Cucurbit[5]uril, Decamethylcucurbit[5]uril and Cucurbit[6]uril. Synthesis, Solubility and Amine Complex Formation

A simple way to prepare cucurbit[5]uril is described. The macrocycles of the cucurbituril type are nearly insoluble in water. The solubilities of cucurbit[5]uril, decamethylcucurbit[5]uril and cucurbit[6]uril in hydrochloric acid, formic acid and acetic acid of different concentrations have been investigated. Due to the formation of complexes between cucurbit[n]urils and protons the solubility increases in aqueous acids. The macrocyclic ligands are able to form complexes with several organic compounds. Thus, the complex formation of the cucurbituril macrocycles with different amines has beenstudied by means of calorimetric titrations. The reaction enthalpy gives noevidence of the formation of inclusion or exclusion complexes. ¹H-NMR measurements show that in the case of cucurbit[5]uril and cucurbit[6]uril the organic guest compound is included within the hydrophobic cavity. Decamethylcucurbit[5]uril forms only exclusion complexes with organicamines. This was confirmed by the crystal structure of the decamethylcucurbit[5]uril-1,6-diaminohexane complex.     

Cucurbit[6]uril pseudorotaxanes: distinctive gas-phase dissociation and reactivity

Cucurbit[6]uril forms a doubly charged complex with 1,4-butanediammonium cation that is observed using electrospray ionization Fourier transform mass spectrometry. Such 1:1 complexes are not observed for the smaller cucurbit[5]uril, which forms a 2:1 ammonium:cucurbituril complex instead. The 1:1 complex with cucurbit[6]uril is difficult to fragment via collisional activation; when it does fragment, both breakup of the cucurbituril cage and loss of the amine are observed. Further, the complex reacts with tert-butylamine via slow adduction. In contrast, nonrotaxane analogues (such as doubly charged 2:1 complexes of either protonated 1,4-butanediamine or protonated ethylenediamine with cucurbit[6]uril) fragment via easy loss of the intact amine upon collisional activation and react with tert-butylamine via rapid displacement of the original amine. On the basis of stoichiometry, fragmentation behavior, and reactivity, we conclude that the doubly charged complex of cucurbit[6]uril with 1,4-butanediammonium is a gas-phase pseudorotaxane.     

Complexation behavior of cucurbit[6]uril with short polypeptides

The binding properties of cucurbit[6]uril towards various peptides have been investigated in acidic aqueous solution. Stability constants and thermodynamic values of the complex formation between following peptides: glycyl-l-alanine, l-leucyl-l-valine, glycyl-l-asparagine, l-leucyl-l-phenylalanine, l-leucyl-l-tryptophan, glycyl-l-histidine, l-glutathione reduced (γ-l-glutamyl-l-cysteinyl-glycine, GSH), and dl-leucyl-glycyl-dl-phenylalanine) with cucurbit[6]uril in aqueous formic acid (50%, v/v) have been calculated from calorimetric titrations. From these results it can be seen that the peptides form exclusion complexes with cucurbit[6]uril. Due to the polar peptide bond they are not included within the hydrophobic cavity of cucurbit[6]uril. The complex formation is favoured by entropic contributions. The release of water molecules from the polar amino groups of the peptides and the carbonyl groups of cucurbituril are responsible.     

Molecular photonics of polymethine dyes in complexes with cucurbit[7, 8]urils

Thiacarbo- and thiadicarbocyanine indolenine and thiazoline polymethine dyes form host?guest complexes with cucurbit[7,8]urils in water. Cucurbit[7]uril forms preferentially 1: 1 and 1: 2 monomeric complexes and cucurbit[8]uril forms 2: 1 and 2: 2 dimeric complexes. On the basis of quantum-chemical calculations, the structure of monomeric and dimeric complexes has been suggested. The complexation manifested itself in absorption, prompt and thermally activated delayed fluorescence spectra, as well as in the triplet?triplet absorption spectra. Dimeric complexes in the triplet state are involved in one-electron oxidation and participate in triplet?triplet energy transfer.     

