Supramolecular helix and β-sheet through self-assembly of two isomeric tetrapeptides in crystals and formation of filaments and ribbons in the solid state

Single crystal X-ray diffraction studies show that the β-turn structure of tetrapeptide I, Boc-Gly-Phe-Aib-Leu-OMe (Aib: α-amino isobutyric acid) self-assembles to a supramolecular helix through intermolecular hydrogen bonding along the crystallographic a axis. By contrast the β-turn structure of an isomeric tetrapeptide II, Boc-Gly-Leu-Aib-Phe-OMe self-assembles to a supramolecular β-sheet-like structure via a two-dimensional (a, b axis) intermolecular hydrogen bonding network and π-π interactions. FT-IR studies of the peptides revealed that both of them form intermolecularly hydrogen bonded supramolecular structures in the solid state. Field emission scanning electron micrographs (FE-SEM) of the dried fibrous materials of the peptides show different morphologies, non-twisted filaments in case of peptide I and non-twisted filaments and ribbon-like structures in case of peptide II.     

Orthogonal Halogen‐Bonding‐Driven 3D Supramolecular Assembly of Right‐Handed Synthetic Helical Peptides

Peptide‐mediated self‐assembly is a prevalent method for creating highly ordered supramolecular architectures. Herein, we report the first example of orthogonal C?X???X?C/C?X???π halogen bonding and hydrogen bonding driven crystalline architectures based on synthetic helical peptides bearing hybrids of l ‐sulfono‐γ‐AApeptides and natural amino acids. The combination of halogen bonding, intra‐/intermolecular hydrogen bonding, and intermolecular hydrophobic interactions enabled novel 3D supramolecular assembly. The orthogonal halogen bonding in the supramolecular architecture exerts a novel mechanism for the self‐assembly of synthetic peptide foldamers and gives new insights into molecular recognition, supramolecular design, and rational design of biomimetic structures.     

Halogen bonding-driven formation of supramolecular macrocycles and double helix

Halogen bonding has been used to hold two hydrogen bonded aromatic amide foldamers to form supramolecular macrocycles.     

肽基超分子胶体

肽基超分子胶体是基于肽分子间超分子作用,自发形成且具有有序分子排布及规整结构,兼具传统胶体及超分子特性的组装体系。利用超分子弱相互作用构筑功能性胶体,不仅是人们对生命组装进程深入理解的有效手段,也是实现优异的超分子材料的重要途径。肽分子具有组成明确、性能可调、生物安全性高及可降解等优势,是超分子化学、胶体与界面化学领域重要的组装基元。基于肽的超分子自组装,能够实现多尺度、多功能的生物胶体的构筑,被广泛应用于医药、催化、能源等领域。如何通过对肽序列的设计及分子间作用力的调控,实现对胶体结构和功能的精确控制,是近年来研究的重要课题之一。从分子尺度研究和揭示超分子胶体的组装过程及物理化学机制,探究胶体结构与功能的关系,是实现超分子结构和功能化的重要内容。本文基于"分子间作用的调控"及"结构与功能的关系"两个基本科学问题,系统地综述了肽基超分子胶体的组装机制、结构与功能,以及研究现状。     

Organogels formed in various organic solvents by different alkyl L-phenylalanine dihydrazide derivatives

A new group of organogelators, L-phenylalanine dihydrazide derivatives were synthesized, which can self-assemble in various organic solvents and turned them into thermally reversible physical supramolecular organogels at extremely low concentrations (<2 wt %). Scanning electron microscopy measurements revealed that the gelator self-assembled into different supramolecular network structures in different solvents. FT-IR spectroscopy studies revealed that intermolecular hydrogen bonding between N-H and C=O of amide group and hydrophobic interaction of the alkyl groups were the driving forces for the formation of the gels. Based on the data of XRD and molecular modeling, one possible packing mode for the formation of organogelator aggregates was proposed.     

