Self-assembly and liquid-crystalline properties of 5-fluoroalkylporphyrins

We report three crystal structures of a synthetic 5-fluoroalkylporphyrin molecule that was programmed for self-assembly. All the X-ray structures of zincated and free-base porphyrins Zn2 b, Zn5 a, and 2 b revealed rigorous pi-pi stacking and extremely hydrophobic interactions. Other the other hand, the strong aggregation of 5-fluoroalkylporphyrins in solution was also found. Interestingly, the regular nanopore formation of the 5-fluoroalkylporphyrin was visualized by atomic force microscopy (AFM). Importantly, the 5-fluoroalkylporphyrins possess liquid-crystalline properties that were confirmed by using a combination of differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) and polarizing optical microscopy (POM) techniques. By comparison, the self-assembly of non-fluorine-containing porphyrins with similar structure showed much lower aggregation ability, as investigated by NMR techniques. Additionally, no birefringent mesophase was observed for the non-fluorine-containing porphyrin.     

Structure and dynamics of a discotic liquid-crystalline charge-transfer complex.

The structure of the charge-transfer complex hexakis(n-hexyloxy)triphenylene-2,4,7-trinitro-9-fluorenone (HAT6-TNF) has been characterized by neutron scattering, X-ray diffraction (XRD), optical microscopy, and dielectric relaxation spectroscopy (DRS). On the basis of these data and the 1:1 stoichiometry, a consistent structure for the complex is proposed. This structure differs markedly from structures previously proposed for similar materials, because the TNF molecules are found to be situated between the discotic columns rather than sandwiched between the discotic molecules of a given column. The addition of TNF to HAT6 is found to stiffen the structure, and quasi-elastic neutron scattering shows that the local dynamics of the discotic molecules in HAT6-TNF is slowed by the presence of the TNF molecules. This scenario is consistent with the observation of two VFT-type (VFT=Vogel-Fulcher-Tamman) dielectric relaxation processes that relate to the columnar glass transition and a polyethylene-like hindered glass transition originating from the nano-phase-separated fraction of the aliphatic tails.     

Mononuclear Cu(II) complexes of novel salicylidene Schiff bases: synthesis and mesogenic properties

Two new Schiff base ligands 1 and 2 (where 1 = 4-(2-hydroxybenzilidenamino)-phenyl-4-(decyloxy)-2-(pent-4-enyloxy)benzoate, 2 = 4-(4-(decyloxy)-2-hydroxybenziliden amino)-phenyl-4-(decyloxy)-2-(pent-4-enyloxy)benzoate) and their copper (Cu)(II) complexes have been synthesised and characterised. The derivatives were fully characterised structurally, and their mesomorphic behaviour was investigated by polarised optical microscopyand differential scanning calorimetry. The structure of Cu(II) complex having 1 as ligand (3) was determined by X-ray diffraction. The Schiff base ligands exhibit enantiotropic nematic phases, the Cu(II) complex 4 shows monotropic nematic phase behaviour, while compound 3 does not show mesomorphism.     

