Axle length- and solvent-controlled construction of (pseudo)[1]rotaxanes from mono-thiourea-functionalised pillar[5]arene derivatives

A series of thiourea-functionalised pillar[5]arene derivatives 3ⁿm were constructed from a series of mono-amide-functionalised pillar[5]arenes 2ⁿ. The formation of their free forms or (pseudo)[1]rotaxane structures were controlled by their axle lengths or solvents, which were investigated by ¹H NMR spectroscopy. Some of (pseudo)[1]rotaxane structures were also supported by their single-crystal structures.     

Construction of anion‐responsive crosslinked polypseudorotaxane based on molecular recognition of pillar[5]arene

A pillar[5]arene pendant polymer (Poly‐P[5]A) is synthesized via ROMP using Grubb's first‐generation catalyst. GPC analysis of the polymer suggested ~30 pendant pillar[5]arene units in the polymer. Supramolecular polypseudorotaxane assembly is constructed by intermolecularly crosslinking pendant pillar[5]arene units using a bispyridinium guest via host–guest complexation. Formation of the polypseudorotaxane assembly is characterized by 1D/2D NMR techniques and DLS analysis. Moreover, anion‐responsiveness of the polypseudorotaxane assembly is demonstrated by ¹H NMR spectroscopic analysis using chloride anion as external stimulus. Scanning electron microscopic analysis of the poly‐P[5]A showed breath‐figure assembly and upon crosslinking with G.2PF₆ the polymer self‐assemble to give a supramolecular polymer network. © 2019 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2019, 57, 1508–1515     

Host–Guest Complexation Using Pillar[5]arene Crystals: Crystal-Structure Dependent Uptake,Release, and Molecular Dynamics of an Alkane Guest

Host–guest complexation has been mainly investigated in solution, and it is unclear how guest molecules access the assembled structures of host and dynamics of guest molecules in the crystal state. In this study, we studied the uptake, release, and molecular dynamics of n-hexane vapor in the crystal state of pillar[5]arenes bearing different substituents. Pillar[5]arene bearing 10 ethyl groups yielded a crystal structure of herringbone-type 1:1 complexes with n-hexane, whereas pillar[5]arene with 10 allyl groups formed 1:1 complexes featuring a one-dimensional (1D) channel structure. For pillar[5]arene bearing 10 benzyl groups, one molecule of n-hexane was located in the cavity of pillar[5]arene, and another n-hexane molecule was located outside of the cavity between two pillar[5]arenes. The substituent-dependent differences in molecular arrangement influenced the uptake, release, and molecular dynamics of the n-hexane guest. The substituent effects were not observed in host–guest chemistry in solution, and these features are unique for the crystal state host–guest chemistry of pillar[5]arenes.     

Comparison of pillar[5]arene and calix[4]arene anion receptor ability in aqueous media

Abstract

Recognition ability of both cationic pillar[5]arene and calix[4]arene has been studied in aqueous media. Anion complexation can be evaluated from their ability to complex their counterions as well as an added external organic anion. DOSY NMR experiments and fluorescence quenching show that pillararenes have a larger ability for including their own counterions than calixarenes irrespective of the anion (tetrafluoroborate or chloride or bromide) and the structure of the cationic moiety (trimethylammonium or methylimidazolium). Counterion complexation shows a picture where four to five positive charges of the pillar[5]arene are neutralised, meanwhile only one positive charge of the calixarene is neutralised for a 1 mM solution of the macrocycle. Irrespective of the smaller net positive charge in the pillar[5]arene, its binding ability for organic anions (toluenesulfonate or hydroxybenzoate) is larger than for calix[4]arene allowing a better accommodation of the guest in its cavity. The larger separation between the cationic groups of the receptor and its electron-rich aromatic region improves the anion recognition ability for pillar[5]arene.     

Construction of [1]rotaxanes with pillar[5]arene as the wheel and terpyridine as the stopper

The condensation reaction ofω-aminoalkyleneamide-functionalized pillar[5]arenes with 2-(4-([2,2’:6’,2〃-terpyridin]-4’-yl)phenoxy)acetic acid or 4-(4-([2,2’:6’,2"-terpyridin]-4’-yl)phenoxy)butanoic acid in dry chloroform at room temperature under the catalysis of HOBT/EDCl resulted in novel pillar[5]arene diamido-bridged terpyridine derivatives.~1 H NMR and 2 D NOESY spectra clearly indicated that the interesting[1]rotaxanes were formed by longer alkylene such as propylene,butylene and hexylenediamido chains threading into the cavity of the pillar[5]arene and with larger terpyridine acting as the stopper.However,the shorter ethylenediamido chain only exists outer of cavity of pillar[5]arene and the molecule exist on free form.     

