Structural Switching of a Distorted Trigonal Metal-Organic Cage to a Tetragonal Cage and Singlet Oxygen Mediated Oxidations

Construction of metal–organic cages with unique architecture and guest binding abilities is highly desirable. Herein, we report the synthesis of a distorted trigonal cage ( 1 ) from a twisted tetratopic ligand ( L ) and a Pd^II acceptor. Surprisingly, 1 exhibited a complete structural reorganization of its building units in the presence of C₇₀ and C₆₀ to form guest-encapsulated tetragonal cages, (C₇₀)₂@ 2 and (C₆₀)₂@ 2 , respectively. These guest-bound cages were found to be potential ¹O₂ generators, with the former effectively catalyzing two different varieties of ¹O₂-mediated oxidation reactions.     

Concentration-Dependent Self-Assembly of an Unusually Large Hexameric Hydrogen-Bonded Molecular Cage

The sizes of available self-assembled hydrogen-bond-based supramolecular capsules and cages are rather limited. The largest systems have volumes of approximately 1400–2300 ų. Herein, we report a large, hexameric cage based on intermolecular amide–amide dimerization. The unusual structure with openings, reminiscent of covalently linked cages, is held together by 24 hydrogen bonds. With a diameter of 2.3 nm and a cavity volume of ∼2800 ų, the assembly is larger than any previously known capsule/cage structure relying exclusively on hydrogen bonds. The self-assembly process in chlorinated, organic solvents was found to be strongly concentration dependent, with the monomeric form prevailing at low concentrations. Additionally, the formation of host–guest complexes with fullerenes (C₆₀ and C₇₀) was observed.     

Cyclodextrin-[60]fullerene conjugates: synthesis, characterization, and electrochemical behavior

Three different functionalized β-cyclodextrins (β-CDs) bearing the C₆₀ moiety linked covalently have been prepared in good yields by reaction between the parent β-CD and [60]fullerene via 1,3-dipolar cycloaddition. These compounds have been fully spectroscopically characterized and their electrochemical behavior has been investigated. Surprisingly, the electrochemical properties of the C₆₀ cage remain unaltered even after chemical functionalization, making these systems very appealing as supramolecular hosts for electron-transfer processes.     

Controlled Construction of Heteroleptic [Pd2(LA)2(LB)(LC)]4+ Cages: A Facile Approach for Site-Selective endo-Functionalization of Supramolecular Cavities

Construction of supramolecular structures with internal functionalities is a promising approach to build enzyme-like cavities. The endo-functionalized [Pd₁₂L₂₄] and [Pd₂L₄] coordination cages represent the most successful systems in this regard. However, these systems mainly contain one type of endo-moiety. We herein provide a solution for the controlled endo-functionalization of [Pd₂L₄] cages. Site-selective introduction of the endo-functional group was achieved through the formation of heteroleptic [Pd₂( L^A )₂( L^B )( L^C )] cages. Using two orthogonal steric control elements is the key for the selective formation of the hetero-assemblies. We demonstrated the construction of two hetero-cages with a single internal functional group as well as a hetero-cage with two distinct endohedral functionalities. The endo-functionalized hetero-cages bound sulfonate guests with fast-exchange dynamics. This strategy provides a new solution for the controlled endo-functionalization of supramolecular cavities.     

Azafullerene C59N in Donor–Acceptor Dyads: Synthetic Approaches and Properties

Energy conversion schemes have attracted considerable attention in recent years. A large amount of research effort has focused on fullerenes, particularly C₆₀ and its derivatives, as suitable electron acceptors, owing to their outstanding properties. In this context, C₅₉N‐based donor–acceptor systems have lately attracted attention, owing to their exceptional energy‐and electron‐transfer properties. As a result, chemical derivatization of C₅₉N plays an important role in the realization of the aforementioned systems. The current Minireview aims to familiarize researchers with the main aspects of azafullerene synthesis, chemistry, and photophysical properties, while it mainly focuses on the synthetic methodologies employed for as well as on energy conversion schemes of azafullerene‐based donor–acceptor systems.     

