Star-shaped hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene "heptamer": synthesis and self-assembly

[structure: see text] A star-shaped hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene "heptamer" was prepared, which showed a strong tendency to aggregate in solution and in the bulk states. Higher order was found in a high-temperature, columnar liquid crystalline phase due to the higher mobility of the molecules in comparison with the low-temperature solid. In addition, physical gel formation was observed due to the presence of covalent intercolumnar interactions.     

The self-ordering properties of novel phthalocyanines with out-of-plane alkyl substituents

Two novel homologous series of phthalocyanines were prepared from 2,2-dialkylindane and 2,2-dialkyl-1,3-benzodioxole precursors. It was anticipated that attaching alkyl chains to five-membered rings, fused to the peripheral sites of the phthalocyanine ring, would result in the adoption of an out-of-plane configuration and thereby discourage cofacial aggregation, to provide an analogy with picket-fence porphyrins. This strategy proved partially successful. Some members of the series of phthalocyanines derived from 2,2-dialkyl-1,3-benzodioxoles, in which the alkyl chains are linked to the phthalocyanine via a cyclic ketal, form spin-coated thin films in which the phthalocyanine cores are perfectly isolated. This behaviour is associated with the formation of a disordered crystal that appears as a mesophase in the thermal profile of these materials. However, the phthalocyanines derived from 2,2-dialkylindanes display a columnar mesophase over a wide temperature range, with some liquid crystalline derivatives at ambient temperature. A single-crystal X-ray diffraction structure of the octahexyl derivative of this series shows how the columnar assembly accommodates the out-of-plane alkyl chains by tilting the macrocyclic plane of the phthalocyanine components with respect to the axis of the column. This study helps to emphasise the importance of both the steric and electronic effects of substituents on the packing behaviour of phthalocyanines in the condensed phase, and especially the role of electron-donating oxygen atoms directly attached to the ring.     

Novel radical compounds bearing mesogenic cores with long alkyl substituents

Series of aminoxyl radicals (TEMPO or nitronyl nitroxide radicals) bearing phenyl benzoate, troponoid, or biphenylcarbonitrile as mesogenic cores with long alkyl substituents were prepared. Although most aminoxyl radicals showed only weak antiferromagnetic interactions due probably to the remote spin centers as clarified by the X-ray analysis of 4a and no appreciable mesogenic phase was observed in each compound, an unusual magnetic transition from an original Curie-Weiss phase to another magnetic phase well-expressed by a singlet-triplet (ST) model was disclosed through the thermal transition in the 4'-undecyloxy-4-biphenylcarbonitrile derivative with oxocarbonyl-TEMPO 12b.     

Synthesis and self-assembly of phthalocyanines bearing sulfur-containing substituents简

Asymmetrically substituted phthalocyanines with sulfur-containing substituents for fabrication of selfassembled monolayers were synthesized. Phthalocyanine 7, bearing a disulfide group, was synthesized from phthalocyanine with a hydroxyl group, which was prepared via mixed condensation of the corresponding substituted phthalonitriles. Phthalocyanine 10, bearing an acetyl protected thiol group, was synthesized through the Pd-catalyzed coupling reaction of an iodophthalocyanine. Their selfassembling behavior on gold substrates was further studied by UV–vis spectroscopy.     

A water-soluble hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene: synthesis, self-assembly and role as template for porous silica with aligned nanochannels

A water-soluble hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene was prepared and shown to undergo ordered columnar self-assembly either in water solution or bulk and therefore served as template for the fabrication of porous silica with aligned nanochannels.     

Electron donor and acceptor properties of alkyl substituents

The polar effects of alkyl substituents in electrophilic and nucleophilic chemical and electronic transitions is discussed. The question of the importance of hyperconjugation in the electron donor properties of alkyl substituents is raised. In view of the cogent arguments of Dewar, it is doubtful whether quantum mechanical calculations embodying hyperconjugation constitute proof of this effect. That the art of quantum mechanics may not yet be sufficiently developed to be used as proof for or against secondary resonance effects also is evidenced by the calculations of Simpson, who found that an internal dispersion force model (in which conjugation was neglected) reproduced the properties of butadiene just as satisfactorily as the models embodying conjugation. The experimental facts do not unequivocally support the hyperconjugation hypothesis and indeed are, at least in part, contradictory to it. In particular, the demonstration that the Baker-Nathan Effect² may be due to the influence of alkyl substituents on the differential solvation of ground and transition states casts doubt on the interpretation that this experimental effect is due to a dominant role of C-H hyperconjugation.

In nucleophilic chemical reactions, rate or equilibrium constants for para (or meta) alkyl derivatives are somewhat smaller than those of the corresponding hydrogen compounds. A number of authors have interpreted this in terms of a permanent electron donor role of alkyl substituents (e.g. by hyperconjugation) relative to the hydrogen substituent. However, this static viewpoint of substituent effects fails to account for the finding that p-alkyl substituents function as apparent electron acceptors (relative to the p-hydrogen substituent) in appreciably lowering the energy of the nucleophilic principal electronic transition of phenol, anisole, aniline and N,N-dimethylaniline. These results are qualitatively rationalized in terms of ‘substituent-polarizability” and electronegativity.