Formation of a Pillar[5]arene‐Based Two‐Dimensional Poly‐Pseudo‐Rotaxane: Threading and Crosslinking by the Same Guest Molecules

A one‐pot reaction of the A1/A2‐thiopyridyl pillar[5]arene L with silver(I) trifluoroacetate in the presence of the linear dinitrile guest C8 , [CN(CH₂)_nCN, n=8], afforded the first example of a two‐dimensional (2D) poly‐pseudo‐rotaxane {[(μ₄‐Ag)₂( C8 @ L )₂(μ ‐C8 )](CF₃CO₂)₂}_n. Surprisingly, in this structure the C8 guest not only threads into the pillar[5]arene unit but also crosslinks the 1D coordinative polymeric arrays. The formation of the 2D poly‐pseudo‐rotaxane is driven by an adaptive rearrangement of the components that minimizes the steric clashes not only between the threaded guests but also between the threaded and crosslinked guests where crosslinking occurs. A pathway for the formation of the 2D poly‐pseudo‐rotaxane is proposed.     

Synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a difunctionalized pillar[5]arene at A1/B2 positions by in situ cyclization and deprotection

The reaction of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene and paraformaldehyde using AlBr(3) yields multiple-deprotected pillar[5]arenes. A1/B2 di-deprotected pillar[5]arene can be isolated by silica gel chromatography and washing procedures. The X-ray structure and polymerization of the A1/B2 di-deprotected pillar[5]arene are reported.     

A one-pot synthesis of a self-included bisester-functionalized copillar[5]arene

A bisester-substituted copillar[5]arene was synthesized by a one-pot reaction presenting a symmetrical selfincluded conformation in solution and an asymmetrical structure with only one selfincluded side in the cavity of pillar[5]arene in the solid state. This compound was characterized by 1D and 2D NMR and X-ray diffraction.     

Pillar[5]arene‐Mediated Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles: Size Control and Sensing Capabilities

We present a simple procedure for the synthesis of quasi‐spherical Au nanoparticles in a wide size range mediated by macrocyclic host molecules, ammonium pillar[5]arene (AP[5]A). The strategy is based on a seeded growth process in which the water‐soluble pillar[5]arene undergoes complexation of the Au salt through the ammonium groups, thereby avoiding Au nucleation, while acting as a stabilizer. The presence of the pillar[5]arene onto the Au nanoparticle particle surface is demonstrated by surface‐enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy, and the most probable conformation of the molecule when adsorbed on the Au nanoparticles surface is suggested on the basis of theoretical calculations. In addition, we analyze the host–guest interactions of the AP[5]A with 2‐naphthoic acid (2NA) by using ¹H NMR spectroscopy and the results are compared with theoretical calculations. Finally, the promising synergetic effects of combining supramolecular chemistry and metal nanoparticles are demonstrated through SERS detection in water of 2NA and a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon, pyrene (PYR).     

Synthesis and applications of copillar[5]arene dithiols

Abstract

A novel copillar[4+1]arene incorporating alkylthiol substituents was synthesised in three steps and structurally characterised as the first example of a pillar[n]arene to incorporate two terminal thiols on the same aromatic ring. The macrocycle was attached to gold electrodes through a standard dipping technique. Cyclic voltammetry demonstrated selectivity for Li⁺ over other alkali metal cations. The copillar[4+1]arene was also used as a capping agent in the preparation of 3 nm gold nanoparticles.     

Synthesis and characterization of a new pillar[5]arene-based [1]rotaxane

In this study, we reported the synthesis of three kinds of mono-functional pillar[5]arene derivatives PRI, PRII and R and their structures were studied by 1D and 2D NMR spectra and mass spectra. The 2D NMR spectra including ¹H-¹³C HSQC, ¹H-¹H COSY and NOESY spectra indicated that PRI and PRII are both stable self-included pseudo[1]rotaxanes in CDCl₃. These original structures are promising compounds for the design of pillar[5]-based [1]rotaxane. And the results showed that R could exist stable in CDCl₃ and DMSO because of the coordination of N-H?O hydrogen bonding interaction and C-H?π interaction.     

Porous Carbon Fibers Containing Pores with Sizes Controlled at the Ångstrom Level by the Cavity Size of Pillar[6]arene

We report a new synthesis method of fibrous carbon material with pores sizes that are precisely controlled at the Ångstrom level, by carbonization of two dimensional (2D) porous sheets of pillar[6]arenes. The 2D porous sheets were prepared by 2D supramolecular polymerization induced by oxidation of hydroquinone units of pillar[6]arenes. Owing to the hexagonal structure of pillar[6]arene, the assembly induced by 2D supramolecular polymerization gave hexagonal 2D porous sheets, and the highly ordered structure of the 2D porous sheets formed regular fibrous structures. Then, carbonization of the 2D porous sheets afforded fibrous carbon materials with micropores. The micropore size of the fibrous porous carbon prepared from pillar[6]arene was the same size as that of the starting material pillar[6]arene assembly.     