Self-healing and shape memory functions exhibited by supramolecular liquid-crystalline networks formed by combination of hydrogen bonding interactions and coordination bonding

We here report a new approach to develop self-healing shape memory supramolecular liquid-crystalline (LC) networks through self-assembly of molecular building blocks via combination of hydrogen bonding and coordination bonding. We have designed and synthesized supramolecular LC polymers and networks based on the complexation of a forklike mesogenic ligand with Ag⁺ ions and carboxylic acids. Unidirectionally aligned fibers and free-standing films forming layered LC nanostructures have been obtained for the supramolecular LC networks. We have found that hybrid supramolecular LC networks formed through metal–ligand interactions and hydrogen bonding exhibit both self-healing properties and shape memory functions, while hydrogen-bonded LC networks only show self-healing properties. The combination of hydrogen bonds and metal–ligand interactions allows the tuning of intermolecular interactions and self-assembled structures, leading to the formation of the dynamic supramolecular LC materials. The new material design presented here has potential for the development of smart LC materials and functional LC membranes with tunable responsiveness.

New supramolecular hybrid liquid-crystalline networks exhibiting self-healing and shape memory properties are developed by self-assembly of small components through hydrogen bonding interactions and coordination bonding.     

Effect of intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions on interfacial supramolecular structures of C3-symmetric hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene derivatives

Two-dimensional (2D) supramolecular assemblies of a series of novel C(3)-symmetric hexa-peri-hexabenzocoronene (HBC) derivatives bearing different substituents adsorbed on highly oriented pyrolytic graphite were studied by using scanning tunneling microscopy at a solid-liquid interface. It was found that the intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions play a critical role in controlling the interfacial supramolecular assembly of these C(3)-symmetric HBC derivatives at the solid-liquid interface. The HBC molecule bearing three -CF(3) groups could form 2D honeycomb structures because of antiparallel dipole-dipole interactions, whereas HBC molecules bearing three -CN or -NO(2) groups could form hexagonal superstructures because of a special trimeric arrangement induced by dipole-dipole interactions and weak hydrogen bonding interactions ([C-H···NC-] or [C-H···O(2)N-]). Molecular mechanics and dynamics simulations were performed to reveal the physics behind the 2D structures as well as detailed functional group interactions. This work provides an example of how intermolecular dipole-dipole interactions could enable fine control over the self-assembly of disklike π-conjugated molecules.     

Characterization and Application of Supramolecular Junctions

The convergence of supramolecular chemistry and single-molecule electronics offers a new perspective on supramolecular electronics, and provides a new avenue toward understanding and application of intermolecular charge transport at the molecular level. In this review, we will provide an overview of the advances in the characterization technique for the investigation of intermolecular charge transport, and summarize the experimental investigation of several non-covalent interactions, including π-π stacking interactions, hydrogen bonding, host-guest interactions and σ-σ interactions at the single-molecule level. We will also provide a perspective on supramolecular electronics and discuss the potential applications and future challenges.     

Structural Transformation of 2,7-Dibromopyrene on Au(111) Mediated by Halogen-Bonding Motifs

Fundamental understanding of the bonding motifs that elaborately mediate the formation of supramolecular nanostructures is essential for the rational design of stable artificial organic architectures. Herein, the structural transformation of the adsorption complex of 2, 7-dibromopyrene (Br₂Py) on the Au(111) surface has been investigated by scanning tunnelling microscopy combined with X-ray photoemission spectroscopy and density function theory calculations. In the initial stage of self-assembly, well ordered patterns are formed in the manner of extended supramolecular structures balanced by intermolecular halogen bonding motifs, whilst the Au(111) reconstruction is still fairly visible. Subsequent thermal annealing promotes the dehalogenation and on-surface Ullmann coupling, and polymerized oligomers are consequently constructed. Interestingly, such polymerized chains are still stably mediated by the halogen bonding motif via dissociated Br atoms which are revealed to be absorbed on the bridge site of Au(111), while the number of halogen bonds increases significantly from self-assembly to Ullmann coupling polymerization, indicating that the halogen bonding motif contributes significantly to the extended one-dimensional polymers.     

Assembling of amphiphilic highly branched molecules in supramolecular nanofibers

We found that the amplification of weak multiple interactions between numerous peripheral branches of irregular, flexible, polydisperse, and highly branched molecules can facilitate their self-assembly into nanofibrillar micellar structures at solid surfaces and the formation of perfect long microfibers in the course of crystallization from solution. The core-shell architecture of the amphiphilic dendritic molecules provides exceptional stability of one-dimensional nanofibrillar structures. The critical condition for the formation of the nanofibrillar structures is the presence of both alkyl tails in the outer shell and amine groups in the core/inner shell. The multiple intermolecular hydrogen bonding and polar interactions between flexible cores stabilize these nanofibers and make them robust albeit flexible. This example demonstrates that one-dimensional supramolecular assembling at different spatial scales (both nanofibers and microfibers) can be achieved without a tedious, multistep synthesis of shape-persistent molecules.     

