Enantiopure Double‐Helical Phenylene Ethynylene Cyclophynes with the 2,2′‐Binaphthyl Template

New types of enantiopure compounds were synthesized to gain better insight into the structural features of phenylene ethynylene cyclophynes. Besides the previously obtained meta‐substituted arylene ethynylenes, 1 , ortho‐connected phenylene ethynylene units were incorporated to give cyclophynes with ortho/meta and ortho/ortho connection modes, 2 and 3 . Furthermore, a diphenylethyne component was also accommodated in 4 . Both ab initio calculations and NMR spectra suggest a large amount of strain for 2 but less strain for 3 and 1 a , the latter having the smallest ring size among cyclophynes with the meta/meta connection mode. The CD spectra of 2 and 3 showed a characteristic shoulder at around 340 nm, similar to the case of 1 a . This implies that the aromatic acetylene bonds cross over each other in the double‐helical structure. These results indicate that chirality information is useful for probing the persistency of molecular shape.     

A Five‐layer π‐Aromatic Structure Formed through Self‐assembly of a Porphyrin Trimer and Two Aromatic Guests

In this study we synthesized two‐ and four‐armed porphyrins – bearing two carboxyl and four 2‐aminoquinolino functionalities, respectively, at their meso positions – as a complementary hydrogen bonding pair for the self‐assembly of a D₂‐symmetric porphyrin trimer host. Two units of the two‐armed porphyrin and one unit of the four‐armed porphyrin self‐assembled quantitatively into the D₂‐symmetric porphyrin trimer, stabilized through ammidinium‐carboxylate salt bridge formation, in CH₂Cl₂ and CHCl₃. The porphyrin trimer host gradually bound two units of 1,3,5‐trinitrobenzene between the pair of porphyrin units, forming a five‐layer aromatic structure. At temperatures below ?40 °C, the rates of association and dissociation of the complexes were slow on the NMR spectroscopic time scale, allowing the 1 : 1 and 1 : 2 complexes of the trimer host and trinitrobenzene guest(s) to be detected independently when using less than 2 eq of trinitrobenzene. Vis titration experiments revealed the values of K₁ (2.1±0.4×10⁵ M^?1) and K₂ (2.2±0.06×10⁴ M^?1) in CHCl₃ at room temperature.     

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.     

Supramolecular Polymerization of C3‐Symmetric Organogelators: Cooperativity,Solvent, and Gelation Relationship

A systematic study of the influence of solvent and the size of C₃‐symmetric discotics on their supramolecular polymerization mechanism is presented. The cooperativity of the self‐assembly of the reported compounds is directly related to their gelation ability. The two series of C₃‐symmetric discotics investigated herein are based on benzene‐1,3,5‐tricarboxamides (BTAs) and oligo(phenylene ethynylene)‐based tricarboxamides (OPE? TAs) that are peripherally decorated with achiral ( 1 a and 2 a ) or chiral N‐(2‐aminoethyl)‐3,4,5‐trialkoxybenzamide units ( 1 b and 2 b ). The supramolecular polymerization of compounds 1 a , b and 2 a , b has been exhaustively investigated in a number of solvents and by using various techniques: variable‐temperature circular dichroism (VT‐CD) spectroscopy, concentration‐dependent ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC). The supramolecular polymerization mechanism of compounds 2 is highly cooperative in solvents such as methylcyclohexane and toluene and is isodesmic in CHCl₃. Unexpectedly, chiral compound 1 b is practically CD‐silent, in contrast with previously reported BTAs. ITC measurements in CHCl₃ demonstrated that the supramolecular polymerization of BTA 1 a is isodesmic. These results confirm the strong influence of the π‐surface of the central aromatic core of the studied discotic and the branched nature of the peripheral side chains on the supramolecular polymerization. The gelation ability of these organogelators is negated in CHCl₃, in which the supramolecular polymerization mechanism is isodesmic.     