Cucurbit[n]uril binding of platinum anticancer complexes

The encapsulation of cisplatin by cucurbit[7]uril (Q[7]) and multinuclear platinum complexes linked via a 4,4'-dipyrazolylmethane (dpzm) ligand by Q[7] and cucurbit[8]uril (Q[8]) has been studied by NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling. The NMR studies suggest that some cisplatin binds in the cucurbituril cavity, while cis-[PtCl(NH3)2(H2O)]+ only binds at the portals. Alternatively, the dpzm-linked multinuclear platinum complexes are quantitatively encapsulated within the cavities of both Q[7] and Q[8]. Upon encapsulation, the non-exchangeable proton resonances of the multinuclear platinum complexes show significant upfield shifts in 1H NMR spectra. The H3/H3* resonances shift upfield by 0.08 to 0.55 ppm, the H5/H5* shift by 0.9 to 1.6 ppm, while the methylene resonances shift by 0.74 to 0.88 ppm. The size of the resonance shift is dependent on the cavity size of the encapsulating cucurbituril, with Q[7] encapsulation producing larger shifts than Q[8]. The upfield shifts of the dpzm resonances observed upon cucurbituril encapsulation indicate that the Q[7] or Q[8] is positioned directly over the dpzm linking ligand. The terminal platinum groups of trans-[{PtCl(NH3)2}2 mu-dpzm]2+ (di-Pt) and trans-[trans-{PtCl(NH3)2}2-trans-{Pt(dpzm)2(NH3)2}]4+ (tri-Pt) provide a barrier to the on and off movement of cucurbituril, resulting in binding kinetics that are slow on the NMR timescale for the metal complex. Although the dpzm ligand has relatively few rotamers, encapsulation by the larger Q[8] resulted in a more compact di-Pt conformation with each platinum centre retracted further into each Q[8] portal. Encapsulation of the hydrolysed forms of di-Pt and tri-Pt is considerably slower than for the corresponding Cl forms, presumably due to the high-energy cost of passing the +2 platinum centres through the cucurbituril portals. The results of this study suggest that cucurbiturils could be suitable hosts for the pharmacological delivery of multinuclear platinum complexes.     

Inclusion complexes of the antitumour metallocenes Cp(2)MCl(2) (M = Mo, Ti) with cucurbit[n]urils

The encapsulation of the aquated forms of molybdocene dichloride and titanocene dichloride by cucurbit[n]uril (Q[n], where n = 7 and 8) at different pD values has been studied by (1)H NMR spectroscopy and molecular modelling. (1)H NMR titration experiments indicate that both metallocenes form 1 : 1 host-guest complexes with both Q[7] and Q[8]. In these complexes, both the cyclopentadienyl ligands and metal centre are positioned deep within the cucurbituril cavity. In vitro cell proliferation studies using the cancer cell lines MCF-7 and 2008 showed that the encapsulated molybdocene complex was more active than the corresponding free metallocene, with GI(50) values of 210 and 400 muM respectively. However, unexpectedly the encapsulation of Cp(2)MoCl(2(aq))at pD 7 catalysed significant degradation of the cucurbituril framework in the presence of oxygen. Encapsulation of Cp(2)TiCl(2(aq)) by Q[7] greatly slowed the protonolysis of the cyclopentadienyl ligands in aqueous phosphate buffer (pD 7), while encapsulation in Q[8] only slightly retarded the hydrolytic degradation of the metallocene.     

