超分子凝胶在催化有机反应中的应用

超分子凝胶是有机小分子通过分子间非共价作用形成的使溶剂固定的三维网络结构胶体。 综述关注了近年来超分子凝胶在催化有机反应中一个新的应用方向,依据凝胶剂结构特征和催化反应的类型对迄今报道的小分子凝胶催化剂进行了深入的总结与归类,揭示凝胶催化的独特性,并对其存在的问题和发展趋势进行了讨论。     

Triazolyl‐Based Molecular Gels as Ligands for Autocatalytic ‘Click’ Reactions

The catalytic performance of triazolyl‐based molecular gels was investigated in the Huisgen 1,3‐dipolar cycloaddition of alkynes and azides. Low‐molecular‐weight gelators derived from l ‐valine were synthesized and functionalized with a triazole fragment. The resultant compounds formed gels either with or without copper, in a variety of solvents of different polarity. The gelators coordinated Cu^I and exhibited a high catalytic activity in the gel phase for the model reaction between phenylacetylene and benzylazide. Additionally, the gels were able to participate in autocatalytic synthesis and the influence of small structural changes on their performance was observed.     

超分子凝胶中的光化学反应

超分子凝胶中的光化学反应是比较特殊的一类反应,通常是将具有光响应活性的基团或分子引入到超分子凝胶的自组装体系中,因此,能够将超分子凝胶独特的性质与光化学反应的优势有效地结合起来,构筑新型的光功能材料,这使得此类超分子凝胶在光信息存储、光开关及光转换器件等前沿领域具有广阔的应用前景.本文主要总结近年来国内外包括作者课题组对超分子凝胶中光化学反应方面的研究进展,以及其在多重响应凝胶、手性光学开关以及手性合成方面的应用.     

Sequential Assembly of Mutually Interactive Supramolecular Hydrogels and Fabrication of Multi-Domain Materials

A two-component self-sorting hydrogel based on acylhydrazide and carboxylic acid derivatives of 1,3:2,4-dibenzylidene-d -sorbitol (DBS-CONHNH₂ and DBS-COOH) is reported. A heating–cooling cycle induces the self-assembly of DBS-CONHNH₂, followed by the self-assembly of DBS-COOH induced by decreasing pH. Although the networks are formed sequentially, there is spectroscopic evidence of interactions between them, which impact on the mechanical properties and significantly enhance the ability of these low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) to form gels when mixed. The DBS-COOH network can be switched “off” and “on” within the two-component gel through a pH change. By using a photo-acid generator, the two-component gel can be prepared combining the thermal trigger with photo-irradiation. Photo-patterned self-assembly of DBS-COOH within a pre-formed DBS-CONHNH₂ gel under a mask yields spatially controlled multi-domain gels. Different gel domains can have different functions, for example, controlling the rate of release of heparin incorporated into the gel, or directing gold nanoparticle assembly. Such photo-patterned multi-component hydrogels have potential applications in regenerative medicine or bio-nano-electronics.     

The Hexameric Resorcinarene Capsule at Work: Supramolecular Catalysis in Confined Spaces

The hexameric resorcinarene capsule reported by Atwood in 1997 is able to act as a supramolecular catalyst. Its inner cavity provides a unique environment, in which organic reactions can be efficiently catalyzed, thanks to the confinement effect of the substrates. In addition, different stereo- and regiochemical outcomes can be observed with respect to reactions in the bulk solvent. The hexameric capsule shows some catalytic features reminiscent of natural enzymes. In particular, highlights of the capsule discussed herein include 1) its ability to recognize the substrates (substrate selectivity), 2) the possibility of stabilizing the transition states and intermediates through secondary interactions, 3) an inherent Brønsted acidity, and 4) its ability to act as a hydrogen-bond catalyst. In addition, it is also shown how the catalytic activity of the hexameric capsule can be modulated in the presence of competitive alkylammonium guests, which show high affinities for its internal cavity. These aspects are discussed through a critical examination of data reported in the literature in recent years.     