Donor-acceptor ring-in-ring complexes

The self-assembly of three donor-acceptor ring-in-ring complexes, prepared from the π-electron-deficient tetracationic cyclophane, cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene), and three large π-electron-rich crown ethers (each 50-membered rings) containing dioxynaphthalene (DNP) and tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) units in pairs (DNP/DNP, DNP/TTF and TTF/TTF), is reported. (1)H NMR spectroscopic analyses are indicative of the formation of 1:1 complexes in CD(3)CN, whilst the charge-transfer interactions between the DNP and TTF units of the crown ethers and the tetracationic cyclophane have permitted the measurement of binding constants of up to 4×10(3) M(-1) in CH(3)CN to be made using UV/Vis spectroscopy. Ring-in-ring complexes are proposed as intermediates in the stepwise synthesis of molecular Borromean rings (BRs) comprised of three different rings. With the particular choice of crown ethers, the 1:1 complexes have polyether loops that protrude from the donor-acceptor recognition point above and below the mean plane of the tetracationic cyclophane, which, ideally, could conceivably bind dialkylammonium centers present in a third ring. X-ray crystallographic analyses of the solid-state superstructures of two of the three 1:1 complexes reveal, however, the presence of prodigious CH···O interactions between the polyether loops of the crown ethers and the rims of the cyclophane, no doubt stabilizing the complexes, but, at the same time, masking their potential recognition sites from further interactions that are essential to the subsequent emergence of the third ring. The solid-state superstructure of one of the crown ethers binding two dibenzylammonium ions provides some insight into the design requirements for the next generation of these systems; longer polyether loops may be required to allow optimal interactions between all components. It has become clear during a pursuit of the stepwise synthesis of the molecular BRs that, when designing complex mechanically interlocked molecules utilizing multiple recognition sites, the unsullied orthogonality of the recognition motifs is of the utmost importance.     

Synthesis of directly linked zinc(II) porphyrin-imide dyads and energy gap dependence of intramolecular electron transfer reactions

A series of zinc(II) porphyrin-imide dyads (ZP-Im), in which an electron donating ZP moiety is directly connected to an electron accepting imide moiety in the meso position, have been prepared for the examination of energy gap dependence of intramolecular electron transfer reactions with large electronic coupling. The nearly perpendicular conformation of the imide moiety towards the porphyrin plane has been revealed by Xray crystal structures. The energy gap for charge separation, 1ZP* - Im --> ZP+ - Im-, is varied by changing the electron accepting imide moiety to cover a range of about 0.8 eV in DMF. Definitive evidence for electron transfer has been obtained in three solvents (toluene, THF, and DMF) through picosecond-femtosecond transient absorption studies, which have allowed us to determine the rates of photoinduced charge separation, 1ZP* - Im --> ZP+ - Im-, and subsequent thermal charge recombination ZP+ - Im- --> ZP - Im. The free-energy gap dependence (energy gap law) has been probed from the normal to the nearly top region for the charge separation rate alone, and only the inverted region for the charge recombination rate. Although both of the energy gap dependencies can be approximately reproduced by means of the simplified semiclassical equation, when we take into consideration the effect of the high frequency vibrations replaced by one mode of averaged frequency, many features, including the effects of solvent polarity and the electron tunneling matrix element on the energy gap law, differ considerably from those of the previously studied porphyrin-quinone systems, which have weaker interchromophore electronic interactions.     

Peculiarities of C60*- coordination to cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin in ionic multicomponent complexes: Observation of the reversible formation of Co-C(C60-) coordination bonds

Ionic multicomponent complexes containing the C60- anion, cobalt(II) octaethylporphyrin (OEP), and the noncoordinating tetramethylphosphonium cation (TMP+), [(TMP+){Co(II)OEP(C60-)}(C6H5CN)x(C6H4Cl2)(1-x)] (x congruent with 0.75) (1), or the coordinating cation of N-methyldiazabicyclooctane (MDABCO+), [{(MDABCO+)Co(II)OEP(C60-)}(C6H5CN)x(C6H4Cl2)(1-x)] (x congruent with 0.67) (2), were obtained. Diamagnetic sigma-bonded {Co(II)OEP(C60-)} units in 1 have the Co...C(C60-) distance of 2.268(1) A at 100 K and are stable up to 290 K. Both MDABCO+ and C60- coordinate to Co(II)OEP in 2. In this case, a noticeably longer Co...CC60-) distance of 2.508(4) A was observed at 100 K. As a result, the unprecedented reversible formation of the Co-C(C60-) coordination sigma bond is realized in 2 and is accompanied by a transition from a paramagnetic to a diamagnetic state in the 50-250 K range. It was shown, for the first time, that the Co...C distance of about 2.51 A is a boundary distance below which the Co-C(C60-) coordination bond is formed.     