Inclusion complex of riboflavin with cucurbit[7]uril: study in solution and solid state

The aqueous solution of riboflavin and cucurbit[7]uril complex has been studied based on fluorescence and ¹H NMR spectroscopic results. Upon addition of cucurbit[7]uril, the fluorescence intensity of riboflavin was quenched and a slight red shift was observed for the maximum emission peak. These results indicated that the cucurbit[7]uril–riboflavin complex was formed at a 1:1 mole ratio. The temperature-dependent inclusion constants were calculated, from which ΔH and ΔS values were calculated. Meanwhile, rationale of the interaction mechanism was also discussed based on ¹H NMR results. The solid inclusion complex was prepared from co-evaporation method and characterised by differential thermal analysis and fluorescence lifetime analysis methods. The experimental results indicated that riboflavin and cucurbit[7]uril formed stable host–guest inclusion complex in both solution and solid states.     

瓜环与哌嗪衍生物主客体配合物的研究(英)

本文采用核磁共振技术研究瓜环与哌嗪衍生物主客体配合物的结构特征。¹H核磁共振谱证实八元瓜环能与一些哌嗪衍生物形成稳定的双客体主客体配合物,六元瓜环与一些哌嗪衍生物形成稳定的1∶1主客体配合物。而五、七元瓜环和哌嗪衍生物则未表现出明显地相互作用。形成的自组装主客体配合物得到质谱的进一步证实。     

Cucurbit[8]uril/cucurbit[7]uril controlled off/on fluorescence of the acridizinium and 9-aminoacridizinium cations in aqueous solution

The blue fluorescence of acridizinium bromide (ADZ+) and the green fluorescence of 9-aminoacridizinium bromide (AADZ+) in aqueous solutions can be almost entirely switched off upon the double inclusion of these guests in the cavity of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) owing to the formation of a nonfluorescent, noncovalent dimer complex, and then fluorescence can be effectively restored by adding cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) to the complex because it competitively extracts the fluorophores out of the CB[8] cavity.     

Host-guest complexes of cucubit[8]uril with phenanthrolines and some methyl derivatives

Cucurbituril a molecular container (or host) has a rigid hollow interior cavity which is large enough to accommodate, one or more, smaller molecules (or guests). The cavity is accessible through two carbonyl portal openings. Molecules or guests enter the …     

Understanding Photophysical Effects of Cucurbituril Encapsulation: A Model Study with Acridine Orange in the Gas Phase

Encapsulation of dyes by cucurbituril macrocycles has proven profitable as a strategy to alter fluorescence characteristics in useful ways. Encapsulation generally results in longer fluorescence lifetimes, enhanced brightness, and solvatochromic effects not normally seen in the condensed phase. These effects have been attributed variously to both the removal of interactions with solvent molecules and to the confined environment of extremely low polarizability provided by the cucurbituril interior. It is difficult to disentangle these effects in solution. Here, we present results from gas‐phase experiments designed to separate these effects, using cucurbit[7]uril (CB7), and the cationic dye acridine orange (AOH⁺) as a probe. Fluorescence properties of gaseous AOH⁺ are compared with those of the gaseous AOH⁺‐CB7 complex and with the properties of the dye and complex in aqueous solution. The dependence on the local environment of several spectroscopic properties is discussed, including the fluorescence excitation and emission maxima, the size of the Stokes shift, fluorescence lifetime and relative brightness. An understanding of the modulation of fluorescence properties by the local environment, such as that promoted by this work, will aid in the rational design of improved fluorophores and fluorescent sensors.     

The formation of homogeneous and heterogeneous 2:1 complexes between dialkyl- and diarylammonium ions and α-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6]uril in aqueous formic acid

Dialkyl- and diarylammonium ions are able to form complexes with α-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6]uril. These amines are able to complex two guest molecules simultaneously resulting in the formation of homogeneous or heterogeneous 1:2 (ratio of dialkylammonium to ligand) complexes. The stability constants and reaction enthalpies for the formation of 1:1 complexes have been measured using potentiometric and calorimetric titrations. Differences between the values obtained by these methods can be attributed to solvent composition. Only for the 1:2 complex formation with cucurbit[6]uril, the ligands influenced each other. The polar carbonyl groups at each portal of the cucurbit[6]urils interacted simultaneously with the protonated amino group resulting in an electrostatic repulsion between both molecules. No further interactions between two complexed molecules of α-cyclodextrin or cucurbit[6]uril and α-cyclodextrin were observed. The absence of polar groups in the case of α-cyclodextrin led to unaffected formation of homogeneous and even heterogeneous 1:2 complexes.     

