Spectrophotometric Study of Bridging N-Donor Ligand-Induced Supramolecular Assembly of Conjugated Zn-Trisporphyrin with a Triphenylamine Core

This article studies the supramolecular assembly behavior of a Zn-trisporphyrin conjugate containing a triphenylamine core (1) with bridging N-donor ligands using the UV-vis spectrophotometric titration method at micromolar concentrations. Our results show that pyridine, a non-bridging ligand, formed a 3:1 open complex with 1. The corresponding binding constant was estimated to be (2.7 ± 0.15) × 10¹⁴ M⁻³. In contrast, bridging ligands, 4,4-bipyridine (BIPY) and 1,3-di(4-pyridyl)propane (DPYP), formed stable 3:2 double-decker complexes with 1 in solution, which collapsed to yield a 3:1 open complex when excess BIPY or DPYP was added. The binding constants for forming BIPY and DPYP double-decker complexes were estimated to be (9.26 ± 0.07) × 10²⁷ M⁻⁴ and (3.62 ± 0.16) × 10²⁷ M⁻⁴, respectively. The UV-vis titration profiles supported the conclusion that the degradation of the 3:2 double-decker 1∙BIPY complex is less favorable compared to that of 1∙DPYP. Consequently, the formation of the 3:1 1∙DPYP open complex proceeded more readily than that of 1∙BIPY.     

Modeling the Selectivity of Potassium Channels with Synthetic,Ligand‐Assembled π Slides

A supramolecular ion channel model mediates transmembrane ion transport (shown schematically) with a selectivity topology similar to that of K⁺ channels. This supports the biological significance of flexible arene arrays as selective cation binding sites.     

The bonding between NO and the NiO(100) surface

Summary The interaction between NO and different possible adsorption sites of the NiO(100) surface is studied. The Ni²⁺ cation gives a bonding to NO in reasonable agreement with experiment, but only if a crystal potential corresponding to less than completely ionic charges is assumed. The computed angle of 43° is also in good agreement with experiment. O^1– sites in both weak and strong crystal potentials also give a strong interaction with NO, 1.3 and 0.5 eV, respectively. In this case the angle is larger or around 70°. The O^2– anion and Ni¹⁺ sites do not give any significant bonding irrespective of assumed crystal potential and can be excluded as adsorption sites. The computed vibrational frequency for the adsorbed NO show shifts of +50, –85 and –200 cm^–1 for adsorption on Ni²⁺ in the weak potential, and O^1– in strong and weak potential, respectively. Only one, downwards shifted, frequency has been observed in the experiment but the most likely candidate for the experimentally observed adsorption site with a binding of 0.5 eV, is still the Ni²⁺ in a weak potential. Nitrogen core level shifts are also computed and discussed and the fully screened core-hole state is obtained for a cluster model, NiF₄O+NO, of Ni²⁺ in NiO with an ionicity lower than the standard ± 2.This work is dedicated to Prof. Inga Fischer-Hjalmars     

Being Positive is Not Everything – Experimental and Computational Studies on the Selectivity of a Self-Assembled,Multiple Redox-State Receptor that Binds Anions with up to Picomolar Affinities

The interaction of the self-assembled trinuclear ruthenium bowl 1 ³⁺, that displays three other accessible oxidation states, with oxo-anions is investigated. Using a combination of NMR and electrochemical experimental data, estimates of the binding affinities of 1 ⁴⁺, 1 ⁵⁺, and 1 ⁶⁺ for both halide and oxo-anions were derived. This analysis revealed that, across the range of oxidation states of the host, both high anion binding affinities (>10⁹ M⁻¹ for specific guests bound to 1 ⁶⁺) and high selectivities (a range of >10⁷ M⁻¹) were observed. As the crystal structure of binding of the hexafluorophosphate anion revealed that the host has two potential binding sites (named the α and β pockets), the host-guest properties of both putative binding sites of the bowl, in all of its four oxidation states, were investigated through detailed quantum-based computational studies. These studies revealed that, due to the interplay of ion-ion interactions, charge-assisted hydrogen-bonding and anion-π interactions, binding to the α pocket is generally preferred, except for the case of the relatively large and lipophilic hexafluorophosphate anionic guest and the host in the highest oxidation states, where the β pocket becomes relatively favourable. This analysis confirms that host-guest interactions involving structurally complex supramolecular architectures are driven by a combination of non-covalent interactions and, even in the case of charged binding pairs, simple ion-ion interactions alone cannot accurately define these recognition processes.     