The Interaction of C60, C70, and C60(CN)2 radical anions with cobalt(II) tetraphenylporphyrin in solid multicomponent complexes

A method for the synthesis of the multicomponent ionic complexes: [Cr(I)(C(6)H(6))(2) (.+)][Co(II)(tpp)(fullerene)(-)].C(6)H(4)Cl(2), comprising bis(benzene)chromium (Cr(C(6)H(6))(2)), cobalt(II) tetraphenylporphyrin (Co(II)(tpp)), fullerenes (C(60), C(60)(CN)(2), and C(70)), and o-dichlorobenzene (C(6)H(4)Cl(2)) has been developed. The monoanionic state of the fullerenes has been proved by optical absorption spectra in the UV/vis/NIR and IR ranges. The crystal structures of the ionic [[Cr(I)(C(6)H(6))(2)](.+)](1.7)[[Co(II)(tpp)(C(60))](2)](1.7-). 3.3 C(6)H(4)Cl(2) and [[Cr(I)(C(6)H(6))(2)] (.+)](2)[Co(II)(tpp)[C(60)(CN)(2)]](-)[C(60)(CN)(2) (.-)]).3 C(6)H(4)Cl(2) are presented. The essentially shortened Co.C(fullerene) bond lengths of 2.28-2.32 A in these complexes indicate the formation of sigma-bonded [Co(II)(tpp)][fullerene](-) anions, which are diamagnetic. All the ionic complexes are semiconductors with room temperature conductivity of 2 x 10(-3)-4 x 10(-6) S cm(-1), and their magnetic susceptibilities show Curie-Weiss behavior. The neutral complexes of Co(II)(tpp) with C(60), C(60)(CN)(2), C(70), and Cr(0)(C(6)H(6))(2), as well as the crystal structures of [Co(II)(tpp)](C(60)).2.5 C(6)H(4)Cl(2), [Co(II)(tpp)](C(70)). 1.3 CHCl(3).0.2 C(6)H(6), and [Cr(0)(C(6)H(6))(2)][Co(II)(tpp)] are discussed. In contrast to the ionic complexes, the neutral ones have essentially longer Co.C(fullerene) bond lengths of 2.69-2.75 A.     

Noncovalent one-to-one donor-acceptor assembled systems based on porphyrin molecular gels for unusually high electron-transfer efficiency

A new approach for fabricating donor-acceptor assembled systems is demonstrated, based on J-type ordered aggregation of a low-molecular zinc porphyrin derivative and subsequent integration of a pyridylated fullerene derivative with coordination and orientation onto the porphyrin aggregates. This system achieves unusually high efficiencies in fluorescence quenching during one-to-one mixing of the donor and acceptor. Moreover, the Stern-Volmer constant (K(SV)) and association constant (K) of this system are 2520 and 56 times higher, respectively, than those of the corresponding nonassembled system. The quenching efficiency is thermotropically switchable, since ordered-to-disordered transitions are essential characteristics of noncovalent low molecular assemblies.     

Molecular factors responsible for the formation of the axially polar columnar mesophase Col(h)P(A)

The structure of hexacatenar bent-shape molecules has been systematically modified in order to determine the main molecular factors responsible for the appearance of the axially polar columnar mesophase. It was found that the stability of the polar phase is very sensitive to the subtle modifications of the molecular shape: the phase is solely preserved if the modification is made at the terminal parts of the mesogenic core, whilst any other modifications destabilize the phase. It can be concluded that the main factor driving the transition between the phase made of flat supramolecular discs and the axially polar phase made of the cone-like units is the ability to fulfill close packing conditions in order to eliminate voids between neighboring molecular rigid cores.     

