A molecular box derived from cobaloxime units held together by 4-pyridinylboronic acid residues

The reaction of CH(3)Co(DH)(2)H(2)O with 4-pyridinyl boronic acid in methanol or water affords the dinuclear complexes [MeCo(DH)(DB(OR)(4-Py))](2), with R = Me (2) or H (3), respectively, through reaction of boron with the oxime oxygens of the alkylcobaloxime and coordination of the pyridinyl N to cobalt. The reaction is strongly pH dependent, and the formation of the complexes requires a neutral medium. The complexes have been fully characterized by (1)H and (13)C NMR spectroscopy, ESI-MS spectrometry, and elemental analysis. The X-ray structure shows that in 2, the pyridinyl groups are facing each other and nearly perpendicular both to the plane of the Co B Co1 B1 atoms and to the mean equatorial plane, so that the complex may be considered a molecular box. A dimeric arrangement has already been found in the related [MeCo(DH)(DB(OMe)(3-Py))](2) (1) complex, which forms a distorted molecular rectangle [Dreos, R.; Nardin, G.; Randaccio, L.; Tauzher, G.; Vuano, S. Inorg. Chem. 1997, 36, 2463]. The dimerization is possible in both cases, as the conformational freedom of the B bridge compensates for the different position (3- or 4-) of the pyridinyl N donor.     

Symmetry induced supramolecular assembly of a resorcinarene trimeric molecular box

A novel trimeric resorcinarene molecular box is induced during hydrothermal synthesis by use of the 3-fold symmetric tripyridyl triazine linker molecule.     

A novel molecular assembly mode of ferulic acid derivatives

Ferulic acid derivative assembles with three kinds of non-covalent interactions, i.e., metal coordination, hydrogen bonding and CH-pi interaction: X-ray crystallographic study illustrated the molecular assembly mode.     

Hydrogen-bonding-mediated vesicular assembly of functionalized naphthalene-diimide-based bolaamphiphile and guest-induced gelation in water

This paper describes the spontaneous vesicular assembly of a naphthalene-diimide (NDI)-based non-ionic bolaamphiphile in aqueous medium by using the synergistic effects of π-stacking and hydrogen bonding. Site isolation of the hydrogen-bonding functionality (hydrazide), a strategy that has been adopted so elegantly in nature, has been executed in this system to protect these moieties from the bulk water so that the distinct role of hydrogen bonding in the self-assembly of hydrazide-functionalized NDI building blocks could be realized, even in aqueous solution. Furthermore, the electron-deficient NDI-based bolaamphiphile could engage in donor-acceptor (D-A) charge-transfer (CT) interactions with a water-insoluble electron-rich pyrene donor by virtue of intercalation of the latter chromophore in between two NDI building blocks. Remarkably, even when pyrene was located between two NDI blocks, intermolecular hydrogen-bonding networks between the NDI-linked hydrazide groups could be retained. However, time-dependent AFM studies revealed that the radius of curvature of the alternately stacked D-A assembly increased significantly, thereby leading to intervesicular fusion, which eventually resulted in rupturing of the membrane to form 1D fibers. Such 2D-to-1D morphological transition produced CT-mediated hydrogels at relatively higher concentrations. Instead of pyrene, when a water-soluble carboxylate-functionalized pyrene derivative was used as the intercalator, non-covalent tunable in-situ surface-functionalization could be achieved, as evidenced by the zeta-potential measurements.     

A guest-induced reversible switching of a self-assembled H-bonded supramolecular framework

A new class of organic crystalline 2,2'-biphenol-based H-bonded material displaying 1D-channels encapsulating solvent molecules is described. A reversible guest-induced crystal-to-crystal conversion between the solvated H-bonded phase and a compact H-bonded non-solvated phase was observed. The energy competition between intramolecular H-bonds formation and solvation of organic pores has been characterized using PACHA calculations.     

Direct identification of HMX via guest-induced fluorescence turn-on of molecular cage

Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine (HMX) is one of the most widely used powerful explosives. The direct and selective detection of HMX, without the requirement of specialized equipment, remains a great challenge due to its extremely low volatility, unfavorable reduction potential and lack of aromatic rings. Here, we report the first chemical probe of direct identification of HMX at ppb sensitivity based on a designed metal-organic cage (MOC). The cage features two unsaturated dicopper units and four electron donating amino groups inside the cavity, providing multiple binding sites to selectively enhance host-guest events. It was found that compared to other explosive molecules the capture of HMX inside the cavity would strongly modulate the emissive behavior of the host cage, resulting in highly induced fluorescence “turn-on” (160 folds). Based on the density functional theory (DFT) simulation, the mutual fit of both size and binding sites between host and guest leads to the synergistic effects that perturb the ligand-to-metal charge-transfer (LMCT) process, which is probably the origin of such selective HMX-induced turn-on behavior.     