Voltammetric and spectroscopic studies on the interaction of anti-cancer herbal drug rutin with an anti-tuberculosis agent rifampicin

In this paper, the interaction of rutin (Rt) with rifampicin (RIF) has been investigated using voltammetric and spectroscopic techniques. With the addition of RIF into the Rt solution, both the reduction and oxidation currents of rutin decrease with few changes in the peak potentials and no new peaks appeared. The binding of Rt with RIF forms a kind of supramolecular complex Rt-RIF, which is electrochemically non-active. The experimental data showed that the formation of supramolecular complex is due to the electrostatic attraction of Rt with RIF. The binding reaction resulted in the decrease of the concentration of free Rt in the solution, and the decrease of the cathodic peak current of Rt. The stoichiometry of the Rt-RIF biocomplex was determinated to be 1: 1 by means of voltammetric data. The effect of pH on the binding reaction has been also studied. Based on the peak current values of Rt in the presence and absence of RIF, the binding constants of Rt-RIF at pHs 4, 7 and 9 were calculated as 0.72 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, 1.28 × 10⁴ M⁻¹ and 0.19 × 10⁴ M⁻¹, respectively. The experimental results indicate that there is a strength interaction between Rt and RIF in neutral pH. This binding reaction was supported by UV-Vis. and IR spectroscopy techniques.     

One-pot synthesis of supramolecular polymer containing quadruple hydrogen bonding units

A facile, efficient technique was built to synthesize a supramolecular material containing quadruple hydrogen bonding sites. The current approach presented here involves a single-step reaction between the amine of precursor, e.g. methyl isocytosine (MIC) and the epoxy group of polymer, e.g. poly(ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether) (PEG DGE, M_n = 526 g/mol, as verified using ¹H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), UV/visible spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) clearly show that the product is not a simple mixture of two components, but the supramolecular polymer containing quadruple hydrogen bonding sites. Complex melt viscosities reveal that mechanical properties of the supramolecular polymer are enhanced by more than 10⁴ times compared to the pristine low molecular weight polymer, giving rise to the significant change of physical state from liquid to solid. Current approach also illustrates an advantageous route because it does not need the selective use of monofunctionalized precursor and not produce a dead, difunctionalized precursor.     

Discovery of phosphotyrosine-binding oligopeptides with supramolecular target selectivity

We demonstrate phage-display screening on self-assembled ligands that enables the identification of oligopeptides that selectively bind dynamic supramolecular targets over their unassembled counterparts. The concept is demonstrated through panning of a phage-display oligopeptide library against supramolecular tyrosine-phosphate ligands using 9-fluorenylmethoxycarbonyl-phenylalanine-tyrosine-phosphate (Fmoc-FpY) micellar aggregates as targets. The 14 selected peptides showed no sequence consensus but were enriched in cationic and proline residues. The lead peptide, KVYFSIPWRVPM-NH₂ (P7) was found to bind to the Fmoc-FpY ligand exclusively in its self-assembled state with K_D = 74 ± 3 μM. Circular dichroism, NMR and molecular dynamics simulations revealed that the peptide interacts with Fmoc-FpY through the KVYF terminus and this binding event disrupts the assembled structure. In absence of the target micellar aggregate, P7 was further found to dynamically alternate between multiple conformations, with a preferred hairpin-like conformation that was shown to contribute to supramolecular ligand binding. Three identified phages presented appreciable binding, and two showed to catalyze the hydrolysis of a model para-nitro phenol phosphate substrate, with P7 demonstrating conformation-dependent activity with a modest k_cat/K_M = 4 ± 0.3 × 10⁻⁴ M⁻¹ s⁻¹.

Phage-display screening on self-assembled tyrosine-phosphate ligands enables the identification of oligopeptides selective to dynamic supramolecular targets, with the lead peptide showing a preferred hairpin-like conformation and catalytic activity.     

