Tiara[5]arenes: Synthesis,Solid-State Conformational Studies,Host–Guest Properties,and Application as Nonporous Adaptive Crystals

Tiara[5]arenes (T[5]s), a new class of five-fold symmetric oligophenolic macrocycles that are not accessible from the addition of formaldehyde to phenol, were synthesized for the first time. These pillar[5]arene-derived structures display both unique conformational freedom, differing from that of pillararenes, with a rich blend of solid-state conformations and excellent host–guest interactions in solution. Finally we show how this novel macrocyclic scaffold can be functionalized in a variety of ways and used as functional crystalline materials to distinguish uniquely between benzene and cyclohexane.     

Tiara[5]arenes: Synthesis,Solid‐State Conformational Studies,Host–Guest Properties,and Application as Nonporous Adaptive Crystals

Tiara[5]arenes (T[5]s), a new class of five‐fold symmetric oligophenolic macrocycles that are not accessible from the addition of formaldehyde to phenol, were synthesized for the first time. These pillar[5]arene‐derived structures display both unique conformational freedom, differing from that of pillararenes, with a rich blend of solid‐state conformations and excellent host–guest interactions in solution. Finally we show how this novel macrocyclic scaffold can be functionalized in a variety of ways and used as functional crystalline materials to distinguish uniquely between benzene and cyclohexane.     

Self-assembly and orientation of hydrogen-bonded oligothiophene polymorphs at liquid-membrane-liquid interfaces

One of the challenges in organic systems with semiconducting function is the achievement of molecular orientation over large scales. We report here on the use of self-assembly kinetics to control long-range orientation of a quarterthiophene derivative designed to combine intermolecular π-π stacking and hydrogen bonding among amide groups. Assembly of these molecules in the solution phase is prevented by the hydrogen-bond-accepting solvent tetrahydrofuran, whereas formation of H-aggregates is facilitated in toluene. Rapid evaporation of solvent in a solution of the quarterthiophene in a 2:1:1 mixture of 1,4-dioxane/tetrahydrofuran/toluene leads to self-assembly of kinetically trapped mats of bundled fibers. In great contrast, slow drying in a toluene atmosphere leads to the homogeneous nucleation and growth of ordered structures shaped as rhombohedra or hexagonal prisms depending on concentration. Furthermore, exceedingly slow delivery of toluene from a high molecular weight polymer solution into the system through a porous aluminum oxide membrane results in the growth of highly oriented hexagonal prisms perpendicular to the interface. The amide groups of the compound likely adsorb onto the polar aluminum oxide surface and direct the self-assembly pathway toward heterogeneous nucleation and growth to form hexagonal prisms. We propose that the oriented prismatic polymorph results from the synergy of surface interactions rooted in hydrogen bonding on the solid membrane and the slow kinetics of self-assembly. These observations demonstrate how self-assembly conditions can be used to guide the supramolecular energy landscape to generate vastly different structures. These fundamental principles allowed us to grow oriented prismatic assemblies on transparent indium-doped tin oxide electrodes, which are of interest in organic electronics.     

Host-guest interactions in a series of self-assembled As2L2Cl2 macrocycles

The reaction of AsCl3 with H2L (where L = a rigid dithiolate) results in the self-assembly of As2L2Cl2 supramolecular macrocycles. For ligands 4,4'-bis(mercaptomethyl)biphenyl (H2), 4,4'-bis(mercaptomethyl)-trans-stilbene (H2), and 1,4-dimethoxy-2,5-bis(mercaptomethyl)benzene (H2), the macrocyclic cavities of the resulting assemblies are large enough to host aromatic solvent molecules, as revealed by single crystal X-ray structures of the inclusion complexes. As2L2Cl(2) macrocycles form in solution as a mixture of diastereomers, but the diastereomers can be selectively crystallized and separated. Crystallization of syn- or anti-As(2)3(2)Cl2 can be controlled using host-guest interactions by the prudent choice of crystallization solvents. anti-As(2)3(2)Cl2 crystallizes exclusively from chloroform and benzene, while a [(syn-As(2)(2)Cl(2))(2).p-xylene] dimer crystallizes from p-xylene and a mixture of [(syn-As(2)3(2)Cl(2))(anti-As(2)3(2)Cl2) x toluene] and [(syn-As(2)3(2)Cl2)2 x toluene] dimers crystallize from toluene.     