Fullerene encapsulation with calix[5]arenes

This paper presents the synthesis of the fullerene hosts based on the calix[5]arenes and their binding properties. Calix[5]arenes 1a, 2, 3a bind C₆₀ or C₇₀ in organic solvents. The solvent effect of the fullerene complexation was clearly observed; the association constant decreases in a solvent with high solubility for C₆₀. Covalently linked double-calix[5]arenes 4-6 were also investigated on their binding properties for fullerenes in organic solvents. Their binding abilities for both C₆₀ and C₇₀ are extremely high in toluene solution. Higher binding selectivity toward C₇₀ is observed by all the double-calix[5]arenes. The selectivity of 5a toward C₇₀/C₆₀ is highest in toluene with a value of 10. The structures of the supramolecular complexes of the calix[5]arene hosts and C₆₀ or C₇₀ were investigated by using ¹H and ¹³C NMR studies. The molecular mechanics calculation and X-ray structure reveal that the interior of the calix[5]arene is complementary to the exterior of C₆₀ molecule. In contrast, the host-guest complexes of C₇₀ with the simple calix[5]arenes take many conformational options due to its less symmetric shape. The molecular mechanics calculation and our chemical shift simulation nicely worked to estimate the reliable structures; the calix[5]arene cavity takes up C₇₀ molecule, and the C₇₀ molecule tilts significantly from the C5 axis of the calix[5]arene. In the case of the host-guest complex of C₇₀ with the double-calix[5]arene, the molecular dynamics simulation of the host-guest complex represented the realistic movement of the bound C₇₀ inside the cavity. The combination of the molecular dynamics simulation and the chemical shift simulation of the host-guest complex suggested that the C₇₀ molecule rapidly moves inside the cavity.     

Lewis-Pairing-Induced Electrochemiluminescence Enhancement from Electron Donor-Acceptor Diads Decorated with Tris(pentafluorophenyl)borane as an Electrochemical Protector

This study reports an effective peripheral decoration of organic donor-acceptor diads with B(C₆F₅)₃ for stabilizing electrogenerated radical ions. By employing a common p-type organic semiconductor benzothienobenzothiophene (BTBT) as the donor, tetracoordinate boron complexes showed improved solution electrochemiluminescence (ECL) intensity, reaching a 156-fold increase compared to that of the parent diad. The unprecedented Lewis-pairing-induced ECL enhancement is attributed to the multiple roles of B(C₆F₅)₃: 1) redistributing frontier orbitals, 2) facilitating electrochemical excitation, and 3) restricting molecular motions. Furthermore, B(C₆F₅)₃ converted the molecular arrangement of BTBT from conventional 2D herringbones into 1D π-stacks. This robust, highly ordered columnar nanostructure allowed red-shifting of the crystalline film ECL with electrochemical doping through the electronic coupling pathways of BTBT. Our approach will facilitate the development of elaborate metal-free ECL systems.     

Photoresponsive polymers with dangling triptycene units as efficient receptor for fullerene-C60

We report herein a new triptycene derivative ( 1 ) with an azo functional group. This molecule has been used as a monomer to yield two linear polymers ( TAFPs ) that have several triptycene units dangling from the linear polymer chain. TAFPs are soluble in organic solvents and are thermally stable. TAFPs can be cast into thin films. Further, these polymers are fluorescent with emission intensity increasing upon irradiation with ultraviolet light due to photoisomerization of the azo groups present in them. The fluorescence of TAFPs are quenched in the presence of C₆₀, which supports their strong affinity for each other. Since both TAFP1 and TAFP2 form stable thin films of uniform thickness over large area coupled with their interaction with C₆₀, these polymers may find potential applications in the development of optoelectronic devices or as molecular sensors in supramolecular chemistry.     

Electrochemical formation and properties of two-component films of transition metal complexes and C60 or C70