X-ray diffraction studies on mesophases of cetyl- and dodecyltrimethylammoniumbromide in liquid ammonia

We have studied solutions of the surfactants cetyltrimethylammoniumbromide (CTAB) and dodecyltrimethylammoniumbromide (DTAB) in liquid ammonia with respect to the formation of lyotropic phases. For this purpose, a set-up for performing X-ray scattering experiments at temperatures up to 120 degrees C on samples containing liquid ammonia has been developed. Both systems form hexagonal and monoclinic lyotropic phases above the dissolving temperature of the surfactant, thus representing the first examples for lyotropic phases in liquid ammonia, and for monoclinic phases in nonaqueous solvents. The phase diagrams of CTAB/liquid NH(3) and DTAB/liquid NH(3) show similarities to their respective aqueous systems. However, the regions of existence of monoclinic phases are much larger in the ammonia system, while the cubic phases, as observed in the water based systems, do not seem to exist. The liquid-crystalline phases found provide potentiality for preparing mesoporous, nitride-based solids.     

Long-lived charge-separated state generated in a ferrocene-meso,meso-linked porphyrin trimer-fullerene pentad with a high quantum yield

A meso,meso-linked porphyrin trimer, (ZnP)3, as a light-harvesting chromophore, has been incorporated for the first time into a photosynthetic multistep electron-transfer model including ferrocene (Fc) as an electron donor and fullerene (C60) as an electron acceptor, to construct the ferrocene-meso,meso-linked porphyrin trimer-fullerene system Fc-(ZnP)3-C60. Photoirradiation of Fc-(ZnP)3-C60 results in photoinduced electron transfer from both the singlet and triplet excited states of the porphyrin trimer, 1(ZnP)3* and 3(ZnP)3*, to the C60 moiety to produce the porphyrin trimer radical cation-C60 radical anion pair, Fc-(ZnP)3*+-C60*-. Subsequent formation of the final charge-separated state Fc+-(ZnP)3-C60*- was confirmed by the transient absorption spectra observed by pico- and nanosecond time-resolved laser flash photolysis. The final charge-separated state decays, obeying first-order kinetics, with a long lifetime (0.53 s in DMF at 163 K) that is comparable with that of the natural bacterial photosynthetic reaction center. More importantly, the quantum yield of formation of the final charge-separated state (0.83 in benzonitrile) remains high, despite the large separation distance between the Fc+ and C60*- moieties. Such a high quantum yield results from efficient charge separation through the porphyrin trimer, whereas a slow charge recombination is associated with the localized porphyrin radical cation in the porphyrin trimer. The light-harvesting efficiency in the visible region has also been much improved in Fc-(ZnP)3-C60 because of exciton coupling in the porphyrin trimer as well as an increase in the number of porphyrins.     

Dynamic self-assembly of charge-transfer nanofibers of tetrathiafulvalene derivatives with F4TCNQ

One-dimensional charge-transfer nanostructures were constructed by the supramolecular coassembly of amphiphilic (Amph-TTF) and hydrophobic (TDD-TTF) tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) donor derivatives with the acceptor 2,3,5,6-tetrafluoro-7,7,8,8-tetracyanoquinodimethane (F(4)TCNQ), in appropriate solvent composition mixtures. Microscopic analyses show that TDD-TTF retains its self-assembled fibrillar morphology even in the charge-transfer state, whereas Amph-TTF undergoes a spherical to nanorod transition upon coassembly. Time-dependent optical spectroscopy studies have shown a spontaneous change in molecular organization in TDD-TTF-based donor-acceptor costacks, which suggests a dynamic behavior, in contrast to the kinetically stable amphiphilic TTF assemblies. We have also tried to get an insight into the observed time-dependent change in molecular packing of these nanostructures through spectroscopic analyses by commenting on whether the TTF-TCNQ pair is cofacially arranged or present in the classical herringbone (orthogonal) fashion. Furthermore, our two-probe electrical measurements showed that these charge-transfer fibers are conducting. A supramolecular approach that yields 1D charge-transfer nanostructures of donor and acceptor molecules will be an alternative to existing crystalline substances with high conductivity and hence can be a viable tool for nanoelectronics.     