Supramolecular interactions in a family of dinuclear helicates in the solid-state

ABSTRACT

Metallo-helicates are a commonly encountered assembly within supramolecular chemistry. Interest in these architectures stems from their inherent helical chirality which positions them for a diverse range of applications such as catalysis and non-linear optics (NLO). The current study uses Co(II) dinuclear double helicates as versatile supramolecular synthons. The ditopic ligand, L, features two tridentate quinolinyl-hydrazone binding sites imparting it with hydrogen bond donors and π-faces for secondary supramolecular interactions. Incorporation of L into [Co₂(L)₂]⁴⁺ helical assemblies results in a helical cationic supramolecular synthon with moieties predisposed to forming π-π stacking and hydrogen bond interactions. The single-crystal X-ray structures of [Co₂(L)₂]X₄ (X = ClO₄ ^?, BF₄ ^? and CF₃SO₃ ^?) revealed a variety of anion dependent hydrogen bond networks arising through the interaction of the hydrazide hydrogen with the anion. These interactions in turn strongly influence the nature of the π-π stacking interactions of the quinoline moieties which can be analysed via the Hirshfield surface.     

Determination of trace osmium by supramolecular catalytic kinetic spectrofluorimetry of beta-CD-osmium-KBrO(3)-o-vanillin furfuralhydrazone

A supramolecular catalytic kinetic spectrofluorimetric method was developed for the determination of osmium(IV) and the possible mechanism of catalytic reaction was discussed. The method is based on the fluorescence enhancing reaction of o-vanillin furfuralhydrazone (OVFH) with potassium bromate, which was catalysed by osmium(IV) in water medium. Beta-cyclodextrin (beta-CD) obviously sensibilized the determination at pH 6.10 and 55 °C. Under optimum conditions, beta-CD-osmium(IV)-KBrO₃-OVFH supramolecular kinetic catalytic reaction system had excitation and emission maxima at 337 and 490 nm, respectively. The linear range of this method was 0-120 ng ml⁻¹ with a R.S.D. of 1.1%, and the detection limit was 0.38 ng ml⁻¹. The effect of interferences was studied. Distillation was used to separate osmium from interfering elements in the samples. The proposed method was applied successfully to determine osmium(IV) in synthetic mixture and mineral samples, the results were well consistent with the reference standard values.     

Interplay of Charge Transfer, Dimensionality, and Amide Hydrogen Bond Network Adaptability in TCNQF4 Complexes of EDO-TTF-CONH2 and EDT-TTF-CONH2

[EDO-TTF-CONH₂][TCNQF₄], triclinic system, space group P-1, a=8.2479(12) Å, b=12.282(2) Å, c=12.6842(18) Å, α=113.850(17)°, β=106.420(17)°, γ=90.284(19)°, V=1116.8(4) ų; and [EDT-TTF-CONH₂]₂[TCNQF₄], triclinic system, space group P-1, a=6.5858(9) Å, b=11.699(2) Å, c=12.2281(18) Å, α=104.000(19)°, β=93.611(17)°, γ=98.279(19)°, V=899.9(3) ų, whose π-donor molecules, (ethylenedioxo)-carbamoyltetrathiafulvalene and (ethylenedithio)-carbamoyltetrathiafulvalene, respectively, differ solely by the nature of the chalcogen atoms in their outer ethylene dichalcogeno bridge, yet form very different charge-transfer complexes with the same π-acceptor. [EDO-TTF-CONH₂^•+]₂ [TCNQF₄^•−]₂ is a diamagnetic insulating ionic salt with a three-dimensional rock-salt-type structure based on discrete dimers while in the semi-conducting mixed-valence complex, [EDT-TTF-CONH₂]₂^•+[TCNQF₄^•−], the mixed-valence dimers aggregate into infinite chains interspersed within parallel rows of non-interacting radical anions. It is shown how the robust and adaptable supramolecular amide hydrogen bond tweezers-like motifs common to the two solids simply comply to the 3-to-1 dimensionality reduction upon substitution of O for S.     