The electrochemically active polymers have been formed during electro-reduction carried out in solution containing fullerenes, C₆₀ or C₇₀, and transition metal complexes of Pd(II), Pt(II), Rh(III), and Ir(I). In these films, fullerene moieties are covalently bounded to transition metal atoms (Pd and Pt) or their complexes (Rh and Ir) to form a polymeric network. All films exhibit electrochemical activity at negative potentials due to the fullerene cages reduction process. For all studied metal complexes, yields of formation of films containing C₇₀ are higher than yields of electrodeposition of their C₆₀ analogs. C₇₀ /M films also exhibit higher porosity in comparison to C₆₀/M layers. The differences in film morphology and efficiency of polymer formation are responsible for differences in electrochemical responses of these films in acetonitrile containing supporting electrolyte only. C₇₀/M films shows more reversible voltammeric behavior in negative potential range. They also show higher potential range of electrochemical stability. Processes of film formation and electrochemical properties of polymers depend on the transition metal ions or atoms bonding fullerene cages into polymeric network. The highest efficiency of polymerization was observed for fullerene/Pd and fullerene/Rh films. In the case of fullerene/Pd films, the charge transfer processes related to the fullerene moieties reduction in negative potential range exhibit the best reversibility among all of the studied systems. Capacitance performances of C₆₀/Pd and C₇₀/Pd films deposited on the porous Au/quartz electrode were also compared. Capacitance properties of both films are significantly affected by the conditions of electropolymerization. Only a fraction of the film having a direct contact with solution contributes to pseudocapacitance. Capacitance properties of these films also depend on the size of cations of supporting electrolyte. The C₇₀/Pd film exhibits much better capacitance performance comparison to C₆₀/Pd polymer.     

Constructing a novel nonlinear optical materials: substituents and heteroatoms in π-π systems effect on the first hyperpolarizability

By doping π-π systems with Li atom, a series of Li@sandwich configuration and Li@T-shaped configuration compounds have been theoretically designed and investigated using density functional theory. It is revealed that energy gaps (E _gap) between highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO) and lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) of all compounds are in a range of 0.4–0.9 ev. When Li atom is introduced into different sandwich configuration π-π systems (C₆₀-toluene, C₆₀-fluorobenzene, C₆₀-phenol, C₆₀-benzonitrile), Li@C₆₀-benzonitrile exhibits considerable first hyperpolarizability as large as 19,759 au, which is larger by about 18,372–18,664 au than those of other compounds. When Li atom is introduced into different T-shaped configuration π-π systems (C₆₀-pyridine, C₆₀-pyrazine, C₆₀-1, 3, 5-triazine, C₆₀-pyridazine), Li@C₆₀-pyridazine is found to present largest first hyperpolarizability up to 67,945 au in all compounds. All compounds are transparency in the deep ultraviolet spectrum range. We hope that this study could provide a new idea for designing nonlinear optical materials using π-π systems as building blocks.     

Interpenetrated Cage Structures

This Review covers design strategies, synthetic challenges, host–guest chemistry, and functional properties of interlocked supramolecular cages. Some dynamic covalent organic structures are discussed, as are selected examples of interpenetration in metal–organic frameworks, but the main focus is on discrete coordination architectures, that is, metal‐mediated dimers. Factors leading to interpenetration, such as geometry, flexibility and chemical makeup of the ligands, coordination environment, solvent effects, and selection of suitable counter anions and guest molecules, are discussed. In particular, banana‐shaped bis‐pyridyl ligands together with square‐planar metal cations have proven to be suitable building blocks for the construction of interpenetrated double‐cages obeying the formula [M₄L₈]. The peculiar topology of these double‐cages results in a linear arrangement of three mechanically coupled pockets. This allows for the implementation of interesting guest encapsulation effects such as allosteric binding and template‐controlled selectivity. In stimuli‐responsive systems, anionic triggers can toggle the binding of neutral guests or even induce complete structural conversions. The increasing structural and functional complexity in this class of self‐assembled hosts promises the construction of intelligent receptors, novel catalytic systems, and functional materials.     

Novel BC2N Nanocages: A DFT Investigation

We modeled and studied three types of novel B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂ cages. The structure of these cages was inspired by those of BC₂N nanotubes and the B₂₄N₂₄ fulborene skeleton. Density functional theory was used to investigate the various properties of the cages. All three isomers of B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂ were vibrationally stable. The highest occupied molecular orbital‐lowest unoccupied molecular orbital band gap was dependent on the BC₂N cage type. The B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂‐II cage was the most favorable nanocage and exhibited a large electric dipole moment. Natural bonding orbital (NBO) analysis confirmed the existence of lone pairs and unoccupied orbitals in the B₁₂C₂₄N₁₂ cages. New donor–acceptor interactions of natural MOs (Molecular Orbitals) were observed in BC₂N nanocages. The NBO and atomic polar tensor charges appeared to be fairly well correlated, showing that atomic charges can be obtained at a lower computational cost in this way.     

