Synthesis of Cucurbit[5]uril-Spermine-[2]Rotaxanes

Cucurbit[5]uril and decamethylcucurbit[5]uril are cyclic pentamers built from glycoluril or dimethylglycoluril respectively. Two different experimental methods have been used for the synthesis of the different [2]rotaxanes. The formed rotaxanes are characterized using ¹H-NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and elemental analysis. In contrast to cucurbit[5]uril no [2]rotaxane could be obtained with decamethylcucurbit[5]uril.     

Construction of Pseudorotaxanes and Rotaxanes Based on Cucurbit[n]uril

¹H-NMR spectroscopic analysis indicates that cucurbit[7]uril can form a stable inclusion complex with 1,6-hexanediamine, while cucurbit[5]uril cannot form pseudorotaxane with 1,6-hexanediamine under our experimental conditions. This was confirmed by the crystal structure of the complex. The cavity of cucurbit[8]uril seems to be large for binding 1,6-hexanediamine efficiently. And a simple, mild, high-yield (>80%) method has been described for the synthesis of rotaxanes through the self-assembly of pseudorotaxanes of cucurbit[n]uril (n=6, 7)/1, 6-hexanediamine and sodium tetraphenylborate. The obtained rotaxanes are held intact solely by noncovalent interactions, and are characterized by elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR, ESI-MS and MALDI-TOF MS.     

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.     

Interaction between cucurbit[6]uril and bispyridinecarboxamide

The interaction between cucurbit[6]uril and N,N′-(m-bispyridinecarboxamide)-1,n-alkane (m = 2, 3, 4; n = 4, 6, 8) has been investigated by ¹H-NMR, ESI-MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction method. The results show that cucurbit[6]uril can form pseudorotaxanes with N,N′-(m-bispyridinecarboxamide)-1,6-hexane (m = 2, 3, 4) easily. When the alkyl chain length increases (n = 8), the binding mode is identical, but the binding ability of the host towards guest decreases. In both two cases cucurbit[6]uril shows no selectivity towards positional isomers. However, in the case of n = 4, the binding mode is different, having relations with positional substitution of the guest. Only N,N′-(m-bispyridinecarboxamide)-1,4-butane (m = 2) can form pseudorotaxane with cucurbit[6]uril, while the other two (m = 3, m = 4) form external complex with cucurbit[6]uril. The possible reason for the difference has been discussed.     

Binding modes of cucurbit[6]uril and cucurbit[7]uril with a series of bis-pyridinium compounds

Binding behaviors of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) and cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) with a series of bis-pyridinium compounds N, N’-hexamethylenebis(1-alkyl-4-carbamoyl pyridinium bromide) (HBPB-n) (alkyl chain length, n = 6, 8 and 10) guests were investigated using ¹H-NMR, ESI–MS and single crystal X-ray diffraction methods. The results show that CB[6] and CB[7] can form [2]pseudorotaxanes with HBPB-n easily. When increasing the length of tail alkyl chain, the binding site of CB[6] at guest molecules changed from the tail to the middle part, while CB[7] remained located over the tail chain. As CB[6] and CB[7] were added in HBPB-8 aqueous solution, a [3]pseudorotaxane was formed by the inclusion of the internal middle site in CB[6] and the tail chain in CB[7].     

A novel two-dimensional polyrotaxane network self-assembled by heterowheel [4]pseudorotaxane

A novel heterowheel pseudorotaxane comprised of one guest, one cucurbit[7]uril and two cucurbit[6]urils was synthesised and characterised by ¹H NMR, single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. Single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis demonstrates that the heterowheel pseudorotaxane self-assembles into two-dimensional polyrotaxane network with the aid of water molecules and hydrogen bonds. Every four heterowheel pseudorotaxanes self-assemble into a parallelogram, which is the basic unit of the 2D network.     

六元和七元瓜环与两类端邻苯二甲酰亚胺基紫精轮烷的组装及性质

设计合成了2种不同碳链长度的客体分子1,1'-二甲基邻苯二甲酰亚胺基-4,4'-联吡啶溴化物 (G1)和1,1'-二丁基邻苯二甲酰亚胺基-4,4'-联吡啶溴化物(G2). 利用紫外-可见吸收光谱、 核磁共振波谱和等温滴定量热等方法研究了客体分子G1和G2与六元(Q[6])和七元瓜环(Q[7])的超分子自组装方式. 结果表明, 在加热回流情况下G1与Q[6]利用滑移法能与紫精基团包结形成[2]轮烷结构, 而Q[7]在常温下就能滑过封端基团邻苯二甲酰亚胺与紫精基团包结形成[2]准轮烷结构.     