The p-neopentyl substituent lowers the energy of both electrophilic and nucleophilic electronic transitions to an appreciably greater extent than either the p-methyl or p-t-butyl substituent. This extra stabilizing effect of the neopentyl substituent on both electron deficient and electron rich centers may be due to an internal dispersion force interaction, since the geometry of the neopentyl compounds is particularly favorable for such an interaction.     

Controlled self-assembly triggered by olefin metathesis: cross-linked graphitic nanotubes from an amphiphilic hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene

Acyclic diene metathesis (ADMET) in CH2Cl2 of a Gemini-shaped nonionic hexabenzocoronene amphiphile (2), bearing triethylene glycol chains with terminal allylic functionalities, resulted in spontaneous formation of graphitic nanotubes with a cross-linked surface. Without ADMET, 2 did not self-assemble to form a tubular structure due to a high solubility in CH2Cl2. Although 2 formed nanotubes in THF, ADMET on the surface of the preformed nanotubes in THF proceeded only sluggishly and resulted in partial disruption of the tubular structure. The cross-linked nanotubes showed a softening temperature (244 degrees C) higher than that of the uncross-linked version (195 degrees C) and preserved their hollow structure much longer upon heating.     

Petroporphyrins—II: The presence of porphyrins with extended alkyl substituents

The vanadyl porphyrins from Boscan oil (Cretaceous, W. Venezuela) were isolated as 3 fractions, and degraded to maleimides (1H-pyrrole-2,5-diones) by chromic acid. Analysis of the products by GC-MS, using multiple ion detection to enhance sensitivity, revealed a major homologous series of 3-Me components with n-alkyl side chains extending to C₁₁, and a minor series with branched alkyl side chains, the Me branch being at C-1. The origin of the extended alkyl groups is discussed.     

o-Semiquinonic PCP-pincer nickel complexes with alkyl substituents: versatile coordination sphere dynamics

o-Semiquinonic nickel pincer complexes (R2PCP)Ni(SQ) show a versatile coordination sphere dynamics via "swing" or "fan" oscillations depending on the steric properties of the phosphorus substituents.     

Research on pyrazoles. XLVII. Synthesis of pyrazoles with long-chain alkyl substituents

A number of alkylpyrazoles with long alkyl side chains are synthesized.In investigating the pharmacological activity of a number of pyrazole derivatives [2, 3], it was found that alkylpyrazoles have an appreciable effect on the central nervous system. To investigate this effect in greater detail, a number of alkylpyrazoles with long alkyl side chains at positions 1 and 3 were synthesized.For part XLVI see [1].     

Preparation and properties of aminoxyl radicals having an aromatic core with long alkyl substituents

Series of monoradicals and biradicals having an aromatic core on one hand and long alkyl groups on the other hand have been prepared. It was found from their magnetic data that the biradical compounds having aromatic cores (azoxy, or azo) and long alkyl groups with TEMPO radicals at their ends showed fairly large antiferromagnetic interactions (J = −34, −39 K) being well expressed by ST model, while only weak antiferromagnetic interactions were observed in the corresponding PROXYL derivatives together with the corresponding monoradicals. The change of intermolecular magnetic interactions based on the structural change from trans- to cis-isomer by irradiation was found to be possible in a couple of azobenzene derivatives with an aminoxyl radical.     

Hyperconjugation and homoconjugation in alkyl radicals bearing β-phosphorus substituents

The isotropic ³¹P hyperfine splitting constants derived from the ESR spectra of a series of β-phosphorus-substituted alkyl radicals are in the order expected for hyperconjugative spin transmission.     

Influence of alkyl substituents on the solution- and surface-organization of hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes

Three hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronenes (HBCs) with branched, bulky alkyl substituents of different lengths in the periphery of the aromatic core have been synthesized to tune the self-association properties in solution. 1H NMR and photophysical measurements were used to probe the solution organization in comparison to the known hexa-dodecyl-substituted HBC in different solvent systems. Thermodynamic parameters for the self-association in solution, obtained by curve fitting of the concentration- and temperature-dependent NMR data using van't Hoff analysis, indicated that the self-association is an enthalpically driven process that is entropically disfavored. Photoluminescence and NMR results were both employed to determine the critical concentration where no self-association for different compounds occurred. The interactions between the molecules could be controlled by varying the nonsolvent content in the solvent mixtures, supporting the model of solvophobic effects. The spatial demand of the solubilizing side chains modulated the self-association in solution. This behavior was translated into the solution casting process, where the kinetic in addition to the thermodynamic parameters played an essential role for structure formation. The study illuminates the relationship between the solution association of HBCs and the morphology, when processed on a surface. These results are essential for the application of these materials in devices.     