Single-site binding of pyrene to poly(ester-imide)s incorporating long spacer-units: prediction of NMR resonance-patterns from a fractal model

Co-polycondensation of the diimide-based diols N,N′-bis(2-hydroxyethyl)hexafluoroisopropylidene-diphthalimide, (HFDI), and N,N′-bis(2-hydroxy-ethyl)naphthalene-1,4,5,8-tetracarboxylic-diimide, (NDI), with aliphatic diacyl chlorides ClOC(CH₂)_xCOCl (x = 5 to 8) affords linear copoly(ester-imide)s. Such copolymers interact with pyrene via supramolecular binding of the polycyclic aromatic at NDI residues. This interaction results in upfield complexation shifts and sequence-related splittings of the NDI ¹H NMR resonances, but gives a very different final resonance-pattern from the copolymer where x = 2. Computational modelling of the polymer with x = 5 suggests that each pyrene molecule binds to just a single NDI residue rather than by intercalation between a pair of NDI''s at a tight chain-fold, as was found for x = 2. The new single-site binding model enables the pattern of ¹H NMR resonances for copolymers with longer spacers (x = 5 to 8) to be reproduced and assigned by simulation from sequence-specific shielding factors based on a type of fractal known as the last-fraction Cantor set. As this type of fractal also enables an understanding of pairwise binding systems, it evidently provides a general numerical framework for supramolecular sequence-analysis in binary copolymers.

Nine ¹H NMR resonances assignable to specific copoly(ester-imide) sequences identified from a fractal model result from 1 : 1 supramolecular binding of pyrene to NDI residues.     

Water-soluble Self-assembled {Pd84}Ac Polyoxopalladate Nano-wheel as a Supramolecular Host

Polyoxopalladates (POPs) are a class of self-assembling palladium-oxide clusters that span a variety of sizes, shapes and compositions. The largest of this family, {Pd₈₄}^Ac, is constructed from 14 building units of {Pd₆} and lined on the inner and outer torus by 28 acetate ligands. Due to its high water solubility, large hydrophobic cavity and distinct ¹H NMR fingerprint {Pd₈₄}^Ac is an ideal molecule for exploring supramolecular behaviour with small organic molecules in aqueous media. Molecular visualisation studies highlighted potential binding sites between {Pd₈₄}^Ac and these species. Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) techniques, including ¹H NMR, ¹H Diffusion Ordered Spectroscopy (DOSY) and Nuclear Overhauser Spectroscopy (NOESY), were employed to study the supramolecular chemistry of this system. Here, we provide conclusive evidence that {Pd₈₄}^Ac forms a 1 : 7 host-guest complex with benzyl viologen (BV²⁺) in aqueous solution.     

A simple linear sweep voltammetric method for the determination of double-stranded DNA with malachite green

In pH 3.5 Britton—Robinson buffer solution double-stranded (ds) DNA can react with malachite green (MG) to form an interaction complex, which resulted in the decrease of the electrochemical response of MG, MG had a well-defined second-order derivative linear sweep voltammetric peak at −0.73 V (vs. SCE). After the addition of dsDNA into MG solution, the reductive peak current decreased with the positive shift of peak potential, which was the typical characteristic of intercalation. Based on the interaction, an indirect electrochemical determination method for dsDNA was established. The optimum conditions for the reaction were investigated and there were little or no interferences from the commonly coexisting substances. The decrease of peak current was linear with the concentration of dsDNA over the range of 0.8–12.0 μg cm⁻³ with the linear regression equation as ΔI _p″/nA = 91.70 C/(μg cm⁻³) + 74.55 (n = 10, γ = 0.990). The detection limit was calculated as 0.46 μg cm⁻³ (3σ). The method had high sensitivity and was further applied to the dsDNA synthetic samples with satisfactory result. The interaction mechanism was discussed with the intercalation of DNA-MG to form a supramolecular complex and the stoichiometry of the supramolecular complex was calculated by electrochemical method with the binding number 3 and the binding constant 2.35 × 10¹⁵ (mol dm⁻³)⁻³.     

