Thioether‐Functionalized Quinone‐Based Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Electroswitchable Molecular Actuators

The utility of molecular actuators in nanoelectronics requires activation of mechanical motion by electric charge at the interface with conductive surfaces. We functionalized redox‐active resorcin[4]arene‐quinone cavitands with thioethers as surface‐anchoring groups at the lower rim and investigated their propensity to act as electroswitchable actuators that can adopt two different conformations in response to changes in applied potential. Molecular design was assessed by DFT calculations and X‐ray analysis. Electronic properties were experimentally studied in solution and thin films electrochemically, as well as by X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy on gold substrates. The redox interconversion between the oxidized (quinone, Q ) and the reduced (semiquinone, SQ ) state was monitored by UV‐Vis‐NIR spectroelectrochemistry and EPR spectroscopy. Reduction to the SQ state induces a conformational change, providing the basis for potential voltage‐controlled molecular actuating devices.     

Stimuli-Responsive Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Toward Visible-Light-Activated Molecular Grippers

Resorcin[4]arene cavitands, equipped with diverse quinone ( Q ) and [Ru(bpy)₂dppz]²⁺ (bpy=2,2′-bipyridine, dppz=dipyrido[3,2-a:2′,3′-c]phenazine) photosensitizing walls in different configurations, were synthesized. Upon visible-light irradiation at 420 nm, electron transfer from the [Ru(bpy)₂dppz]²⁺ to the Q generates the semiquinone ( SQ ) radical anion, triggering a large conformational switching from a flat kite to a vase with a cavity for the encapsulation of small guests, such as cyclohexane and heteroalicyclic derivatives, in CD₃CN. Depending on the molecular design, the SQ radical anion can live for several minutes (≈10 min) and the vase can be generated in a secondary process without need for addition of a sacrificial electron donor to accumulate the SQ state. Switching can also be triggered by other stimuli, such as changes in solvent, host–guest complexation, and chemical and electrochemical processes. This comprehensive investigation benefits the development of stimuli-responsive nanodevices, such as light-activated molecular grippers.     

Controlling the Size and Morphology of Supramolecular Assemblies of Viologen–Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands

A novel class of self‐assembling nanoparticles is formed with viologen–resorcin[4]arene cavitands; the association model is strongly controlled by their hydrophobicity. Interestingly, the cavitand assemblies are designed through click chemistry to form self‐assembled noncovalently connected aggregates through counterion displacement. The iodide and benzoate ions are utilized as strongly polarizable counterions to induce cavitand self‐assembly. The counterion‐mediated decrease in hydrophilicity of the viologen–resorcin[4]arenes is the underlying trigger to induce particle formation. These particles can be used as nanocontainers and find their applications in delivery systems.     

Tetrathiafulvalene (TTF)‐Bridged Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Towards New Electrochemical Molecular Switches

We report the synthesis of novel resorcin[4]arene‐based cavitands featuring two extended bridges consisting of quinoxaline‐fused TTF (tetrathiafulvalene) moieties. In the neutral form, these cavitands were expected to adopt the vase form, whereas, upon oxidation, the open kite geometry should be preferred due to Coulombic repulsion between the two TTF radical cations (Scheme 2). The key step in the preparation of these novel molecular switches was the P(OEt)₃‐mediated coupling between a macrocyclic bis(1,3‐dithiol‐2‐thione) and 2 equiv. of a suitable 1,3‐dithiol‐2‐one. Following the successful application of this strategy to the preparation of mono‐TTF‐cavitand 3 (Scheme 3), the synthesis of the bis‐TTF derivatives 2 (Scheme 4) and 19 (Scheme 5) was pursued; however, the target compounds could not be isolated due to their insolubility. Upon decorating both the octol bowl and the TTF cavity rims with long alkyl chains, the soluble bis‐TTF cavitand 23 was finally obtained, besides a minor amount of the novel cage compound 25a featuring a highly distorted TTF bridge (Scheme 6). In contrast to 25a , the deep cavitand 23 undergoes reversible vase → kite switching upon lowering the temperature from 293 to 193 K (Fig. 1). Electrochemical studies by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV) provided preliminary evidence for successful vase → kite switching of 23 induced by the oxidation of the TTF cavity walls.     

Light-actuated resorcin[4]arene cavitands

A light-actuated resorcin[4]arene cavitand equipped with two quinone (Q) and two opposite Ru(II)-based photosensitizing walls was synthesized and investigated. The cavitand is capable of switching from an open to a contracted conformation upon reduction of the two Q to the corresponding SQ radical anions by intramolecular photoinduced electron transfer in the presence of a sacrificial donor. The molecular switch was investigated by cyclic and rotating disc voltammetry, UV–Vis–NIR spectroelectrochemistry, transient absorption, NMR, and EPR spectroscopy. This study provides the basis for the development of future light-activated switches and molecular actuating nanodevices.     