Supramolecular Ionic‐Liquid Gels with High Ionic Conductivity

Supramolecular ionogels were prepared by the gelation of room‐temperature ionic liquid 1‐butyl‐3‐methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate ([BMIm][BF₄]) with (S,S)‐bis(leucinol)oxalamide. Remarkably, the ionic conductivity of solutions and ionogels with low gelator concentrations is higher than that of neat [BMIm][BF₄]. On the basis of molecular dynamics simulations and quantum mechanical calculations, the origin of this phenomenon is attributed to the higher affinity of gelator molecules towards [BF₄]^? ions, which reduces the electrostatic attraction between [BMIm]⁺ and [BF₄]^? and thus increases their mobility. With increasing gelator concentration, the ionic conductivity decreases due to the formation of a denser gelator matrix, which hinders the pathways for ionic transport. However, even for very dense ionogels, this decrease is less than one order of magnitude relative to neat [BMIm][BF₄], and thus they can be classified as highly conductive materials with strong potential for application as functional electrolytes.     

Anion-Responsive Fluorescent Supramolecular Gels

Three novel bis-urea fluorescent low-molecular-weight gelators (LMWGs) based on the tetraethyl diphenylmethane spacer—namely, L1, L2, and L3, bearing indole, dansyl, and quinoline units as fluorogenic fragments, respectively, are able to form gel in different solvents. L2 and L3 gel in apolar solvents such as chlorobenzene and nitrobenzene. Gelator L1 is able to gel in the polar solvent mixture DMSO/H₂O (H₂O 15% v/v). This allowed the study of gel formation in the presence of anions as a third component. An interesting anion-dependent gel formation was observed with fluoride and benzoate inhibiting the gelation process and H₂PO₄⁻, thus causing a delay of 24 h in the gel formation. The interaction of L1 with the anions in solution was clarified by ¹H-NMR titrations and the differences in the cooperativity of the two types of NH H-bond donor groups (one indole NH and two urea NHs) on L1 when binding BzO⁻ or H₂PO₄⁻ were taken into account to explain the inhibition of the gelation in the presence of BzO⁻. DFT calculations corroborate this hypothesis and, more importantly, demonstrate considering a trimeric model of the L1 gel that BzO⁻ favours its disruption into monomers inhibiting the gel formation.     

Recent Advances in Covalent Organic Frameworks for Catalysis

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) as an emerging type of crystalline porous materials, have obtained considerable attention recently. They have exhibited diverse structure and attractive performance in various catalytic reactions. It is highly expected to have a systematic and comprehensive review summing up COFs‐derived catalysts in homogeneous and heterogeneous catalysis, which is favorable to the judicious design of an efficient catalyst for targeted reaction. Herein, we focus on summarizing recent and significant developments in COFs materials, with an emphasis on both the synthetic strategies and targeted functionalization, and categorize it in accordance with the different types of catalytic reactions. Their potential catalysis applications are reviewed thoroughly. Moreover, a personal view about the future development of COFs catalysts with respect to the large‐scale production is also discussed.     

Exploiting Cavities in Supramolecular Gels

Endowing supramolecular gelators with cavities opens up a number of opportunities not possible with other gel systems. The well‐established host–guest chemistry of cavitands can be utilized to build up and break down gel structures, introduce responsive functionalities, or enhance selectivity in applications such as catalysis and extraction. Cavity‐containing gelators provide an excellent case study for how different aspects of supramolecular chemistry can be used intelligently to create responsive materials.     