Tunable Fullerene Affinity of Cages,Bowls and Rings Assembled by PdII Coordination Sphere Engineering

For metal-mediated host compounds, the development of strategies to reduce symmetry and introduce multiple functionalities in a non-statistical way is a challenging task. We show that the introduction of steric stress around the coordination environment of square-planar Pd^II cations and bis-monodentate nitrogen donor ligands allows to control the size and shape of the assembled product, from [Pd₂L₄] cages over [Pd₂L₃] bowl-shaped structures to [Pd₂L₂] rings. Therefore, banana-shaped ligand backbones were equipped with pyridines, two different quinoline isomers and acridine, the latter three introducing steric congestion through hydrogen substituents on annelated benzene rings. Differing behavior of the four resulting hosts towards the binding of C₆₀ and C₇₀ fullerenes was studied and related to structural differences by NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry and single crystal X-ray diffraction. The three cages based on pyridine, 6-quinoline or 3-quinoline donors were found to either bind C₆₀, C₇₀ or no fullerene at all.     

The saturated hydrides of C<Subscript>60</Subscript>:F<Subscript>5</Subscript>F<Subscript>6</Subscript> PK F<Subscript>5</Subscript>F<Subscript>7</Subscript> isomers

The carbon cages composed of pentagons and heptagons (F₅F₇ isomers) are the analogs of fullerenes composed of pentagons and hexagons (F₅F₆ isomers). To provide insight into the structures and stability of the hydrides of F₅F₆ and F₅F₇ isomers, systematical density functional theory calculations are performed on all the 1,812 F₅F₆–C₆₀H₆₀ and 56 F₅F₇–C₆₀H₆₀. The calculated results demonstrate that the isomer with lowest/highest energy has most/fewest fused pentagons for both F₅F₆ and F₅F₇ hydrides and the stability of these hydrides increase with the number of fused pentagons roughly. The lowest energy F₅F₆–C₆₀H₆₀ and F₅F₇–C₆₀H₆₀ are 237.1 and 152.5 kcal/mol lower in energy than the isolated pentagon rule (IPR) C₆₀H₆₀, respectively; however, these two parent cages are 529.6 and 660.0 kcal/mol higher in energy than the IPR C₆₀. The calculations suggest that heptagon-containing cages, not only those violating the IPR can be the candidate cages for fullerene derivatives and the possible repulsion between the added atoms may play an important role in determining the structures and stability of the hydrides of carbon cages.     

Diastereomer Resolution of M4L6 Coordination Cages by Ultra-High-Resolution Ion-Mobility Mass Spectrometry

Coordination cages can be used for enantio- and regioselective catalysis and for the selective sensing and separation of isomeric guest molecules. Here, stereoisomers of a family of coordination cages are resolved using ultra-high-resolution cyclic ion-mobility mass spectrometry (cIM-MS). The observed ratio of diastereomers is dependent on both the metal ion and counter ion. Moreover, the point groups can be assigned through complementary NMR experiments. This method enables the identification and interrogation of the individual isomers in complex mixtures of cages which cannot be performed in solution. Furthermore, these techniques allow the stability of individual isomers within the mixture to be probed, with the T-symmetric isomers in this case shown to be more robust than the C₃ and S₄ analogues.     

From C58 to C62 and back: Stability,structural similarity,and ring current

An increasing number of observations show that non‐classical isomers may play an important role in the formation of fullerenes and their exo‐ and endo‐derivatives. A quantum‐mechanical study of all classical isomers of C₅₈, C₆₀, and C₆₂, and all non‐classical isomers with at most one square or heptagonal face, was carried out. Calculations at the B3LYP/6‐31G* level show that the favored isomers of C₅₈, C₆₀, and C₆₂ have closely related structures and suggest plausible inter‐conversion and growth pathways among low‐energy isomers. Similarity of the favored structures is reinforced by comparison of calculated ring currents induced on faces of these polyhedral cages by radial external magnetic fields, implying patterns of magnetic response similar to those of the stable, isolated‐pentagon C₆₀ molecule. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.     