Time‐Resolved Assembly of Cluster‐in‐Cluster {Ag12}‐in‐{W76} Polyoxometalates under Supramolecular Control

We report the time‐resolved supramolecular assembly of a series of nanoscale polyoxometalate clusters (from the same one‐pot reaction) of the form: [H_(10+m)Ag₁₈Cl(Te₃W₃₈O₁₃₄)₂]_n, where n=1 and m=0 for compound 1 (after 4 days), n=2 and m=3 for compound 2 (after 10 days), and n=∞ and m=5 for compound 3 (after 14 days). The reaction is based upon the self‐organization of two {Te₃W₃₈} units around a single chloride template and the formation of a {Ag₁₂} cluster, giving a {Ag₁₂}‐in‐{W₇₆} cluster‐in‐cluster in compound 1 , which further aggregates to cluster compounds 2 and 3 by supramolecular Ag‐POM interactions. The proposed mechanism for the formation of the clusters has been studied by ESI‐MS. Further, control experiments demonstrate the crucial role that TeO₃^2?, Cl^?, and Ag⁺ play in the self‐assembly of compounds 1 – 3 .     

Hydrogen Bonding Directed Supramolecular Polymerisation of Oligo(Phenylene‐Ethynylene)s: Cooperative Mechanism,Core Symmetry Effect and Chiral Amplification

The design of supramolecular motifs with tuneable stability and adjustable supramolecular polymerisation mechanisms is of crucial importance to precisely control the properties of supramolecular assemblies. This report focuses on constructing π‐conjugated oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE)‐based one‐dimensional helical supramolecular polymers that show a cooperative growth mechanism. Thus, a novel set of discotic molecules comprising a rigid OPE core, three amide groups, and peripheral solubilising wedge groups featuring C₃ and C₂ core symmetry was designed and synthesised. All of the discotic molecules are crystalline compounds and lack a columnar mesophase in the solid state. In dilute methylcyclohexane solution, one‐dimensional supramolecular polymers are formed stabilised by threefold intermolecular hydrogen bonding and π–π interactions, as evidenced by ¹H NMR measurements. Small‐angle X‐ray and light scattering measurements reveal significant size differences between the columnar aggregates of C₃‐ and C₂‐symmetrical discotics, that is, the core symmetry strongly influences the nature of the supramolecular polymerisation process. Temperature‐dependent CD measurements show a highly cooperative polymerisation process for the C₃‐symmetrical discotics. In contrast, the self‐assembly of C₂‐symmetrical discotics shows a smaller enthalpy release upon aggregation and decreased cooperativity. In all cases, the peripheral stereogenic centres induce a preferred handedness in the columnar helical aggregates. Moreover, one stereogenic centre suffices to fully bias the helicity in the C₂‐symmetrical discotics. Finally, chiral amplification studies with the C₃‐symmetrical discotics were performed by mixing chiral and achiral discotics (sergeants‐and‐soldiers experiment) and discotics of opposite chirality (majority‐rules experiment). The results demonstrate a very strong sergeants‐and‐soldiers effect and a rather weak majority‐rules effect.     

Helical Folding Competing with Unfolded Aggregation in Phenylene Ethynylene Foldamers

The folding and aggregation behavior of a pair of oligo(phenylene ethynylene) (OPE) foldamers are investigated by means of UV/Vis absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy. With identical OPE backbones, two foldamers, 1 with alkyl side groups and 2 with triethylene glycol side chains, manifest similar helical conformations in solutions in n‐hexane and methanol, respectively. However, disparate and competing folding and aggregation processes are observed in alternative solvents. In cyclohexane, oligomer 1 initially adopts the helical conformation, but the self‐aggregation of unfolded chains, as a minor component, gradually drives the folding–unfolding transition eventually to the unfolded aggregate state completely. In contrast, in aqueous solution (CH₃OH/H₂O) both folded and unfolded oligomer 2 appear to undergo self‐association; aggregates of the folded chains are thermodynamically more stable. In solutions with a high H₂O content, self‐aggregation among unfolded oligomers is kinetically favored; these oligomers very slowly transform into aggregates of helical structures with greater thermodynamic stability. The folded–unfolded conformational switch thus takes place with the free (nonaggregated) molecules, and the very slow folding transition is due to the low concentration of molecularly dispersed oligomers.     