氢键识别超分子聚合物的新进展

近年来,由于氢键作用对聚合物的热力学性质、微观自组装、结晶及液晶行为的重要影响,氢键识别在超分子聚合物的分子设计与结构控制方面的应用受到广泛关注。本文系统介绍了氢键识别体系的类型与性质,以及分子结构、分子内氢键对氢键识别强度的影响,讨论了羧酸与吡啶间氢键识别体系、与核苷相关的氢键识别体系以及四重氢键识别体系在超分子聚合物中的最新应用,主要介绍了氢键识别超分子聚合物的合成、结构、性质及功能。     

A survey of tellurium-centered secondary-bonding supramolecular synthons

The crystal structures of tellurium compounds frequently display intermolecular contacts between the chalcogen and atoms possessing lone pairs of electrons. Analysis of the data deposited in the Cambridge crystallographic database shows that the shortest secondary bonding interactions (SBIs) are formed when oxygen, nitrogen or chlorine are the donor atoms for SBIs. In addition, these SBIs are shortest when they occur opposite to a bond between tellurium and oxygen, nitrogen, fluorine, chlorine or the nitrile functional group. The structural motifs assembled in these systems fall within eight general categories, from single to multiple bonded supramolecular synthons. The use of multiple points of attachment between molecules leads, in principle, to stronger and more directional supramolecular synthons. The overall structures assembled by the most important tellurium-based supramolecular synthons and prospects for their application in crystal engineering are discussed.     

Supramolecular polymerization from polypeptide-grafted comb polymers

The helical and tubular structures self-assembled from proteins have inspired scientists to design synthetic building blocks that can be "polymerized" into supramolecular polymers through coordinated noncovalent interactions. However, cooperative supramolecular polymerization from large, synthetic macromolecules remains a challenge because of the difficulty of controlling the structure and interactions of macromolecular monomers. Herein we report the synthesis of polypeptide-grafted comb polymers and the use of their tunable secondary interactions in solution to achieve controlled supramolecular polymerization. The resulting tubular supramolecular structures, with external diameters of hundreds of nanometers and lengths of tens of micrometers, are stable and resemble to some extent biological superstructures assembled from proteins. This study shows that highly specific intermolecular interactions between macromolecular monomers can enable the cooperative growth of supramolecular polymers. The general applicability of this strategy was demonstrated by carrying out supramolecular polymerization from gold nanoparticles grafted with the same polypeptides on the surface.     

Crystal structure of poly(ethylene-oxide) supramolecular assemblies

The formation of poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) supramolecular complexes is discussed in terms of intermolecular interactions and molecular packing. On the basis of the different known crystal structures, several mechanisms are proposed. First, the PEO complexes can be formed by an Intercalation or Inclusion process, guest molecules diffusing into the PEO unit cell. On the other hand, molecular complexes based on hydrogen bonding cannot be obtained by such a way, their formation requires the complete removal of the initial PEO structure either by melting or dissolution. Finally the relations between the crystal lamellar morphology, the host-guest interactions and the PEO chain mobility are discussed.     

用原子力显微镜研究磷脂酸Langmuir-Blodgett双层膜中超分子结构

用原子力显微镜研究了二棕榈酰磷脂酸(DPPA)双层LB膜的分子排列结构,发现DPPA双层膜的分子排列具有长程的位置和取向有序,为有序六方结构;同时,在DPPA双层膜的极性区磷酸基团间存在局域超分子结构.     