Can Fluorinated Molecular Cages Be Utilized as Building Blocks of Hyperhalogens?

Based on the density functional theory for exchange‐correlation potential, fluorocarbon molecular cages are investigated as building blocks of hyperhalogens. By utilizing C₈F₇ as a ligand, a series of hyperhalogen anions, that is, M(C₈F₇)₂^? (M=Li, Na, and K) and M(C₈F₇)₃^? (M=Be, Mg, and Ca), are modeled. Calculations show that all the C₈F₇ moieties preserve their geometric and electronic integrity in these anions. These anionic molecules possess larger vertical electron detachment energies (5.11–6.45 eV) than that of C₈F₇^?, verifying their hyperhalogen nature. Moreover, it is also revealed that using larger fluorinated cage C₁₀F₉ as ligands can bring about hyperhalogen anions with larger vertical electron detachment energies. The stability of these studied anions is determined by their large HOMO–LUMO gaps and positive dissociation energies of predetermined possible fragmentation pathways. It is hoped this study will provide an approach for the construction of new types of hyperhalogens and stimulate more research in superatom chemistry.     

Distribution of Butane in the Host Water Cage of Structure II Clathrate Hydrates

To understand host–guest interactions of hydrocarbon clathrate hydrates, we investigated the crystal structure of simple and binary clathrate hydrates including butane (n‐C₄H₁₀ or iso‐C₄H₁₀) as the guest. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) analysis using the information on the conformation of C₄H₁₀ molecules obtained by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations was performed. It was shown that the guest n‐C₄H₁₀ molecule tends to change to the gauche conformation within host water cages. Any distortion of the large 5¹²6⁴ cage and empty 5¹² cage for the simple iso‐C₄H₁₀ hydrate was not detected, and it was revealed that dynamic disorder of iso‐C₄H₁₀ and gauche‐nC₄H₁₀ were spherically extended within the large 5¹²6⁴ cages. It was indicated that structural isomers of hydrocarbon molecules with different van der Waals diameters are enclathrated within water cages in the same way owing to conformational change and dynamic disorder of the molecules. Furthermore, these results show that the method reported herein is applicable to structure analysis of other host–guest materials including guest molecules that could change molecular conformations.     

Construction of Covalent Organic Cages with Aggregation-Induced Emission Characteristics from Metallacages for Mimicking Light-Harvesting Antenna

A series of covalent organic cages built from fluorophores capable of aggregation-induced emission (AIE) were elegantly prepared through the reduction of preorganized M₂(L_A)₃(L_B)₂-type metallacages, simultaneously taking advantage of the synthetic accessibility and well-defined shapes and sizes of metallacages, the good chemical stability of the covalent cages as well as the bright emission of AIE fluorophores. Moreover, the covalent cages could be further post-synthetically modified into an amide-functionalized cage with a higher quantum yield. Furthermore, these presented covalent cages proved to be good energy donors and were used to construct light-harvesting systems employing Nile Red as an energy acceptor. These light-harvesting systems displayed efficient energy transfer and relatively high antenna effect, which enabled their use as efficient photocatalysts for a dehalogenation reaction. This research provides a new avenue for the development of luminescent covalent cages for light-harvesting and photocatalysis.     

Porphyrin Boxes: Rationally Designed Porous Organic Cages

The porphyrin boxes ( PB‐1 and PB‐2 ), which are rationally designed porous organic cages with a large cavity using well‐defined and rigid 3‐connected triangular and 4‐connected square shaped building units are reported. PB‐1 has a cavity as large as 1.95 nm in diameter and shows high chemical stability in a broad pH range (4.8 to 13) in aqueous media. The crystalline nature as well as cavity structure of the shape‐persistent organic cage crystals were intact even after complete removal of guest molecules, leading to one of the highest surface areas (1370 m²g^?1) among the known porous organic molecular solids. The size of the cavities and windows of the porous organic cages can be modulated using different sized building units while maintaining the topology of the cages, as illustrated with PB‐2 . Interestingly, PB‐2 crystals showed unusual N₂ sorption isotherms as well as high selectivity for CO₂ over N₂ and CH₄ (201 and 47.9, respectively at 273 K at 1 bar).