Synthesis of a water-soluble pillar[6]arene dodecaamine and its selective binding of acidic amino acids in water

A water-soluble pillar[6]arene dodecaamine has been synthesized. ¹H NMR and fluorescence studies indicate that pillar[6]arene dodecaamine could selectively and strongly bind acidic amino acids, i.e. glutamic acid and aspartic acid in water. And the complexation behavior of pillar[6]arene dodecaamine towards acidic tripeptide glutathione and short chain length (C₃ to C₈) dicarboxylic acids in water is also investigated.     

para-Bridged symmetrical pillar[5]arenes: their Lewis acid catalyzed synthesis and host-guest property

Condensation of 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (DMB) with paraformaldehyde in the presence of BF3.O(C2H5)2 gave novel para-bridged pentacyclic pillar DMB (DMpillar[5]arene). Moreover, para-bridged pentacyclic hydroquinone (pillar[5]arene) was prepared. Pillar[5]arene formed 1:1 host-guest complexes with dialkyl viologen and alkyl pyridinium derivatives. However, pillar[5]arene did not form complexes with the diadamantyl viologen derivative since a bulky adamantyl group was unable to thread the cavity of pillar[5]arene.     

Synthesis and Properties of a Series of Novel Calix[6]arene Diazo Derivatives

In this study, seven new compounds p-(4-butyl-phenylazo)calix[6]arene(1), p-(4-(phenylazo)phenylazo)calix[6]arene (2),p-(4-hydroxyphenylazo)calix[6]arene (3),p-{4-[N-(thiazol-2-yl)sulfamoyl]phenylazo\}calix[6]arene(4), p-(4-acetamidophenylazo)calix[6]arene (5),p-(thiazol-2-ylazo)calix[6]arene (6) andp-(2-sulfanylphenylazo)calix[6]arene (7) have been synthesizedfrom calix[6]arene by diazo coupling with the corresponding aromaticamines. UV-Vis, IR, ¹H and ¹³C NMR spectral data have been used to elucidate the structures of the compounds elemental analyses     

Synthesis of a fully functionalized pillar[5]arene by ‘click chemistry’ and its effective binding toward neutral alkanediamines

A fully functionalized pillar[5]arene was synthesized by ‘click chemistry’ and the possible synthetic strategies have been discussed. The host showed effective binding affinities toward neutral alkanediamines (K_a >10³ M⁻¹), which are much larger than those observed for simple methyl-substituted pillar[5]arene.     

Stereoselective Synthesis of Pillar[4]arene[1]cis‐diepoxy‐p‐dione and X‐Ray Crystal Structure of Host–Guest System

Herein, we successfully develop a novel route to give rise to polarity for the pillararenes by the introduction of oxygenated functionalities into pillar[5]arene to stereoselectively synthesize the pillar[4]arene[1]cis ‐diepoxy‐p ‐dione. Its host–guest properties with different dinitrile molecules were also investigated and characterized by NMR and X‐ray crystallography.     

Host–Guest Complexation of Perethylated Pillar[5]arene with Alkanes in the Crystal State

Activated perethylated pillar[5]arene crystals show an unexpected alkane‐shape‐ and ‐length‐selective gate‐opening behavior. Activated crystals were obtained upon removing solvents from perethylated pillar[5]arene crystals by heating. The activated crystals could quantitatively take up n‐alkanes with carbon chains containing more than five carbon atoms as a consequence of their gate‐opening pressure. As the chain length of the n‐alkanes increased, the gate pressure decreased. A transformation into a herringbone structure was induced when n‐hexane was used as a guest. By contrast, cyclic and branched alkanes were not taken up and could not induce a crystal transformation because they were too large to fit in the cavities of the pillar[5]arene. Alkane‐shape‐selective molecular recognition of pillar[5]arenes in the solution state was translated into the vapor/crystal state.     

A phosphonated copillar[5]arene: Synthesis and application in the construction of pH-responsive supramolecular polymer in water

A phosphonated-functionalized copillar[5]arene was designed and synthesized. ¹H NMR, ¹³C NMR, ESI-MS and HR-MS were performed to provide converging evidences of the structure of obtained copillar[5]arene. Driven by hydrophobic interactions and C–H···π interactions between the decyl moiety and the pillar[5]arene cavity, a pH-responsive linear supramolecular polymer was fabricated from this phosphonate-functionalized AB type monomer in water. Concentration-dependent ¹H NMR, NOESY, DOSY, and specific viscometry were carried out to study the supramolecular polymerization process.     

Construction of π‐Surface‐Metalated Pillar[5]arenes which Bind Anions via Anion–π Interactions

By simple ligand exchange of the cationic transition‐metal complexes [(Cp*)M(acetone)₃](OTf)₂ (Cp*=pentamethylcyclopentadienyl and M=Ir or Rh) with pillar[5]arene, mono‐ and polynuclear pillar[5]arenes, a new class of metalated host molecules, is prepared. Single‐crystal X‐ray analysis shows that the charged transition‐metal cations are directly bound to the outer π‐surface of aromatic rings of pillar[5]arene. One of the triflate anions is deeply embedded within the cavity of the trinuclear pillar[5]arenes, which is different to the host–guest behavior of most pillar[5]arenes. DFT calculation of the electrostatic potential revealed that the metalated pillar[5]arenes featured an electron‐deficient cavity due to the presence of the electron‐withdrawing transition metals, thus allowing encapsulation of electron‐rich guests mainly driven by anion–π interactions.