NMR Investigations into the Vase‐Kite Conformational Switching of Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands

We report the detailed investigation of temperature‐ and pH‐triggered conformational switching of resorcin[4]arene cavitands 1 – 10 (Figs. 1, 8, and 9). Depending on the experimental conditions, these macrocycles adopt a vase conformation, featuring a deep cavity for potential guest inclusion, or two kite conformations (kite 1 and kite 2) with flat, extended surfaces (Schemes 1 and 2). The thermodynamic and kinetic parameters for the interconversion between these structures were determined by variable‐temperature NMR (VT‐NMR) spectroscopy (Figs. 2–7 and 10, and Tables 1 and 2). It was discovered that vase→kite switching of cavitands is strongly solvent‐dependent: it is controlled not only by solvent polarity but also by solvent size. Conformational interconversions similar to those of the parent structure 1 with four quinoxaline flaps are also observed when the octol base skeleton is differentially or incompletely bridged. Only octanitro derivative 2 was found to exist exclusively in the kite conformation under all experimental conditions. The detailed insight into the vase?kite conformational equilibrium gained in this investigation provides the basis for the design and construction of new, dynamic resorcin[4]arene cavitands that are switchable between bistable states featuring strongly different structures and functions.     

Vase‐Kite Equilibrium of Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands Investigated Using Molecular Dynamics Simulations with Ball‐and‐Stick Local Elevation Umbrella Sampling

A key feature of resorcin[4]arene cavitands is their ability to switch between a closed/contracted (Vase ) and an open/expanded (Kite ) conformation. The mechanism and dynamics of this interconversion remains, however, elusive. In the present study, the Vase ‐Kite transitions of a quinoxaline‐based and of a dinitrobenzene‐based resorcin[4]arene are investigated using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations in three environments (vacuum, chloroform, and toluene) and at three temperatures (198.15, 248.15, and 298.15 K). The challenge of sampling the Vase ‐Kite transition, which occurs experimentally on the millisecond time scale, is overcome by calculating relative free energies using ball‐and stick local elevation umbrella sampling (B&S‐LEUS) to enhance the statistics on the relevant states and to promote interconversion transitions. Associated unbiased MD simulations also evidence for the first time a complete Vase ‐to‐Kite transition, as well as transitions between degenerate Kite 1 and Kite 2 forms and solvent‐exchange events. The calculated Vase ‐to‐Kite free‐energy changes ΔG are in qualitative agreement with the experimental magnitudes and trends. The level of quantitative agreement is, however, limited by the force‐field accuracy and, in particular, by the approximate treatment of intramolecular interactions at the classical level. The results are in line with a less stable Vase state for the dinitrobenzene compared to the quinoxaline compound, and a negative entropy change ΔS for the Vase ‐to‐Kite transition of the latter compound. Relative free energies calculated for intermediates also suggest that the Vase ‐Kite transition does not follow a concerted mechanism, but an asynchronous one with sequential opening of the flaps. In particular, the conformation involving two adjacent flaps open in a parallel direction (cis‐p) represents a likely intermediate, which has not been observed experimentally to date.     

Spatially Directional Resorcin[4]arene Cavitand Glycoconjugates for Organic Catalysis

The synthesis of novel spatially directional multivalent resorcin[4]arene cavitand glycoconjugates (RCGs) and their ability to catalyze organic reactions is reported. The β‐d ‐glucopyranoside moieties on the upper rim of the “bowl”‐shaped resorcin[4]arene cavitand core are capable of multiple hydrogen‐bond interactions resulting in a pseudo‐cavity, which has been investigated for organic transformations in aqueous media. The RCGs have been demonstrated to catalyze thiazole formation, thiocyanation, copper(I)‐catalyzed azide alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), and Mannich reactions; they impart stereoselectivity in the three‐component Mannich reaction. Thermodynamic values obtained from ¹H diffusion‐ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments suggest that the upper saccharide cavity of the RCG and not the resorcin[4]arene cavity is the site of the complexation event.     

Synthesis of Methylene-Bridged Resorcin[4]arene Dimers

Methylene-bridged resorcin[4]arene dimers were synthesized by the Sc(OTf)₃-catalyzed hydroxymethylation of partially acetylated resorcin[4]arenes, and their preliminary complexation properties with tetraethylammonium ion were examined in CD₃OD by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. The dimers adopted a closed capsular conformation in this solvent and bound the guest molecule into their cavity.     

Conformational Switching of Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands by Protonation,Preliminary Communication

The synthesis of the quinoxaline‐bridged resorcin[4]arene cavitand 1 was accomplished from 2‐[3,5‐di(tert‐butyl)phenyl]acetaldehyde via formation of the intermediate octol 2 . Such cavitands are known to occur in an open `kite' conformation at low temperature (<213 K) but to adopt a `vase' conformation at elevated temperatures (>318 K). We discovered that protonation of cavitand 1 at room temperature by common acids, such as CF₃COOH, also causes reversible switching from `vase' to `kite', and that this conformational change can be conveniently monitored by both ¹H‐NMR and UV/VIS spectroscopy.     