A twin-axial[5]pseudorotaxane based on cucurbit[8]uril and a-cyclodextrin

A twin-axial hetero[5]pseudorotaxane was constructed based on 1-hexyl-4,40-bipyridinium guest 1 and cucurbit[8]uril（CB[8]）and a-cyclodextrin（a-CD）.In its structure,CB[8]included two bipyridinium units to realize the twin-axial mode,and the hexyl chain was threaded into the cavity of a-CD.The[5]pseudorotaxane contains two types of macrocyclic hosts while the single axial and twin axial modes co-exist in its structure.The transformation of[5]pseudorotaxane could be realized by the addition of acid and 2,6-dihydroxynaphthalene（HN）.     

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.     

Polyethylene Glycol as String for the Simultaneous Complexation of α-Cyclodextrin and Cucurbit[6]uril

α-Cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6]uril are macrocyclic ligands with nearly identical molecular properties. Both ligands possess nonpolar cavities with similar dimensions. They are able to include nonpolar molecules within their cavities. The main difference between both ligands is their solubility in water. An acceptable solubility for cucurbit[6]uril is only given in the presence of acids or salts. Due to the similarity of both ligands, the formation of mixed polyrotaxanes seems to be possible. The synthesis of statistically threaded α-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6]uril on polyethylene glycol 2000 is verified using elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Under the experimental conditions used the number of threaded α-cyclodextrin molecules is higher compared with cucurbit[6]uril. However it is shown that the formation of mixed complexes is possible.     

Polyethylene Glycol as String for the Simultaneous Complexation of α-Cyclodextrin and Cucurbit[6]uril

α-Cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6]uril are macrocyclic ligands with nearly identical molecular properties. Both ligands possess nonpolar cavities with similar dimensions. They are able to include nonpolar molecules within their cavities. The main difference between both ligands is their solubility in water. An acceptable solubility for cucurbit[6]uril is only given in the presence of acids or salts. Due to the similarity of both ligands, the formation of mixed polyrotaxanes seems to be possible. The synthesis of statistically threaded α-cyclodextrin and cucurbit[6]uril on polyethylene glycol 2000 is verified using elemental analysis, ¹H-NMR spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry. Under the experimental conditions used the number of threaded α-cyclodextrin molecules is higher compared with cucurbit[6]uril. However it is shown that the formation of mixed complexes is possible.     

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.     

含有葫芦[6]脲的新型准轮烷的合成

通过葫芦[6]脲(CB[6])与两个质子化的1,4-丁二胺在水溶液中于室温下进行超分子自组装, 得到一种新型的准轮烷. 通过¹H NMR, 质谱和¹H ROESY NMR对其结构进行了表征, 证实CB[6]位于质子化1,4-丁二胺的脂肪链上, 通过非共价键与1,4-丁二胺结合, 并且主体(CB[6])与客体的结合的物质的量之比为2∶1.     

Toward High‐Generation Rotaxane Dendrimers That Incorporate a Ring Component on Every Branch: Noncovalent Synthesis of a Dendritic [10]Pseudorotaxane with 13 Molecular Components

By taking advantage of the fact that cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) forms exceptionally stable host–guest complexes with protonated amines, and that its homologue CB[8] can encapsulate a pair of electron‐rich and electron‐deficient guest molecules to form a stable 1:1:1 complex, we synthesized a novel dendritic [10]pseudorotaxane, or second‐generation rotaxane dendrimer (from a topological point of view), in which 13 molecular components are held together by noncovalent interactions. A triply branched molecule containing an electron‐deficient bipyridinium unit on each branch formed a branched [4]pseudorotaxane with 3 equivalents of CB[8]. Addition of 3 equivalents of 2,6‐dihydroxynaphthalene produced a first‐generation rotaxane dendrimer, which was characterized by NMR spectroscopy and CSI‐MS. The reaction of the branched [4]pseudorotaxane with 3 equivalents of a triply branched molecule that has an electron‐donor unit at one arm and CB[6]‐containing units at the other two gave the dendritic [10]pseudorotaxane, the structure of which was confirmed by NMR spectroscopy, UV/Vis titration experiments, and CSI‐MS.     