Design of a fluorescent dye for indicator displacement from cucurbiturils: a macrocycle-responsive fluorescent switch operating through a pKa shift

The derivatization of 3-amino-9-ethylcarbazole with a diamino-alkyl anchor affords a fluorescent dye suitable for indicator displacement from cucurbituril macrocycles. The novel compound 1 shows, due to a complexation-induced pKa shift, a large and predictable dual fluorescence response (100-fold increase at 375 nm and 9-fold decrease at 458 nm) upon supramolecular encapsulation and a strong affinity for cation-receptor macrocycles, in particular cucurbit[6]uril (CB6). A direct application is presented by monitoring the enzymatic activity of lysine decarboxylase.     

Strongly fluorescent, switchable perylene bis(diimide) host-guest complexes with cucurbit[8]uril in water

Supramolecular complexation of perylene bis(diimide) (PDI) dyes with the macrocyclic host cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) prevents self-aggregation of the dye molecules and enables their use as highly (photo)chemically stable, strongly-emitting fluorophores in water. The complexes are stimuli-responsive to binders and can be electrochemically cycled, leading to reversible on-off fluorescence switching and access to noncovalent formation of higher-order architectures in water.     

荧光光谱法研究葫芦[7]脲与6-巯嘌呤和腺嘌呤的包结作用

采用荧光光谱法分别研究了葫芦[7]脲(CB[7])对6-巯嘌呤(6-MP)和腺嘌呤(ADP)的包结作用。实验考察了时间、pH值以及温度对荧光强度和包结作用的影响,利用Benesi-Hildebrand方程分别计算出6-MP和ADP与CB[7]的包结常数。结果表明:酸度对体系的包结有明显的影响。在pH值为8.0和2.0左右时,6-MP和ADP分别具有稳定和最佳激发和发射波长,随着CB[7]浓度的增大,体系的荧光强度都有明显增强,包结作用迅速(小于5 min)。实验得出CB[7]与6-MP和ADP的包结比均为1∶1,在298 K时的包结常数分别为3.6797×102L·mol-1和2.2033×102L·mol-1。通过热力学参数的变化,探讨了维系包结物稳定性的主要作用力。CB[7]是葫芦脲家族中水溶性最强的主体分子,作为一种安全低毒的药物载体极具潜力。     

七、八元瓜环与二溴化1,n-亚烷基-二-2-甲基吡啶的超分子自组装

合成和表征了4个碳链长度不同二溴化1,n-亚烷基-二-2-甲基吡啶(客体,n=6,8,10,12),利用1H NMR技术、热重分析及紫外吸收光谱法考察了这些客体与七、八元瓜环(主体)的相互作用,以及形成的主客体包结物的结构特征.研究结果表明4个客体与七、八元瓜环形成不同的主客体包合物.七元瓜环可穿梭在线性客体分子上形成类轮烷型或哑铃型主客体包合物;而由于具有较大的空腔,八元瓜环可包容弯曲状的整个客体分子.     

Complex Formation of Crown Ethers with the Cucurbit[6]uril–Spermidine and Cucurbit[6]uril–Spermine Complex in Aqueous Solution

Alkyl amines are able to form complexes with either crown ethers or cyclodextrins or cucurbit[6]uril. The same is known for polyamines such as spermidine and spermine. However, the simultaneous formation of such polyamines with crown ethers and cucurbit[6]uril has not been studied. The ability of polyamines such as spermidine and spermine to form mixed complexes with different ligands, e.g. crown ethers and cucurbit[6]uril has been studied in aqueous solution using pH-metric and calorimetric titrations. The thermodynamic data of reaction between crown ethers with spermidine, spermine and their cucurbit[6]uril complexes have been determined. The presence of cucurbit[6]uril on the polyamines has no important influence upon the reaction of these amines with crown ethers. The reactions between polyamines, cucurbit[6]uril and crown ethers are simple examples for the self organization of molecules due to specific interactions. Received in final form: 26 January 2005     