Rapid and sensitive determination of protein by light-scattering technique with Eriochrome Blue Black R

Based on the interaction between Eriochrome Blue Black R (EBBR) and proteins, which causes a strong light-scattering signal with the maximum scattering peak located at 398 nm, a simple, rapid, sensitive and selective method is developed for the determination of proteins by the light-scattering technique using a common spectrofluoremeter. Under proper experimental conditions, the protein determination can be performed in the range of 0.1-25, 0.1-20 and 0.25-25 μg ml⁻¹ for bovine serum albumin (BSA), human serum albumin (HSA) and human immunoglobulin G (IgG), respectively. The detection limit, calculated as 3 times the S.D. of nine blank measurements, are 33 μg l⁻¹ for BSA, 25 μg l⁻¹ for HSA and 38 μg l⁻¹ for IgG. Moreover, there is no significant difference among the scattering signals yielded by HSA, IgG and BSA, and almost no interference of many amino acids and metal ions. The method has been satisfactorily applied to the direct determination of the total protein in human serum, saliva and urine samples. The results obtained from the studies on the binding characteristics of EBBR to BSA indicated that an electrostatic force existed in the binding system, and the binding constant (K) and the number of the binding sites (n) at 25 °C are 1.69×10⁵ l mol⁻¹ and 0.946, respectively.     

Effects of Temperature and Common Ions on Binding of Puerarin to BSA

The effects of temperature and common ions on binding of puerarin to bovine serum albumin (BSA) are investigated. The binding constants (K _a) between puerarin and BSA are 1.13×10⁴ L⋅mol⁻¹ (20 °C) and 1.54×10⁴ L⋅mol⁻¹ (30 °C), and the number of binding sites (n) is (0.95±0.02). However, at a higher temperature (40 °C) the stability of the puerarin–BSA system decreases, which results in a lower binding constant (1.58×10³ L⋅mol⁻¹) and number of binding sites (n=0.73) of the puerarin–BSA system. However, the presence of Cu²⁺ and Fe³⁺ ions increases the binding constants and the number of binding sites in the puerarin–BSA complex.     

Binding of cyclic compounds by starch cryotextures from aqueous solutions

Binding of cyclohexanol, 2-, 3-, and 4-methylcyclohexanones, and isomeric fenchone and camphor bicycles by the corn starch cryotextures from aqueous solutions in a concentration range of 1—16 mmol L^–1 was studied using capillary gas chromatography. Cyclohexanone is not sorbed by the cryotexture. All substances except fenchone exhibit linear plots of the amount of substances bound by the cryotexture vs.their concentration in the corn starch gel. The empirical constants in the linear dependence of the concentration of cryotexture-bound odorants on their initial concentration in the gel were calculated. The presence and position of methyl substituents in the ring affect the degree of binding of the cyclic compounds. The sorption isotherms of the cycles have different shapes. The apparent binding constants and the number of binding sites were determined for compounds reaching the saturation stage on sorption. Cooperative interactions between the binding sites were found. The most part of compounds are irreversibly bound by the cryotexture pointing to the formation of supramolecular complexes.     

Preparation of an anionic azo pigment-pillared layered double hydroxide and the thermo- and photostability of the resulting intercalated material

A large anionic pigment has been intercalated into a layered double hydroxide (LDH) host by ion-exchange of an Mg/Al LDH-nitrate precursor with a solution of C.I. Pigment Red 48:2 (the calcium salt of 4-((5-chloro-4-methyl-2-sulfophenyl)azo)-3-hydroxy-2-naphthalene-carboxylic acid), in ethane-1,2-diol. After intercalation of the pigment, the interlayer distance in the LDH increases from 0.86 to 1.72 nm. Infrared spectra and TG-DTA curves reveal the presence of a complex system of supramolecular host-guest interactions. The UV-visible diffuse reflectance spectra of C.I. Pigment Red 48:2 show marked changes after heating at 200 °C and above, whereas there are no significant changes in the spectra of the intercalated pigment after heating at temperatures up to 300 °C, showing that the thermostability is markedly enhanced by intercalation in the LDH host. The pigment-intercalated LDHs exhibits much higher photostability to UV light than the pristine pigment, in the case of both the pure solids and their composites with polypropylene, as shown by measurement of CIE 1976 L^*a^*b^* color difference (ΔE) values.     