Dynamic combinatorial discovery of a [2]-catenane and its guest-induced conversion into a molecular square host

A simple water-soluble naphthalenedithiol building block is converted quantitatively into a series of octameric [2]-catenanes, composed of two interlocked molecular squares. When this mixture is re-equilibrated in the presence of an adamantyl ammonium guest, the catenanes disassemble into their macrocyclic components that bind the guest with nanomolar affinity in water.     

外型-1,4-氧桥-环己基-2,3-二羧酸的晶体及分子结构

外型-1,4-氧桥-环己基-2,3-二羧酸晶体属单斜晶系,空间群为P2_1/n;晶胞参数为:α=5.594(3)A,b=11.178(7)A,c=14.675(11)A,β=91.46(5)°;Ζ=4.从直接法得到结构的初始模型,经块矩阵最小二乘修正后,最后的R值为0.072.在晶体中,分子间的O—H…O氢键将分子连接成层型氢键体系.使用自编的CNDO/2程序,计算得电子的能量、分子的总能量、偶极矩及各原子的电荷密度和净电荷.     

A self-assembled fluoride-water cyclic cluster of [F(H2O)]4(4-) in a molecular box

We present an unprecedented fluoride-water cyclic cluster of [F(H(2)O)](4)(4-) assembled in a cuboid molecular box formed by two large macrocycles. Structural characterization reveals that [F(H(2)O)](4)(4-) is assembled by strong H-bonding interactions [OH···F = 2.684(3)-2.724(3) ?], where a fluoride anion plays the topological role of a water molecule in the classical cyclic water octamer. The interaction of fluoride was further confirmed by (19)F NMR and (1)H NMR spectroscopies, indicating the encapsulation of the anionic species within the cavity in solution. High-level DFT calculations and Bader topological analyses fully support the crystallographic results, demonstrating that the bonding arrangement in the fluoride-water cluster arises from the unique geometry of the host.     

Synthesis,crystal structure,and photoluminescence of a new Zn(II) molecular box compound derived from a two-armed bis-terdendate ligand

The dinuclear compound Zn₂(HL²)₂(ClO₄)₂(C₂H₅OH)_0.5(H₂O)₂ (1) based on di(2-acetylpyridyl)-6,6′-dicarboxylic acid hydrazone-2,2′-bipyridine (H₂L²) has been obtained via self-assembly. X-ray crystallography indicated the formation of a molecular box rather than a helicate. The photoluminescence properties of 1 in the solid state have an emission at ca 500 nm with excitation at 400 nm at room temperature.     

Dihydrooxazolones and dihydroimidazolones derived from acylglycines: syntheses,molecular structures and supramolecular assembly

Syntheses and structures are described for some alkylidene‐substituted dihydrooxazolones and dihydroimidazoles derived from simple acylglycines. A second, triclinic, polymorph of 4‐benzylidene‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐one, C₁₇H₁₃NO₂, (I), has been identified and the structure of 2‐methyl‐4‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐one, C₉H₇NO₂S, (II), has been rerefined taking into account the orientational disorder of the thienyl group in each of the two independent molecules. The reactions of phenylhydrazine with 2‐phenyl‐4‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐one or 2‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐4‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐one yield, respectively, 3‐anilino‐2‐phenyl‐5‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐3,5‐dihydro‐4H‐imidazol‐4‐one, C₁₀H₁₅N₃OS, (III), and 3‐anilino‐2‐(4‐methylphenyl)‐5‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐3,5‐dihydro‐4H‐imidazol‐4‐one, C₂₁H₁₇N₃OS, (IV), which both exhibit orientational disorder in their thienyl groups. The reactions of 2‐phenyl‐4‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐1,3‐oxazol‐5(4H)‐one with hydrazine hydrate or with water yield, respectively, N‐[3‐hydrazinyl‐3‐oxo‐1‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐1‐en‐2‐yl]benzamide and 2‐(benzoylamino)‐3‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐enoic acid, which in turn react, respectively, with thiophene‐2‐carbaldehyde to form 2‐phenyl‐5‐[(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]‐3‐{[(E)‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)methylidene]amino}‐3,5‐dihydro‐4H‐imidazol‐4‐one, C₁₉H₁₃N₃OS₂, (V), which exhibits orientational disorder in only one of its thienyl groups, and with methanol to give methyl (2Z)‐2‐(benzoylamino)‐3‐(thiophen‐2‐yl)prop‐2‐enoate, C₁₅H₁₃NO₃S, (VI). There are no direction‐specific intermolecular interactions in the crystal structure of the triclinic polymorph of (I), but the molecules of (II) are linked by two independent C—H...O hydrogen bonds to form C₂²(14) chains. Compounds (III) and (IV) both form centrosymmetric R₂²(10) dimers built from N—H...O hydrogen bonds, while compound (V) forms a centrosymmetric R₂²(10) dimer built from C—H...O hydrogen bonds. In the structure of compound (VI), a combination of N—H...O and C—H...π(arene) hydrogen bonds links the molecules into sheets. Comparisons are made with some similar compounds.     