Functionalized and Partially or Differentially Bridged Resorcin[4]arene Cavitands: Synthesis and Solid‐State Structures

We report the synthesis and structural characterization of modified Cram‐type, resorcin[4]arene‐based cavitands. Two main loci on the cavitand backbone were selected for structural modification: the upper part (wall domain) and the lower part (legs). Synthesis of unsymmetrically bridged cavitands with different wall components (i.e., 7, 8 , and 14 – 18 ) was performed by stepwise bridging of the four couples of neighboring, H‐bonded OH‐groups of octol 1a (Schemes 1, 2, 4, and 5). Cavitands with modified legs (i.e., 20, 24, 27 , and 28 ), targeted for surface immobilization, were synthesized by short routes starting from suitable aldehyde starting materials incorporating either the fully preformed leg moieties or functional precursors to the final legs (Schemes 7–10). The new cavitand substitution patterns described in this paper should enable the construction of a wide variety of functional architectures in the future. X‐Ray crystallography afforded the characterization of cavitands 2c (Fig. 3) and 24 (Fig. 7) in the vase conformation, with 2c featuring a well‐ordered CH₂Cl₂ guest molecule in its cavity. A particular highlight is the X‐ray crystal‐structure determination of octanitro derivative 19 (Scheme 6), which, for the first time, shows a cavitand, lacking substituents in the ortho‐position to the two O‐atoms of the four resorcinol moieties, in the kite‐conformation (Fig. 5).     

A Micellar Complex of a Conjugated Polyelectrolyte for Efficient FRET to Dye‐Labeled DNA

A polymer–surfactant micellar complex has been studied as a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) donor to fluorescein‐labeled DNA (ssDNA‐Fl). In water, the molar absorptivity and fluorescence quantum efficiency of cationic poly(fluorene‐co‐phenylene) (c‐PFP) are substantially increased in the presence of non‐ionic surfactants. A TEM microscopic study shows the formation of a nanowire micellar complex of c‐PFP and the surfactants. About a 400% enhancement of the FRET signal is measured in c‐PFP/ssDNA‐Fl with Brij 30, relative to that without surfactants. The signal amplification is successfully modulated using different types of non‐ionic surfactants which perturb the complexation, fine‐structure of the complex (i.e., donor‐acceptor separation), and the resulting energy transfer process.

     

Studies on Properties of p—Nitrophenylazo Calix[4]arene Derivatives

The p-nitrophenylazo calix[4] arene derivatives la-ld with nonlinear optical(NLO)properties were prepared by the diazo-coupling reaction of calix[4]arene with p-nitrophenyl diazonium.The diazotization reaction of p-nltroaniline was caried out with isoamyl nitrite as a source of nitrous acid in EtONa/EtOH under refluxing conditon.X-Ray crystallographic analysis and ^1H NMR sptectra reveal that they exist as cone conformation in crystal state or in soution.HRS measurements at 1064 nm in THF indicate that p-nitrophenylazo calix[4]arenes have higher hyperpolarizability βz values than the corresponding reference compound 4-(4-nitrophenylazo)-2,6-dimethyl-phenol,without red shift of the charge transfer band.The tetrakis p-nitropheylazo calix[4]arene(2)with longer alkyl chains can form monolayer aht the air/water interface.     

Metal ion induced FRET On-Off in naphthyl-pyrenyl pendent tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene

A novel tetrahomodioxacalix[4]arene (7) bearing both naphthyl- and pyrenyl-amide pendants was synthesized as FRET-based fluorometric sensor for Cu²⁺ ion. Intramolecular FRET from the naphthalene emission to the pyrene absorption affords Cu²⁺ ion selectivity over other metal ions. Upon addition of Cu²⁺ ion, the complex solution of 7 gave a significantly decreased pyrene acceptor emission along with an enhancement of naphthalene donor emission via FRET On-Off event.     

Acid‐Base Switchable [2]‐ and [3]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttles with Benzimidazolium and Bis(pyridinium) Recognition Sites

For the purpose of developing higher level mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), such as molecular switches and machines, a new rotaxane system was designed in which both the 1,2‐bis(pyridinium)ethane and benzimidazolium recognition templating motifs were combined. These two very different recognition sites were successfully incorporated into [2]rotaxane and [3]rotaxane molecular shuttles which were fully characterized by ¹H NMR, 2D EXSY, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and VT NMR analysis. By utilizing benzimidazolium as both a recognition site and stoppering group it was possible to create not only an acid/base switchable [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle (energy barrier 20.9 kcal?mol^?1) but also a [3]rotaxane molecular shuttle that displays unique dynamic behavior involving the simultaneous motion of two macrocyclic wheels on a single dumbbell. This study provides new insights into the design of switchable molecular shuttles. Due to the unique properties of benzimidazoles, such as fluorescence and metal coordination, this new type of molecular shuttle may find further applications in developing functional molecular machines and materials.