu(cca)(2,2′‐bpy)]_n ( 2 ), [Zn(bpdc)(2,2′‐bpy)(H₂O)]_n · 0.5nDMF · 1.5nH₂O ( 3 ), and [Co(bpdc)(2,2′‐bpy)(H₂O)]_n · nH₂O ( 4 ) (H₂cca = p‐carboxycinnamic acid; H₂bpdc = 4,4′‐biphenyldicarboxylic acid; 2,2′‐bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine) were synthesized by hydrothermal reactions and characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analyses, and IR spectroscopy. Although the metal ions in these four compounds are bridged by linear dicarboxylic acid into 1D infinite chains, there are different π–π stacking interactions between the chains, which results in the formation of different 3D supramolecular networks. Compound 1 is of a 3D open‐framework with free 2,2′‐bpy molecules in the channels, whereas compound 2 is of a complicated 3D supramolecular network. Compounds 3 and 4 are isostructural. Both compounds have open‐frameworks.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Properties of a Series of New Coordination Polymers Built from 2‐Ethyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate Ligand

A series of new coordination polymers, namely, [Sr(H₂EIDC)₂(H₂O)₂]_n ( 1 ),{[Pb(H₂EIDC)₂(H₂O)](H₂O)₃}_n ( 2 ), [Ag(H₂EIDC)]_n ( 3 ), and [Ba(H₂EIDC)₂(H₂O)]_n ( 4 ) (H₂EIDC = 2‐ethyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylate), were synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction and thermogravimetric analyses. Complex 1 is a 2D infinite gridlike (4,4)topological layer structure. Complex 2 is a 2D corrugated layer constructed by Pb^II atoms and H₂EIDC^– anions. Complex 3 is a 2D corrugated sheet consisting of 1D chains linked by short Ag ··· Ag interactions, and the three complexes are extended into 3D supramolecular structures by weak intermolecular forces such as hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions. Complex 4 exhibits a 3D framework with 1D channels. Furthermore, the luminescent properties of complexes 1 , 2 , and 3 are also investigated.     

A three‐dimensional ZnII coordination network based on 5,5′‐methylenebis(2,4,6‐trimethylisophthalic acid) and 2,7‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)fluorene: synthesis,structure and luminescence properties

In recent years, coordination polymers constructed from multidentate carboxylate ligands and N‐containing ligands have attracted much attention since these ligands can adopt a rich variety of coordination modes which can lead to crystalline products with intriguing structures and interesting properties. A new coordination polymer, namely poly[[diaqua[μ‐2,7‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)fluorene‐κ²N³:N^3′][μ‐5,5′‐methylenebis(3‐carboxy‐2,4,6‐trimethylbenzoato)‐κ²O¹:O^1′]zinc(II)] hemihydrate], {[Zn(C₂₃H₂₂O₈)(C₁₉H₁₄N₄)(H₂O)₂]·0.5H₂O}_n, 1 , was prepared by the self‐assembly of Zn(NO₃)₂·6H₂O with 5,5′‐methylenebis(2,4,6‐trimethylisophthalic acid) (H₄BTMIPA) and 2,7‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)fluorene (BIF) under solvothermal conditions. The structure of 1 was determined by elemental analysis, single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, powder X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy and thermogravimetric analysis. Each Zn^II ion is six‐coordinated by two O atoms from two H₂BTMIPA^2? ligands, by two N atoms from two BIF ligands and by two water molecules, forming a distorted octahedral ZnN₂O₄ coordination geometry. Adjacent Zn^II ions are linked by H₂BTMIPA^2? ligands and BIF ligands, leading to the formation of a two‐dimensional (2D) (4,4)‐ sql network, and intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding interactions connect the 2D layer structure into the three‐dimensional (3D) supramolecular structure. Each 2D layer contains two kinds of helices with the same direction, which are opposite in adjacent layers. The luminescence properties of complex 1 in the solid state have also been investigated.     

Two‐Dimensional Self‐Assembly of a Porphyrin–Polypyridyl Ruthenium(II) Hybrid on HOPG Surface through Metal–Ligand Interactions

The synthesis and self‐assembly behavior of porphyrin–polypyridyl ruthenium(II) hybrid, which consists of a flexible alkyl chain attached with two conjugated moieties is described. The electronic absorption spectrum and emission spectra show that the [C₈‐TPP‐(ip)Ru(phen)₂](ClO₄)₂, abbreviated as (C₈ip)TPPC has optical properties. Scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) studies found that the π–π interaction and metal–ligand interaction allow (C₈ip)TPPC to form self‐assembled structure and have an edge‐on orientation on the highly oriented pyrolytic graphite (HOPG) surface. The multidentate structure in (C₈ip)TPPC molecules act as linkers between the molecules and form metal–ligand coordination, which forces the assembly process in the direction of stable columnar arrays. In addition, although the sample was stored for two months in ambient conditions, STM experiments showed that the order of (C₈ip)TPPC self‐assembly only slightly decreased which indicates that the self‐assembled monolayer is stable. This work demonstrates that introducing a metal‐ligand in the porphyrin‐polypyridyl compound is a useful strategy to obtain novel surface assemblies.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Luminescent Properties of two 3, 5‐Dimethyl‐1‐H‐1, 2,4‐triazole‐Based Zinc Metal‐Organic Frameworks with Aromatic Carboxylate as Coligand

Two metal‐organic frameworks, [Zn(dmtrz)(btrc)_1/3]_n ( 1 ) and [Zn₂(dmtrz)₂(btec)(H₂O)₂]_n ( 2 ) (dmtrz = 3, 5‐dimethyl‐1‐H‐1, 2,4‐triazole, btrc = 1, 3,5‐benzenetricarboxylate, btec = 1, 2,4, 5‐benzenetetracarboxylate), were synthesized by hydrothermal reaction. The crystal structure analysis reveals that compound 1 is a dense 3D framework with Schläfli symbols of {4³}₂{4⁶ · 6⁶ · 8³}₃, which is a loh1 structure. Compound 2 is a 2D network. In addition, the photoluminescence of two compounds were studied in solid state at room temperature, together with their thermal analysis.     

Chiral self‐discrimination of the enantiomers of α‐phenylethylamine derivatives in proton NMR

Two types of chiral analytes, the urea and amide derivatives of α‐phenylethylamine, were prepared. The effect of inter‐molecular hydrogen‐bonding interaction on self‐discrimination of the enantiomers of analytes has been investigated using high‐resolution ¹H NMR. It was found that the urea derivatives with double‐hydrogen‐bonding interaction exhibit not only the stronger hydrogen‐bonding interaction but also better self‐recognition abilities than the amide derivatives (except for one bearing two NO₂ groups). The present results suggest that double‐hydrogen‐bonding interaction promotes the self‐discrimination ability of the chiral compounds. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.