A two‐dimensional cadmium(II) coordination polymer constructed from 4‐carboxy‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylate and 1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate ligands

Crystals of poly[[aqua[μ₃‐4‐carboxy‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylato‐κ⁵O¹O^1′:N³,O⁴:O⁵][μ₄‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylato‐κ⁷N³,O⁴:O⁴,O^4′:O¹,O^1′:O¹]cadmium(II)] monohydrate], {[Cd₂(C₁₅H₁₄N₂O₄)(C₁₆H₁₄N₂O₆)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n or {[Cd₂(Hcpimda)(cpima)(H₂O)]·H₂O}_n, (I), were obtained from 1‐(4‐carboxybenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4,5‐dicarboxylic acid (H₃cpimda) and cadmium(II) chloride under hydrothermal conditions. The structure indicates that in‐situ decarboxylation of H₃cpimda occurred during the synthesis process. The asymmetric unit consists of two Cd²⁺ centres, one 4‐carboxy‐1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐5‐carboxylate (Hcpimda²⁻) anion, one 1‐(4‐carboxylatobenzyl)‐2‐propyl‐1H‐imidazole‐4‐carboxylate (cpima²⁻) anion, one coordinated water molecule and one lattice water molecule. One Cd²⁺ centre, i.e. Cd1, is hexacoordinated and displays a slightly distorted octahedral CdN₂O₄ geometry. The other Cd centre, i.e. Cd2, is coordinated by seven O atoms originating from one Hcpimda²⁻ ligand and three cpima²⁻ ligands. This Cd²⁺ centre can be described as having a distorted capped octahedral coordination geometry. Two carboxylate groups of the benzoate moieties of two cpima²⁻ ligands bridge between Cd2 centres to generate [Cd₂O₂] units, which are further linked by two cpima²⁻ ligands to produce one‐dimensional (1D) infinite chains based around large 26‐membered rings. Meanwhile, adjacent Cd1 centres are linked by Hcpimda²⁻ ligands to generate 1D zigzag chains. The two types of chains are linked through a μ₂‐η² bidentate bridging mode from an O atom of an imidazole carboxylate unit of cpima²⁻ to give a two‐dimensional (2D) coordination polymer. The simplified 2D net structure can be described as a 3,6‐coordinated net which has a (4³)₂(4⁶.6⁶.8³) topology. Furthermore, the FT–IR spectroscopic properties, photoluminescence properties, powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) pattern and thermogravimetric behaviour of the polymer have been investigated.     

Novel fluorescent (p‐phenylene ethynylene)‐calix[4]arene‐based polymer: Design,synthesis, and properties

A novel fluorescent (p‐phenylene ethynylene)‐calix[4]arene‐based polymer ( CALIX‐PPE ) has been successfully synthesized by cross‐coupling polymerization of bis‐calix[4]arene 1 with 1,4‐diethynylbenzene. The polycondensation was carried out in toluene/NEt₃ at 35 °C for 24 h, using PdCl₂(PPh₃)₂/CuI as the catalytic system, furnishing CALIX‐PPE in excellent isolated yields (higher than 95%, several runs). The yellow polymer is freely soluble in several nonprotic organic solvents. The GPC trace of the isolated polymer showed a monomodal distribution and a number‐average molecular weight of 23,300 g mol^?1 (M_w/M_n = 2.05). No evidence was found in the structural analysis (FTIR and ¹H/¹³C NMR) regarding the formation of alkyne homocoupled segments along the polymer chain. For comparative purposes, the synthesis of an analogous poly(p‐phenylene ethynylene) containing p‐t‐butyl‐phenoxymethyl side chains ( TBP‐PPE ) was also undertaken. A great similarity was found between the photophysical properties of CALIX‐PPE and TBP‐PPE in solution (UV–vis and laser induced luminescence), clearly demonstrating their unique dependence on the structure and conformation of the conjugated PPE backbone. The fluorescence spectra of polymers are of nearly identical shape, displaying their maximum emission around 420 nm. The calculated solution photoluminescence quantum yields of CALIX‐PPE and TBP‐PPE are of similar magnitude (?_{F( CALIX‐PPE )} = 0.43; ?_{F( TBP‐PPE )} = 0.51). © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem 46: 6477–6488, 2008     