Expanded aromatic carboxylate anion induced molecular sandwich construction via a tetracationic imidazolium macrocycle conversion from molecular box to molecular tweezer

The molecular box, namely cyclo[2](2,6-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)pyridine)-[2](1,4-dimethylene benzene) (1⁴⁺; as PF₆^? salt), fold its conformation as molecular tweezer to clip the specific carboxylates with expanded aromatic plane. The binding modes between 1⁴⁺ and carboxylate, namely pseudorotaxane, outside or clipping (i.e., sandwich like), also depend on the location of carboxylate on the large conjugated moiety. These finding develop the usability of 1⁴⁺ and carboxylates as important building block pairs to create non-covalent self-assembly structures.     

Stereochemistry-dependent, mechanoresponsive supramolecular host assemblies for fullerenes: a guest-induced enhancement of thixotropy

Self-assembly behaviors of a series of systems (G1, G2, and G3) possessing same organic building blocks based on a substituted anthracene have been investigated in decalin. G2 and G3 are dominated by head-to-tail (ht) and head-to-head (hh) type dimers of G1, respectively. G1 gives a thermoresponsive gel that behaves ideally, showing frequency-independent elastic and viscous moduli. Interestingly, G2 produces a thixotropic gel that shows the signature of structural relaxation, signifying the dynamic nature of the system. In contrast, G3 remains fluidlike. As investigated by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), in the assembly process of G2, first disklike nanoaggregates are formed, and in the second step these aggregates interact to construct the densely packed secondary assembly. A transition from secondary assembly to primary assembly under shear initiates the mechanoresponsive destruction of the gel. In the self-assembly process, G1 propagates in a one-dimensional fashion, whereas G2 and G3 can propagate in a two-dimensionional fashion. The same side orientation of the substituents in G3 facilitates the formation of a compact closed-shell-type structure, which results in the generation of isolated nanocrystals. The long-range weak interaction together with the capability of propagating in two dimensions is found to be essential for the construction of such a mechanoresponsive assembly. C(60) and C(70) could be incorporated successfully in G2 assembly to develop mechanoresponsive fullerene assemblies. The presence of fullerenes not only enhances the elastic properties of G2 but also intensifies the thixotropy. C(70) appears to be a superior guest in terms of property enhancement due to its better size fitting with the concave-shaped host.     

Bottom-up assembly of molecular wagons on a surface

The bottom-up assembly of molecular building blocks, carrying specific functions, is a promising strategy for the construction of nanomachines. In this study we show how molecules with a mechanical function, i.e., being equipped with wheels, can be connected in a controlled way directly on a surface. By choosing suitable building blocks, assembled dimers and wagon trains can be formed, whereas the length of the chains can be limited by using a heterogeneous mixture of molecules. By using low temperature scanning tunneling microscopy, the chemical nature of the intermolecular connection is determined as a metal-ligand bond, which is stable enough to maintain the wagon train structure at room temperature. The intermolecular bonds can be controllably changed from trans to cis configurations thereby achieving bond angles of almost 90°.     

Electronic energy transfer in a multiporphyrin-based molecular box.

The molecular box 1 comprises of two zinc-porphyrin metallacycles connected by two free-base 4'-trans-dipyridylporphyrins, axially coordinated to the zinc centers. The photophysics of 1 were studied in chloroform by emission and ultrafast absorption spectroscopy. In the molecular box, fast singlet energy transfer (main component, tau=32 ps) is observed to occur from the zinc-porphyrin metallacycles to the free-base chromophores. From wavelength-dependent spectrofluorimetric data, the efficiency of the energy-transfer (ET) process is estimated as 0.5. The lower-than-unity value is tentatively attributed to the possibility of a competing electron-transfer quenching pathway. Molecular box 1 can be considered to be a simple, self-assembling, six-chromophore antenna system. It has an inner cavity, 11.4 Angstrom wide, that could be used, in principle, to host a variety of guest molecules and obtain higher-order assemblies.     

Anomaly of CH4 molecular assembly confined in single-wall carbon nanohorn spaces

Vibrational-rotational properties of CH(4) adsorbed on the nanopores of single-wall carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) at 105-140 K were investigated using IR spectroscopy. The difference vibrational-rotational bands of the ν(3) and ν(4) modes below 130 K show suppression of the P and R branches, while the Q branches remain. The widths of the Q branches are much narrower than in the bulk gas phase due to suppression of the Doppler effect. These results indicate that the rotation of CH(4) confined in the nanospaces of SWCNHs is highly restricted, resulting in a rigid assembly structure, which is an anomaly in contrast to that in the bulk liquid phase.     

Isolation and structural determination of xerophytolic acid A, a 3-geranyl-4-hydroxybenzoate derivative from Xerophyta plicata

A novel compound of a rare class of secondary metabolites, 3-geranyl-4-hydroxybenzoic acid derivative, methyl xerophytolate A (2), was isolated from the crude extract of Xerophyta plicata (Velloziaceae) collected in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The structure of 2 was elucidated using spectroscopic methods.