Chiroptic behaviour of a chiral guest in an achiral cucurbit[7]uril host

The protonated forms of the chiral molecules (S)- and (R)-N-benzyl-1-(1-naphthyl)ethylamine (BNEAH⁺) form very stable 1:1 guest–host complexes with cucurbit[7]uril in aqueous solution. The stoichiometry and stability constants for the guest–host complexes were determined by ¹H NMR, UV–visible and circular dichroism spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The molecular optical rotations of the guests increase in magnitude by about 5-fold upon formation of the {BNEAH·CB[7]}⁺ species. Energy minimized structures of the guests and guest–host complexes indicate changes in the dihedral angles about the stereogenic centre upon ion-dipole and H-bonding interactions between the ammonium hydrogens of the guest and the carbonyl groups of the cucurbituril portals. The increases in the optical rotations are discussed in terms of restricted rotations of the naphthyl groups and in preferential solvation of benzylamine in the cucurbit[7]uril cavity.     

Investigation of Host–Guest Compounds of Cucurbit[n=5–8]uril with Some Ortho Aminopyridines and Bispyridine

Host–guest complexes of cucurbit[n=5–8]uril and some examples of ortho substituted pyridines or aminopyridines were examined by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Portal binding of two ortho aminopyridine free bases, by cucurbit[5]uril, was observed in ¹H NMR spectra. Combined cavity and portal binding in cucurbit[6]uril were observed for both the free base 2-aminomethylpyridine, ampy, the HCl salt, ampy·1HCl, and the salt of 2,2′-bispyridine, bpy·1HCl. Two novel complexes were formed with cucurbit[6]uril. The free base ampyas a dual occupant, formed a 2:1 complex, and bpy·1HCl formed a stable asymmetric 1:1 complex. Only portal binding of 2,6-bisaminomethylpyridine and its salts was observed for cucurbit[6]uril. Fast exchange of the free base and pyridineammonium salts was observed for cucurbit[7-8]uril.This revised version was published online in July 2005 with a corrected issue number.     

A cucurbit[6]uril analogue: host properties monitored by fluorescence spectroscopy

This paper describes the host properties of a new cucurbit[6]uril analogue, studied by fluorescence and 1H NMR spectroscopy. This host has an elongated cavity with oval-shaped portals. It is intrinsically fluorescent, and more importantly, this fluorescence is sensitive to guest encapsulation, allowing for the study of the inclusion of nonfluorescent guests by fluorescence spectroscopy. In the case of benzene as guest, significant enhancement of the cucurbit[6]uril analogue host fluorescence was observed upon addition of benzene; this allowed for the determination of the binding constant for 1:1 host-guest complexation, yielding a value of K = 6900 +/- 1100 M(-1). This complexation was also studied by 1H NMR, yielding a similar value of K = 8980 +/- 500 M(-1). The binding of a much larger guest, the dye Nile Red, was also studied, but in this case using guest fluorescence. Significant suppression of the Nile Red fluorescence was observed upon 1:1 complexation with the cucurbit[6]uril analogue, with an extremely large binding constant of 8.2 +/- 0.5 x 10(6) M(-1), indicating a very strong host-guest interaction and an excellent size and shape match. In both cases, binding was much stronger than in the case of the same guests with cucurbit[6]uril itself, and in the case of Nile Red, binding was also much stronger than with modified beta- or gamma-cyclodextrins. This is partly a result of the partial aromatic nature of the host walls, which allow for pi-pi interactions not possible in cucurbiturils or cyclodextrins. The ability to study its inclusion complexes using either host or guest fluorescence, and the very high binding constants observed, illustrates the versatility and potential usefulness of this new host compound.