m-Diethynylbenzene macrocycles: syntheses and self-association behavior in solution

m-Diethynylbenzene macrocycles (DBMs), buta-1,3-diyne-bridged [4(n)]metacyclophanes, have been synthesized and their self-association behaviors in solution were investigated. Cyclic tetramers, hexamers, and octamers of DBMs having exo-annular octyl, hexadecyl, and 3,6,9-trioxadecyl ester groups were prepared by intermolecular oxidative coupling of dimer units or intramolecular cyclization of the corresponding open-chain oligomers. The aggregation properties were investigated by two methods, the (1)H NMR spectra and the vapor pressure osmometry (VPO). Although some discrepancies were observed between the association constants obtained from the two methods, the qualitative view was consistent with each other. The analysis of self-aggregation by VPO revealed unique aggregation behavior of DBMs in acetone and toluene, which was not elucidated by the NMR method. Namely, the association constants for infinite association are several times larger than the dimerization constant, suggesting that the aggregation is enhanced by the formation of dimers (a nucleation mechanism). In polar solvents, DBMs aggregate more strongly than in chloroform due to the solvophobic interactions between the macrocyclic framework and the solvents. Moreover, DBMs self-associate in aromatic solvents such as toluene and o-xylene more readily than in chloroform. In particular, the hexameric DBM having a large macrocyclic cavity exhibits extremely large association constants in aromatic solvents. By comparing the aggregation properties of DBMs with the corresponding acyclic oligomers, the effect of the macrocyclic structure on the aggregation propensity was clarified. Finally, it turned out that DBMs tend to aggregate more readily than the corresponding phenylacetylene macrocycles, acetylene-bridged [2(n)]metacyclophanes, owing to the withdrawal of the electron density from the aromatic rings by the butadiyne linkages which facilitates pi-pi stacking interactions.     

葫芦[8]脲的环套环分子组装

以4,4'-联吡啶鎓、 2,6-萘二酚和2,7-萘二酚为基本结构单元, 设计合成了2种带有分子内给受体相互作用的大环化合物, 并采用紫外光谱和核磁共振等手段研究了其与葫芦[8]脲的键合行为. 研究结果表明, 在水溶液中大环的2,6-萘二酚和2,7-萘二酚与4,4'-联吡啶鎓之间存在分子内的电荷转移相互作用, 而葫芦[8]脲可以键合这2种大环化合物, 导致电荷转移吸收峰增强并红移, 表明葫芦[8]脲能增强这种分子内的电荷转移相互作用, 形成稳定的环套环分子组装体. 这种结构是基于葫芦[8]脲的新型拓扑结构.     

Multicomponent assembly of boron-based dendritic nanostructures

A new synthetic strategy for the construction of boron-based macrocycles and dendrimers is described. Condensation of aryl- and alkylboronic acids with 3,4-dihydroxypyridine is shown to give pentameric macrocycles in which five boronate esters are connected by dative B-N bonds. Three macrocycles have been characterized crystallographically. The boron atoms of these assemblies represent chiral centers, and the assembly process is highly diastereoselective. Attachment of amino or aldehyde groups in the meta position of the arylboronic acid building blocks does not interfere with macrocyclization. This allows performing multicomponent assembly reactions between functionalized boronic acids, dihydroxypyridine ligands, and amines or aldehydes, respectively. Reaction of 3,5-diformylphenylboronic acid, 3,4-dihydroxypyridine, and a primary amine R-NH2 (R=Ph, Bn) gives dendritic nanostructures having a pentameric macrocyclic core and 10 amine-derived R groups in their periphery. Combination of 3,5-diformylphenylboronic acid with 2,3-dihydroxypyridine and the dendron 3,5-(benzyloxy)benzylamine, on the other hand, results in formation of a dendrimer with a tetrameric macrocyclic core and eight dendrons in its periphery.     