4‐Carboxypiperidinium 1‐carboxycyclobutane‐1‐carboxylate

The title salt, C₆H₁₂NO₂⁺·C₆H₇O₄⁻ or ISO⁺·CBDC⁻, is an ionic ensemble assisted by hydrogen bonds. The amino acid moiety (ISO or piperidine‐4‐carboxylic acid) has a protonated ring N atom (ISO⁺ or 4‐carboxypiperidinium), while the semi‐protonated acid (CBDC⁻ or 1‐carboxycyclobutane‐1‐carboxylate) has the negative charge residing on one carboxylate group, leaving the other as a neutral –COOH group. The –⁺NH₂– state of protonation allows the formation of a two‐dimensional crystal packing consisting of zigzag layers stacked along a separated by van der Waals distances. The layers extend in the bc plane connected by a complex network of N—H...O and O—H...O hydrogen bonds. Wave‐like ribbons, constructed from ISO⁺ and CBDC⁻ units and described by the graph‐set symbols C₃³(10) and R₃³(14), run alternately in opposite directions along c. Intercalated between the ribbons are ISO⁺ cations linked by hydrogen bonds, forming rings described by the graph‐set symbols R₆⁶(30) and R₄²(18). A detailed analysis of the structures of the individual components and the intricate hydrogen‐bond network of the crystal structure is given.     

A new one‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer based on 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylate

Multidentate N‐heterocyclic compounds form a variety of metal complexes with many intriguing structures and interesting properties. The title coordination polymer, catena‐poly[zinc(II)‐bis{μ‐2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole}‐κ²N³:N^3′;N^3′:N³‐zinc(II)‐bis(μ‐benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylato)‐κ²O¹:O²;κ³O¹,O^1′:O²], [Zn₂(C₈H₄O₄)₂(C₁₁H₁₀N₄)₂]_n, has been synthesized by the reaction of Zn(NO₃)₂ with 2‐[(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)methyl]‐1H‐benzimidazole (imb) and benzene‐1,2‐dicarboxylic acid (H₂bdic) under hydrothermal conditions. There are two crystallographically distinct imb ligands [imb(A) and imb(B)] in the structure which adopt very similar coordination geometries. The imb(A) ligand bridges two symmetry‐related Zn1 ions, yielding a binuclear [(Zn1)₂{imb(A)}₂] unit, and the imb(B) ligand bridges two symmetry‐related Zn2 ions resulting in a binuclear [(Zn2)₂{imb(B)}₂] unit. The above‐mentioned binuclear units are further connected alternately by pairs of bridging bdic²⁻ ligands, forming an infinite one‐dimensional chain. These one‐dimensional chains are further connected through N—H...O hydrogen bonds, leading to a two‐dimensional layered structure. In addition, the title polymer exhibits good fluorescence properties in the solid state at room temperature.     

Bis(2,2‐bi­pyridine‐N,N′)tetra‐μ‐chloro‐tetracopper(I)

A novel centrosymmetric chair‐like dimer, bis(2,2′‐bi­pyridine)‐1κ²N,N′;3κ²N,N′‐tetra‐μ‐chloro‐1:2κ²Cl;­2:3κ²Cl;­3:4κ²Cl;1:4κ²Cl‐tetra­copper(I), [Cu₄Cl₄­(C₁₀­H₈­N₂)₂], has been solvothermally synthesized and structurally characterized. The complex self‐assembles into a three‐dimensional network via C—H?Cl hydrogen bonds, π–π stacking and weak Cu?Cl electrostatic interactions.     