Thermotropic Properties and Molecular Packing of Discotic Tristriazolotriazines with Rigid Substituents

Tristriazolotriazines with a threefold dialkoxyaryl substitution have been prepared by Huisgen reaction of cyanuric chloride and the corresponding tetrazoles. Although these dyes show a negative or inverted solvatochromism of the UV/Vis absorption, their fluorescence is strongly positive solvatochromic. These discotic fluorophores are also emissive in their solid state and in their broad liquid‐crystalline mesophase. The structural study indicates that the thermotropic properties and organization of these systems can be well tuned by the steric demand of the aryl groups. Depending on the substituents, the compounds showed either a pure crystalline phase or a highly complex helical superstructure with a characteristic liquid‐crystalline phase at elevated temperatures. Changing the steric demand of the attached aryls allowed controlling the discs arrangement within the columnar helix, which is of great importance for the molecular orbital overlap.     

Self-assembled single-walled carbon nanotube:zinc-porphyrin hybrids through ammonium ion-crown ether interaction: construction and electron transfer

An ammonium ion-crown ether interaction has been successfully used to construct porphyrin-single-walled carbon nanotube (SWNT) donor-acceptor hybrids. The [18]crown-6 to alkyl ammonium ion binding strategy resulted in porphyrin-SWNT nanohybrids that are stable and soluble in DMF. The porphyrin-SWNT hybrids were characterized by spectroscopic, TEM, and electrochemical techniques. Both steady-state and time-resolved emission studies revealed efficient quenching of the singlet excited state of the porphyrins and free-energy calculations suggested that electron-transfer quenching occurred. Nanosecond transient absorption spectral results supported the charge-separation quenching process. Charge-stabilization was also observed for the nanohybrids in which the lifetime of the radical ion pairs was around 100 ns. The present nanohybrids were also used to reduce the hexyl viologen dication (HV2+) and to oxidize 1-benzyl-1,4-dihydronicotinamide in solution in an electron-pooling experiment. Accumulation of the radical cation (HV.+) was observed in high yields, which provided additional proof for the occurrence of photoinduced charge separation. The present study demonstrates that a hydrogen-bonding motif is a successful self-assembly method to build SWNTs bearing donor-acceptor nanohybrids, which are useful for light-energy harvesting and photovoltaic applications.     

Host-guest interactions in the supramolecular incorporation of fullerenes into tailored holes on porphyrin-modified gold nanoparticles in molecular photovoltaics

Novel gold nanoparticles modified with a mixed self-assembled monolayer of porphyrin alkanethiol and short-chain alkanethiol were prepared (first step) to examine the size and shape effects of surface holes (host) on porphyrin-modified gold nanoparticles. The porphyrin-modified gold nanoparticles with a size of about 10 nm incorporated C60 molecules (guest) into the large, bucket-shaped holes, leading to the formation of a supramolecular complex of porphyrin-C60 composites (second step). Large composite clusters with a size of 200-400 nm were grown from the supramolecular complex of porphyrin-C60 composites in mixed solvents (third step) and deposited electrophoretically onto nanostructured SnO2 electrodes (fourth step). Differences in the porphyrin:C60 ratio were found to affect the structures and photoelectrochemical properties of the composite clusters in mixed solvents as well as on the SnO2 electrodes. The photoelectrochemical performance of a photoelectrochemical device consisting of SnO2 electrodes modified with the porphyrin-C60 composites was enhanced relative to a reference system with small, wedged-shaped surface holes on the gold nanoparticle. Time-resolved transient absorption spectroscopy with fluorescence lifetime measurements suggest the occurrence of ultrafast electron transfer from the porphyrin excited singlet states to C60 or the formation of a partial charge-transfer state in the composite clusters of supramolecular complexes formed between porphyrin and C60 leading to efficient photocurrent generation in the system. Elucidation of the relationship between host-guest interactions and photoelectrochemical function in the present system will provide valuable information on the design of molecular devices and machines including molecular photovoltaics.