基于脲基氢键组装的功能超分子凝胶

有机小分子化合物在分子间氢键、π-π堆积、亲疏水作用、范德华力等非共价键弱相互作用力驱动下,自组装形成三维网络结构的物理凝胶称为超分子凝胶。含有脲基的凝胶因子由于其强氢键缔合能力以及与阴离子、金属离子、卤素化合物等作用的可调变多样性,成为组装超分子凝胶中特别有效的氢键组装单元。本文分别从单脲基、双脲基和多脲基的凝胶因子分类综述了基于脲基氢键组装的功能超分子凝胶的研究工作,特别是近几年来的重要进展。对一些成功例子,从分子设计及成胶操作条件控制等方面的精细调谐如何解决聚集-溶解这对主要矛盾,从而实现溶胶-凝胶的转化及其可能的应用前景进行了评述。本文展望了该领域的发展方向与趋势,指出超分子凝胶研究经过多年的快速发展,深化对其蕴含机制以及动力学过程的认识与调控以实现具有多种刺激响应、多重信号输出的多组分复合功能凝胶体系的加工制备是发展趋势与必然要求,展现出广泛的应用前景也极富挑战性。     

超分子亚胺离子催化的新途径

发展了一种新的超分子亚胺离子催化的策略. 为了提高传统亚胺离子催化的效率并且提供一种新的不对称催化方法,最近发展了一种致力于活化亚胺离子的新催化概念,即超分子亚胺离子催化. 为了扩展该策略的应用范围,在此进一步发展了该方法,使之拓展到可以同时对亚胺离子和亲核体进行双活化的超分子亚胺离子催化方法. 这种新的方法可以显著提高催化剂的活性,使之前应用传统方法比较惰性的反应变得具有良好的反应性. 报道的方法可以用于提高一些比较惰性反应的反应活性,也可以为设计一些新反应提供一种思路.     

刺激响应型超分子凝胶

随着超分子化学的日益发展,刺激响应型超分子凝胶作为一种超分子材料受到人们广泛关注。超分子凝胶是由非共价键作用力自组装而成,基于这一特性,当超分子凝胶受到外界刺激（如温度、光、pH、化学物质、机械力等）时,该凝胶能够产生响应,如溶胶-凝胶转化、颜色变化或荧光变化等。刺激响应型超分子凝胶在离子识别材料、自修复材料、生物材料等领域展现出了非常好的应用前景。本文综述了近五年来刺激响应型超分子凝胶的研究进展,并根据刺激种类的不同,将超分子凝胶分为以下几类：热敏感型超分子凝胶、化学物质和pH响应型超分子凝胶、光敏感型超分子凝胶、氧化还原响应型超分子凝胶、机械力刺激响应型超分子凝胶和多重刺激响应型超分子凝胶。本文根据上述分类对超分子凝胶进行了介绍,同时对该研究领域作了展望。     

Self-Propelling Hybrid Gels Incorporating an Active Self-Assembled,Low-Molecular-Weight Gelator

Hybrid gel beads based on combining a low-molecular-weight gelator (LMWG) with a polymer gelator (PG) demonstrate an enhanced ability to self-propel in water, with the LMWG playing an active role. Hybrid gel beads were loaded with ethanol and shown to move in water owing to the Marangoni effect changes in surface tension caused by the expulsion of ethanol – smaller beads move farther and faster than larger beads. Flat shapes of the hybrid gel were cut using a “stamp” – circles moved the furthest, whereas stars showed more rotation on their own axes. Comparing hybrid LMWG/PG gel beads with PG-only beads demonstrated that the LMWG speeds up the beads, enhancing the rate of self-propulsion. Self-assembly of the LMWG into a “solid-like” network prevents its leaching from the gel. The LMWG also retains its own unique function – specifically, remediating methylene blue pollutant dye from basic water as a result of noncovalent interactions. The mobile hybrid beads accumulate this dye more effectively than PG-only beads. Self-propelling gel beads have potential applications in removal/delivery of active agents in environmental or biological settings. The ability of self-assembling LMWGs to enhance mobility and control removal/delivery suggests that adding them to self-propelling systems can add significant value.     