Hydrogen‐bonded networks in trans‐3‐(3‐pyridyl)acrylic acid and rctt‐3,3′‐(3,4‐dicarboxycyclobutane‐1,2‐diyl)dipyridinium dichloride

The structure of trans‐3‐(3‐pyridyl)acrylic acid, C₈H₇NO₂, (I), possesses a two‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded array of supramolecular ribbons assembled via heterodimeric synthons between the pyridine and carboxyl groups. This compound is photoreactive in the solid state as a result of close contacts between the double bonds of neighbouring molecules [3.821 (1) Å] along the a axis. The crystal structure of the photoproduct, rctt‐3,3′‐(3,4‐dicarboxycyclobutane‐1,2‐diyl)dipyridinium dichloride, C₁₆H₁₆N₂O₄²⁺·2Cl⁻, (II), consists of a three‐dimensional hydrogen‐bonded network built from crosslinking of helical chains integrated by self‐assembly of dipyridinium cations and Cl⁻ anions via different O—H...Cl, C—H...Cl and N⁺—H...Cl hydrogen‐bond interactions.     

2,4‐Diamino‐6‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐1‐ium trifluoroacetate

Crystals of the title compound, C₄H₈N₅⁺·C₂F₃O₂⁻, are built up of singly protonated 2,4‐diamino‐6‐methyl‐1,3,5‐triazin‐1‐ium cations and trifluoroacetate anions. The CF₃ group of the anion is disordered. The oppositely charged ions interact via almost linear N—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming a CF₃COO⁻...C₄H₈N₅⁺ unit. Two units related by an inversion centre interact through a pair of N—H...N hydrogen bonds, forming planar (CF₃COO⁻...C₄H₈N₅⁺...C₄H₈N₅⁺·CF₃COO⁻) aggregates that are linked by a pair of N—H...O hydrogen bonds into chains running along the c axis.     

Hydrogen bonding in polyamino‐polyalcohols: a monohydrated cocrystal of 1,3‐diamino‐5‐azaniumyl‐1,3,5‐trideoxy‐cis‐inositol iodide and 1,3,5‐triamino‐1,3,5‐trideoxy‐cis‐inositol

In the title monohydrated cocrystal, namely 1,3‐diamino‐5‐azaniumyl‐1,3,5‐trideoxy‐cis‐inositol iodide–1,3,5‐triamino‐1,3,5‐trideoxy‐cis‐inositol–water (1/1/1), C₆H₁₆N₃O₃⁺·I⁻·C₆H₁₅N₃O₃·H₂O, the neutral 1,3,5‐triamino‐1,3,5‐trideoxy‐cis‐inositol (taci) molecule and the monoprotonated 1,3‐diamino‐5‐azaniumyl‐1,3,5‐trideoxy‐cis‐inositol cation (Htaci⁺) both adopt a chair conformation, with the three O atoms in axial and the three N atoms in equatorial positions. The cation, but not the neutral taci unit, exhibits intramolecular O—H...O hydrogen bonding. The entire structure is stabilized by a complex three‐dimensional network of intermolecular hydrogen bonds. The neutral taci entities and the Htaci⁺ cations are each aligned into chains along [001]. In these chains, two O—H...N interactions generate a ten‐membered ring as the predominant structural motif. The rings consist of vicinal 2‐amino‐1‐hydroxyethylene units of neighbouring molecules, which are paired via centres of inversion. The chains are interconnected into undulating layers parallel to the ac plane, and the layers are further held together by O—H...N hydrogen bonds and additional interactions with the iodide counter‐anions and solvent water molecules.     