Light- and pH-regulated Water-soluble Pseudorotaxanes Comprising a Cucurbit[7]uril and a Flavylium-based Axle

A linear double pyridinium-terminated thread comprising a central chalcone moiety is shown to provide two independent binding sites with similar affinity for cucurbit[7]uril (CB7) macrocycles in water as judged from NMR, UV-Visible and fluorescence spectroscopies. Association results in [2] and [3]pseudorotaxanes, which are both pH and photosensitive. Switching from the neutral chalcone to the cationic flavylium form upon irradiation at 365 nm under acidic conditions provided an enhanced CB7 association (K_1:1 increases from 1.2×10⁵ M⁻¹ to 1.5×10⁸ M⁻¹), limiting spontaneous on-thread cucurbituril shuttling. This co-conformational change in the [2]pseudorotaxane is reversible in the dark with k_obs=4.1×10⁻⁴ s⁻¹. Threading the flavylium moiety into CB7 leads to a dramatic increase in the fluorescence quantum yield, from 0.29 in the free axle to 0.97 in the [2]pseudorotaxane and 1.0 in the [3]pseudorotaxane.     

Recognition of glycine by cucurbit[5]uril and cucurbit[6]uril: A comparative study of exo- and endo-binding

Recognition features of glycine (Gly) with cucurbit[5]uril (Q[5]) and cucurbit[6]uril (Q[6]) both in aqueous solution and solid state were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography. ¹H NMR data indicate that the Gly is located outside of the portals of the Q[5], exhibiting exo binding with the Q[5]. In the case of the Q[6], the Gly shows endo binding or a dual binding mode (endo and exo binding) with the host, which depends on the amount of the host in the aqueous solution. X-ray crystallography clearly display that the Gly forms 2:1 exclusion complex with the Q[5], and 2:1 inclusion complex with the Q[6]. Interestingly, hydrogen bondings between the encapsulated Gly molecules in the Q[6] were observed.     

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.     

Pseudopolyrotaxanes of Cucurbit[6]uril: A Three‐Dimensional Network Self‐assembled by ClO4−(H2O)2 Water Clusters

A pseudorotaxane of cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) with guest molecule N,N′‐hexamethylenebis (pyrazinyl perchlorate) (BPHP) was synthesized and characterized by ¹H NMR spectra, IR, single crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis and thermogravimetric analysis. The structure of the pseudorotaxane (CB[6]·BPHP) is stabilized by host‐guest hydrogen bonds. Self‐assembly of the pseudorotaxane produces infinite one‐dimensional and two‐dimensional networks with intermolecular hydrogen bonds. In the molecular packing of the CB[6]·BPHP, ClO₄^?(H₂O)₂ water clusters serve as bridges to associate these pseudorotaxanes and form three‐dimensional networked pseudopolyrotaxane.     

Interconversion between [5]pseudorotaxane and [3]pseudorotaxane by pasting/detaching two axle molecules

An acceptor-donor-acceptor-type linear molecule 1(2+) containing one electron-rich naphthoxy (NP) unit and two monocharged viologen (MCV) units was synthesized. Through the noncovalent interaction of cucurbit[8]uril (CB[8]) with one NP and one MCV in 1(2+), we first obtained a [2]pseudorotaxane ([1(2+)]?CB[8]), and the excess CB[8] included simultaneously the two bare MCV units of two [2]pseudorotaxanes to form a [5]pseudorotaxane ([1(2+)](2)?[CB[8]](3)). Its transformation to [3]pseudorotaxane was achieved through detaching the two axle molecules in the presence of acid, and then the addition of base may result in a reversible switch between two different pseudorotaxanes. This novel methodology elongating reversibly linear molecules by noncovalent interactions will benefit the development of stimuli-responsive functional molecular devices.     

pH-Switched fluorescent pseudorotaxane assembly of cucurbit[7]uril with bispyridinium ethylene derivatives

¹H NMR spectra and fluorescence analysis revealed that the molecular shuttle and pseudorotaxane assembly of Q[7] with guest G²⁺ can be significantly switched via protonation and deprotonation of the terminal carboxylates of the guest.