The Power of Confocal Laser Scanning Microscopy in Supramolecular Chemistry: In situ Real-time Imaging of Stimuli-Responsive Multicomponent Supramolecular Hydrogels

Multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels are promising scaffolds for applications in biosensors and controlled drug release due to their designer stimulus responsiveness. To achieve rational construction of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogel systems, their in-depth structural analysis is essential but still challenging. Confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) has emerged as a powerful tool for structural analysis of multicomponent supramolecular hydrogels. CLSM imaging enables real-time observation of the hydrogels without the need of drying and/or freezing to elucidate their static and dynamic properties. Through multiple, selective fluorescent staining of materials of interest, multiple domains formed in supramolecular hydrogels (e. g. inorganic materials and self-sorting nanofibers) can also be visualized. CLSM and the related microscopic techniques will be indispensable to investigate complex life-inspired supramolecular chemical systems.     

Urea Derivatives as Functional Molecules: Supramolecular Capsules,Supramolecular Polymers,Supramolecular Gels,Artificial Hosts,and Catalysts

Urea, which has both hydrogen bond acceptor and donor moieties, is an ideal structure for a supramolecular synthon. Various supramolecules having ureido group(s) have been widely developed. This article summarizes recent developments of urea derivatives that exhibit various functions: i) supramolecular capsules that form discrete urea–urea intermolecular hydrogen bonds, ii) supramolecular polymers that form continuous urea–urea intermolecular hydrogen bonds, iii) supramolecular gels that form continuous urea–urea intermolecular hydrogen bonds, iv) artificial host molecules based on the molecular recognition ability of the ureido group, and v) catalytic reactions developed by utilizing the molecular recognition ability of the ureido group.     

Pyrazine Derivative as Supramolecular Host for Immobilization of Palladium Nanoparticles for Efficient Suzuki Coupling

Palladium nanoparticles (NPs) have been extensively explored as unique catalyst for carbon-carbon coupling reactions. Nonetheless, because of extreme tendency of nanoparticles to undergo agglomeration, the immobilization of these metal NPs on organic frameworks is an important area of research. The present investigation demonstrates the synthesis of pyrazine derivative PYZ - TA as a supramolecular host for holding co-released Pd NPs derived from the original catalyst (Pd(II)) under standard Suzuki coupling. Unprecedent, physical bars are not required to capture Pd NPs within the pores of supramolecular host. The as obtained catalyst PYZ - TA@Pd exhibits high potential to undergo self-assembly in solid as well as in liquid state. The PYZ - TA@Pd ensemble shows high catalytic activity and recyclability (up to seven cycles) in Suzuki-Miyaura coupling reactions using low palladium loading and provides the corresponding products in excellent yields (up to 98 %). Therefore, this study provides an efficient strategy to develop an easy to synthesize palladium centered solid catalyst through coordination between organic host and Pd NPs.     

Supramolecular Coordination Cages for Asymmetric Catalysis

Inspired by the high efficiency and specificity of enzymes in living systems, the development of artificial catalysts intrinsic to the key features of enzyme has emerged as an active field. Recent advances in supramolecular chemistry have shown that supramolecular coordination cages, built from non-covalent coordination bonds, offer a diverse platform for enzyme mimics. Their inherent confined cavity, analogous to the binding pocket of an enzyme, and the facile tunability of building blocks are essential for substrate recognition, transition-state stabilization, and product release. In particular, the combination of chirality with supramolecular coordination cages will undoubtedly create an asymmetric microenvironment for promoting enantioselective transformation, thus providing not only a way to make synthetically useful asymmetric catalysts, but also a model to gain a better understanding for the fundamental principles of enzymatic catalysis in a chiral environment. The focus here is on recent progress of supramolecular coordination cages for asymmetric catalysis, and based on how supramolecular coordination cages function as reaction vessels, three approaches have been demonstrated. The aim of this review is to offer researchers general guidance and insight into the rational design of sophisticated cage containers for asymmetric catalysis.