Synthesis,structure, and optical properties of an alternating calix[4]arene‐based meta‐linked phenylene ethynylene copolymer

Novel alternating copolymers comprising bis‐ calix[4]arene‐p‐phenylene ethynylene and m‐phenylene ethynylene units ( CALIX‐m‐PPE ) were synthesized using the Sonogashira‐Hagihara cross‐coupling polymerization. Good isolated yields (60–80%) were achieved for the polymers that show M_n ranging from 1.4 × 10⁴ to 5.1 × 10⁴ gmol^?1 (gel permeation chromatography analysis), depending on specific polymerization conditions. The structural analysis of CALIX‐m‐PPE was performed by ¹H, ¹³C, ¹³C–¹H heteronuclear single quantum correlation (HSQC), ¹³C–¹H heteronuclear multiple bond correlation (HMBC), correlation spectroscopy (COSY), and nuclear overhauser effect spectroscopy (NOESY) in addition to Fourier transform‐Infrared spectroscopy and microanalysis allowing its full characterization. Depending on the reaction setup, variable amounts (16–45%) of diyne units were found in polymers although their photophysical properties are essentially the same. It is demonstrated that CALIX‐m‐PPE does not form ground‐ or excited‐state interchain interactions owing to the highly crowded environment of the main‐chain imparted by both calix[4]arene side units which behave as insulators inhibiting main‐chain π–π staking. It was also found that the luminescent properties of CALIX‐m‐PPE are markedly different from those of an all‐p‐linked phenylene ethynylene copolymer ( CALIX‐p‐PPE ) previously reported. The unexpected appearance of a low‐energy emission band at 426 nm, in addition to the locally excited‐state emission (365 nm), together with a quite low fluorescence quantum yield (? = 0.02) and a double‐exponential decay dynamics led to the formulation of an intramolecular exciplex as the new emissive species. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Polym Sci Part A: Polym Chem, 2010     

Self‐aggregation of Synthetic Zinc Chlorophyll Derivatives Possessing 31‐Hydroxy or Methoxy Group and 131‐Mono‐ or Dicyanomethylene Moiety in Nonpolar Organic Solvents as Models of Chlorosomal Bacteriochlorophyll‐d Aggregates

Methyl 13¹‐(di)cyanomethylene‐pyropheophorbides were synthesized by Knoevenagel reactions of the corresponding 13¹‐oxo‐chlorins prepared from modifying chlorophyll‐a with malononitrile or cyanoacetic acid. Alternatively, methyl 13¹‐cyanomethylene‐pyropheophorbides were produced by Wittig reactions of 13¹‐oxo‐chlorins with Ph₃P=CHCN. Self‐aggregation of zinc complexes of the semi‐synthetic chlorophyll derivatives possessing a hydroxy or methoxy group at the 3¹‐position was examined in 1%(v/v) tetrahydrofuran or dichloromethane and hexane by electronic absorption and circular dichroism spectroscopy. Although intermolecular hydrogen‐bonding between the 3¹‐hydroxy and 13¹‐oxo groups of bacteriochlorophylls‐c/d/e/f was essential for their self‐aggregation in natural light‐harvesting antenna systems (=chlorosomes), zinc 3¹‐hydroxy‐13¹‐di/monocyanomethylene‐chlorins self‐aggregated in the less/lesser polar organic solvents to form chlorosome‐like large oligomers in spite of lacking the 13¹‐oxo moiety as the hydrogen‐bonding acceptor. Zinc 3¹‐methoxy‐13¹‐dicyanomethylene‐chlorin gave similar self‐aggregates regardless of lack of both the 3¹‐hydroxy and 13¹‐oxo groups. The present self‐aggregation was ascribable to stronger coordination of the 3¹‐oxygen atom to the central zinc than the conventional systems, where the electron‐withdrawing cyano group(s) increased the coordinative ability of the central zinc through the chlorin π‐system.     