Synthesis and characterization of two-dimensional fluorinated metal phosphates incorporating 2,2′-bipyridine ligands: M2F2(2,2′-bpy)(HPO4)2(H2O) (M=Fe, Ga)

Two fluorinated metal phosphates, M₂F₂(2,2′-bpy)(HPO₄)₂(H₂O) (M=Fe, Ga), have been synthesized under hydrothermal conditions and characterized by single-crystal X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, and magnetic susceptibility. The two compounds are isostructural and crystallize in the triclinic space group , a=7.6595(8)Å, b=10.101(1)Å, c=11.260(1)Å, α=107.555(2)°, β=105.174(2)°, γ=98.975(2)°, V=775.1(2)ų and Z=2 for the Fe compound, and a=7.5816(6)Å, b=9.9943(7)Å, c=11.1742(8)Å, α=107.333(1)°, β=105.014(1)°, γ=99.261(1)° and V=754.2(2)ų for the Ga compound. They are the first fluorinated metal phosphates which incorporate 2,2′-bipyridine ligands. The structure consists of edge-sharing octahedral dimers with the composition Fe₂F₄(H₂O)₂O₄ and discrete FeN₂O₄ octahedra, which are linked into two-dimensional sheets through corner-sharing phosphate tetrahedra. The 2,2′-bpy ligands bind in a bidentate fashion to the metal atoms and project into interlamellar region. The layers are extended into a three-dimensional supramolecular array via π-π stacking interactions of the 2,2′-bpy ligands. Magnetic susceptibility of the iron compound confirms the presence of Fe^III.     

Identification of Anionic Supramolecular Complexes of Sulfonamide Receptors with Cl<Superscript>−</Superscript>, NO<Stack><Subscript>3</Subscript><Superscript>−</Superscript></Stack>, Br<Superscript>−</Superscript>, and I<Superscript>−</Superscript> by APCI-MS

As part of a mass spectrometric investigation of the binding properties of sulfonamide anion receptors, an atmospheric pressure chemical ionization mass spectrometric (APCI-MS) method involving direct infusion followed by thermal desorption was employed for identification of anionic supramolecular complexes in dichloromethane (CH₂Cl₂). Specifically, the dansylamide derivative of tris(2-aminoethyl)amine (tren) (1), the chiral 1,3-benzenesulfonamide derivatives of (1R,2S)-(+)-cis-1-amino-2-indanol (2), and (R)-(+)-bornylamine, (3), were shown to bind halide and nitrate ions in the presence of (n−Bu)₄N⁺X⁻ (X⁻ = Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻, I⁻). Solutions of receptors and anions in CH₂Cl₂ were combined to form the anionic supramolecular complexes, which were subsequently introduced into the mass spectrometer via direct infusion followed by thermal desorption. The anionic supramolecular complexes [M+X]⁻, (M=1–3, X⁻=Cl⁻, NO₃⁻, Br⁻, I⁻) were observed in negative mode APCI-MS along with the deprotonated receptors [M−H]⁻. Full ionization energy of the APCI corona pin (4.5 kV) was necessary for obtaining mass spectra with the best signal-to-noise ratios.     

Flexibility versus Rigidity: How Conformational Constraint,Steric Hindrance and Solvent Impact Binding between π-Electron Poor Tweezer-Type Hosts and π-Electron Rich Guests

Tweezer-type receptors that form π−π stacked supramolecular complexes are important components in functional polymeric materials and molecular machines. Herein, we study how varying specific structural components of tweezer-receptors impacts their binding. A library of tweezer receptors, each containing two π-electron poor receptor residues and differing by the nature of the linking unit which was either a flexible 2,2′-(ethylenedioxy)bis(ethylamine) residue or a rigid 3,3’’-diamino-m-terphenyl diamine structure, were synthesised. Each tweezer formed 1 : 1 supramolecular complexes with π-electron rich residues (1,5-dihydroxynapthalene and pyrene) as confirmed by UV/Vis and ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies. Binding constants were determined to be between 2.3×10⁻⁵ and 71 M⁻¹ in organic solvents and were one magnitude greater in aqueous solvents for water soluble systems. The nature of the linker had variable effects on the binding constants, showing the design of tweezer type supramolecular receptors with targeted K_a values is non-trivial and requires structural optimisation supported by binding constant determination studies.