Noncovalent interactions in inorganic supramolecular chemistry based in heavy metals. Quantum chemistry point of view

Complexity is a concept that is being considered in chemistry as it has shown potential to reveal interesting phenomena. Thus, it is possible to study chemical phenomena in a new approach called systems chemistry. The systems chemistry has an organization and function, which are regulated by the interactions among its components. At the simplest level, noncovalent interactions between molecules can lead to the emergence of large structures. Consequently, it is possible to go from the molecular to the supramolecular systems chemistry, which aims to develop chemical systems highly complex through intra- and intermolecular forces. Proper use of the interactions previously mentioned allow a glimpse of supramolecular system chemistry in many tasks such as structural properties reflecting certain behaviors in the chemistry of materials, for example, electrical and optical, processes of molecular recognition and among others. In the last time, within this area, inorganic supramolecular systems chemistry has been developed. Those systems have a structural orientation which is defined by certain forces that predominate in the associations among molecules. It is possible to recognize these forces as hydrogen bonding, π-π stacking, halogen bonding, electrostatic, hydrophobic, charge transfer, metal coordination, and metallophilic interactions. The presence of these forces in supramolecular system yields certain properties such as light absorption and luminescence. The quantum theoretical modeling plays an important role in the designing of the supramolecular system. The goal is to apply supramolecular principles in order to understand the associated forces in many inorganic molecules that include heavy metals for instance gold, platinum, and mercury. Relevant systems will be studied in detail, considering functional aspects such as enhanced coordination of functionalized molecular self-assembly, electronic and optoelectronic properties.     

High pressure and supramolecular systems

The present review summarizes the results of studies of supramolecular systems under high hydrostatic pressure. The possibilities of using high pressure for the preparation of new supramolecular structures, investigation of intermolecular interactions in these structures, and control over the physical and chemical properties of supramolecular assemblies are considered.     

Donors and acceptors based on triangular dehydrobenzo[12]annulenes: formation of a triple-layered rosette structure by a charge-transfer complex

We present here the results of studies of the synthesis and properties of donors and acceptors based on triangular dehydrobenzo[12]annulene ([12]DBA) system as a pi core. These studies were aimed at controlling the supramolecular crystal structure. Toward this end, the tricyano[12]DBA 2 and dodecafluoro[12]DBA ( 3) were synthesized as acceptors (A) and the tris(dialkylamino)[12]DBAs 4a-d as donors (D), and their electronic properties were determined by electronic absorption spectroscopy and electrochemical measurements. The main focus, though, was the formation of supramolecular structures in crystals. These compounds form distinct packing patterns as a result of the different intermolecular interactions. Tricyano[12]DBA 2 forms a two-dimensional (2D) sheet structure via hydrogen-bonding interactions, whereas a tilted-stack structure was found for 3 because of the lack of significant intermolecular interactions. Tris(dibutylamino)[12]DBA 4b exhibits a ladder-type 2D structure, probably because of van der Waals interactions between the butyl groups. The most significant finding is that charge-transfer interactions between donor 4a and acceptor 3 combined with their triangular molecular shapes and lateral CH...F hydrogen bonding result in the formation of a 2D rosette structure consisting of two different trimeric (DAD- and ADA-type) sandwich structures with 1:2 and 2:1 A/D ratios, respectively.     

Hydrogen‐bonded supramolecular networks of N,N′‐bis(4‐pyridylmethyl)oxalamide and 4,4′‐{[oxalylbis(azanediyl)]dimethylene}dipyridinium dinitrate

The molecule of N,N′‐bis(4‐pyridylmethyl)oxalamide, C₁₄H₁₄N₄O₂, (I) or 4py‐ox, has an inversion center in the middle of the oxalamide group. Adjacent molecules are then linked through intermolecular N—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds, forming an extended supramolecular network. 4,4′‐{[Oxalylbis(azanediyl)]dimethylene}dipyridinium dinitrate, C₁₄H₁₆N₄O₂²⁺·2NO₃⁻, (II), contains a diprotonated 4py‐ox cation and two nitrate counter‐anions. Each nitrate ion is hydrogen bonded to four 4py‐ox cations via intermolecular N—H...O and C—H...O interactions. Adjacent 4py‐ox cations are linked through weak C—H...O hydrogen bonding between an α‐pyridinium C atom and an oxalamide O atom, forming a two‐dimensional extended supramolecular network.     

Supramolecular double helix from capped γ-peptide

The single crystal X-ray diffraction study of capped γ-peptide reveal that the peptide adopts helical conformation which self-assemble to form a supramolecular parallel double helical structure using intermolecular hydrogen bonding as well as π-π stacking interactions in the solid state.