SHOP-type nickel complexes with alkyl substituents on phosphorus, synthesis and catalytic ethylene oligomerization

The beta-keto phosphorus ylides (n-Bu)3P=CHC(O)Ph 6, (t-Bu)2PhP=CHC(O)Ph 7, (t-Bu)Ph2P=CHC(O)Ph 8, (n-Bu)2PhP=CHC(O)Ph 9, (n-Bu)Ph2P=CHC(O)Ph 10, Me2PhP=CHC(O)Ph 11 and Ph3P=CHC(O)(o-OMe-C6H4) 12 have been synthesized in 80-96% yields. The Ni(II) complexes [NiPh{Ph2PCH...C(...O)(o-OMeC6H4)}(PPh3)] 13, [NiPh{Ph(t-Bu)PCHC(O)Ph}(PPh3)] 15, [NiPh{(n-Bu)2PCH...C(...O)Ph}(PPh3)] 16 and [NiPh{Ph(n-Bu)PCH...C(...O)Ph}(PPh3)] 17 have been prepared by reaction of equimolar amounts of [Ni(COD)2] and PPh3 with the beta-keto phosphorus ylides 12 or 8-10, respectively, and characterized by 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. NMR studies and the crystal structure determination of 13 indicated an interaction between the hydrogen atom of the C-H group alpha to phosphorus and the ether function. The complexes [NiPh{Ph2PCHC(O)Ph}(Py)] 18, [NiPh{Ph(t-Bu)PCHC(O)Ph}(Py)] 19, [NiPh{(n-Bu)2PCH...C(...O)Ph}(Py)] 20, [NiPh{Ph(n-Bu)PCH...C(...O)Ph}(Py)] 21 and [NiPh{Me2PCH...C(...O)Ph}(Py)] 22 have been isolated from the reactions of [Ni(COD)2] and an excess of pyridine with the -keto phosphorus ylides Ph3PCH=C(O)Ph 3 or 8-11, respectively, and characterized by 1H and 31P{1H} NMR spectroscopy. Ligands 3, 8, 10 and 12 have been used to prepare in situ oligomerization catalysts by reaction with one equiv. of [Ni(COD)2] and PPh3 under an ethylene pressure of 30 or 60 bar. The catalyst prepared in situ from 12, [Ni(COD)2] and PPh3 was the most active of the series with a TON of 12700 mol C2H4 (mol Ni)-1 under 30 bar ethylene. When the beta-keto phosphorus ylide 8 was reacted in situ with three equiv. of [Ni(COD)2] and one equiv. of PPh3 under 30 bar of ethylene, ethylene polymerization was observed with a TON of 5500 mol C2H4 (mol Ni)-1.     

Synthesis and investigation of polybenzimidazoles containing alkyl substituents in aromatic nuclei

Polybenzimidazoles have been synthesized from 3,3′-diamino-5,5′-dimethylbenzidine, 3,3′,4,4′-tetraamino-5,5′-dimethyldiphenylmethane, bis(3-amino-4-methylamino)phenylmethane, bis(3-amino-4-methylamino-5-methyl)phenylmethane, and diphenyl esters of adipic, sebacic, isophthalic, and terephthalic acids and 4,4′-dicarboxydiphenyl oxide by solid-phase polyheterocyclization. Properties of the polybenzimidazoles have been studied. The polymers have high thermal stability. They are soluble in a number of organic solvents and give strong, elastic films. Solubility and thermal stability of polybenzimidazoles is determined by the methyl group position in the polymeric chain. The influence of other alkyl substituents on properties of polybenzimidazoles have been investigated. The polymer structure has been studied by infrared and PMR spectroscopy and elemental analysis.     

Exfoliation of hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene in water

Unsubstituted hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC)-a small and well defined model system for graphite/graphene-was exfoliated and dissolved in water and the resulting individualized nano graphene sheets were characterized spectroscopically for the first time.     

Electron propagator calculations show that alkyl substituents alter porphyrin ionization energies

The effect of alkyl substituents on the four lowest vertical ionization energies of porphyrins is determined with ab initio electron propagator calculations on porphine and octamethylporphyrin. With the use of the partial third-order approximation, predicted ionization energies are in close agreement with recent photoelectron spectra. These data and the associated Dyson orbitals, which describe changes in electronic structure that accompany photoionization, enable assignment of photoelectron spectra and determination of alkyl-induced shifts. Hyperconjugation is most evident in the Dyson orbitals associated with the third and fourth ionization energies of octamethylporphyrin and is least prominent in the Dyson orbital of the second ionization energy. There is a positive correlation between the shift in an ionization energy produced by alkyl substitution and the degree of hyperconjugation in the associated Dyson orbital. Alkyl substitutions, therefore, may be employed to adjust the ionization energies of porphyrins and, consequently, their reactivity patterns that depend on charge-transfer capabilities and disposition to electrophilic attack.