Two new isomeric zinc(II) metal–organic frameworks based on 1,5‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane and 5‐methylisophthalate ligands

Many factors, such as temperature, solvent, the central metal atom and the type of coligands, may affect the nature of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) and the framework formation in the self‐assembly process, which results in the complexity of these compounds and the uncertainty of their structures. Two new isomeric Zn^II metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) based on mixed ligands, namely, poly[[μ‐1,5‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐κ²N ³:N ^3′](μ‐5‐methylisophthalato‐κ²O ¹:O ³)zinc(II)], [Zn(C₉H₆O₄)(C₁₃H₂₀N₄)]_n , (I), and poly[[μ‐1,5‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)pentane‐κ²N ³:N ^3′](μ₃‐5‐methylisophthalato‐κ³O ¹:O ^1′:O ³)(μ₃‐5‐methylisophthalato‐κ⁴O ¹:O ^1′:O ³,O ^3′)dizinc(II)], [Zn₂(C₉H₆O₄)₂(C₁₃H₂₀N₄)]_n , (II), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Complex (I) displays a two‐dimensional layer net, while complex (II) exhibits a twofold interpenetrating three‐dimensional framework. Both complexes show high stability and good fluorescence in the solid state at room temperature.     

Crystal Structures and Proton Conductivities of a MOF and Two POM–MOF Composites Based on CuII Ions and 2,2′‐Bipyridyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylic Acid

We have succeeded in constructing a metal–organic framework (MOF), [Cu(bpdc)(H₂O)₂]_n (H₂bpdc=2,2′‐bipyridyl‐3,3′‐dicarboxylic acid, 1 ), and two poly‐POM–MOFs (POM=polyoxometalate), {H[Cu(Hbpdc)(H₂O)₂]₂[PM₁₂O₄₀] ? n H₂O}_n (M=Mo for 2 , W for 3 ), by the controllable self‐assembly of H₂bpdc, Keggin‐anions, and Cu²⁺ ions based on electrostatic and coordination interactions. Notably, these three compounds all crystallized in the monoclinic space group P2₁/n, and the Hbpdc^? and bpdc^2? ions have the same coordination mode. Interestingly, in compounds 2 and 3 , Hbpdc^? and the Keggin‐anion are covalently linked to the transition metal copper at the same time as polydentate organic ligand and as polydentate inorganic ligand, respectively. Complexes 2 and 3 represent new and rare examples of introducing the metal N‐heterocyclic multi‐carboxylic acid frameworks into POMs, thereby, opening a pathway for the design and the synthesis of multifunctional hybrid materials based on two building units. The Keggin‐anions being immobilized as part of the metal N‐heterocyclic multi‐carboxylic acid frameworks not only enhance the thermal stability of compounds 2 and 3 , but also introduce functionality inside their structures, thereby, realizing four approaches in the 1D hydrophilic channel used to engender proton conductivity in MOFs for the first time. Complexes 2 and 3 exhibit good proton conductivity (10^?4 to ca. 10^?3 S cm^?1) at 100 °C in the relative humidity range 35 to about 98 %.     

A novel two‐dimensional CuSCN network templated by 2,2′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium) cations

The cation‐templated self‐assembly of 1,4‐bis(2‐methyl‐1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)butane (bmimb) with CuSCN gives rise to a novel two‐dimensional network, namely catena‐poly[2,2′‐dimethyl‐1,1′‐(butane‐1,4‐diyl)bis(1H‐imidazol‐3‐ium) [tetra‐μ₂‐thiocyanato‐κ⁴S:S;κ⁴S:N‐dicopper(I)]], {(C₁₂H₂₀N₄)[Cu₂(NCS)₄]}_n. The Cu^I cation is four‐coordinated by one N and three S atoms, giving a tetrahedral geometry. One of the two crystallographically independent SCN⁻ anions acts as a μ₂‐S:S bridge, binding a pair of Cu^I cations into a centrosymmetric [Cu₂(NCS)₂] subunit, which is further extended into a two‐dimensional 4⁴‐sql net by another kind of SCN⁻ anion with an end‐to‐end μ₂‐S:N coordination mode. Interestingly, each H₂bmimb dication, lying on an inversion centre, threads through one of the windows of the two‐dimensional 4⁴‐sql net, giving a pseudorotaxane‐like structure. The two‐dimensional 4⁴‐sql networks are packed into the resultant three‐dimensional supramolecular framework through bmimb–SCN N—H...N hydrogen bonds.