Interaction of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with dibenzo-substituted macrocyclic ligands incorporating both symmetrically and unsymmetrically arranged N, O and S donors

The synthesis and characterisation of four 17-membered, dibenzo-substituted macrocyclic ligands incorporating unsymmetrical arrangements of their N(3)S(2), N(3)O(2) and N(3)OS (two ligands) donor atoms are described; these rings complete the matrix of related macrocyclic systems incorporating both symmetric and unsymmetric donor sets reported previously. The X-ray structures of three of the new macrocycles are reported. In two of the Cu(II) structures only three of the possible five donor atoms present in the corresponding macrocyclic ligand bind to the Cu(II) site, whereas all five donors are coordinated in each of the remaining complexes. The interaction of Co(II), Ni(II) and Cu(II) with the unsymmetric macrocycle series has been investigated by potentiometric (pH) titration in 95% methanol; X-ray structures of two nickel and three copper complexes of these ligands, each exhibiting 1:1 (M:L) ratios, have been obtained. The results are discussed in the context of previous results for these metals with the analogous 17-membered ring systems incorporating symmetrical arrangements of their donor atoms, with emphasis being given to both the influence of the donor atom set, as well as the donor atom sequence, on the nature of the resulting complexes.     

Bimetallic M(V)(2)Cu(II)(3) (M = Mo, W) coordination complexes based on octacyanometalates: structures and magnetic variations tuned by chelated tetradentate macrocyclic ligands

Four octacyanometalate-based bimetallic Cu-M (M = Mo, W) assemblies coordinated by tetradentate macrocyclic ligands were prepared via self-assembly process in a stoichiometric ratio of [M(CN)8]3- and Cu(macrocycle)2+ and characterized in terms of structures and magnetic properties. The crystal structures are varied depending on the macrocycles used. The employment of cyclam with no pendant groups produced a one-dimensional chain (1) with a rope-ladder pattern, whereas macrocycles with side groups allowed for the formation of two-dimensional honeycomb-like architectures (2-4). From the crystal structures, the variations in apical Cu-Nax lengths and Cu-Nax-Cax angles on the bridging pathways are observed, which arises from the existence of side groups on macrocyclic ligands. The magnetic results reveal that all of the prepared compounds show ferromagnetic couplings between magnetic centers transimitted through CN bridges under the present structural parameters. Comparing the magnetic strength of the Cu-Mo (3d-4d; 2) and Cu-W (3d-5d; 3) complexes supports that 3d-5d magnetic coupling is stronger than 3d-4d because the 5d orbital is more diffuse than 4d. The magnetic analyses for 1-4 and related complexes tentatively suggest that, when the Cu-Nax distances are long enough, the axial Cu-Nax bond length in the bridging route may be one of the major structural parameters to determine the magnitude of the ferromagnetic exchange coupling.     

Excited-state symmetry breaking in cofacial and linear dimers of a green perylenediimide chlorophyll analogue leading to ultrafast charge separation

Photoexcitation of chromophoric dimers constrained to a symmetric pi-stacked geometry by their molecular structure usually produces excimers independent of solvent polarity, while dimers with edge-to-edge perpendicular pi systems undergo excited-state symmetry breaking in highly polar solvents leading to intradimer charge separation. We present direct evidence for symmetry breaking in the lowest excited singlet state of a symmetric cofacial dimer of 1,7-bis(pyrrolidin-1'-yl)-perylene-3,4:9,10-bis(dicarboximide) (5PDI) in the low polarity solvent toluene to produce a radical ion pair quantitatively. This dimer, cof-5PDI2, was synthesized by attaching two 5PDI chromophores via imide groups to a xanthene spacer. For comparison, a linear symmetric dimer, lin-5PDI2, was prepared in which the 5PDI chromophores are linked end-to-end via a N-N single bond between their imides. The edge-to-edge pi systems of the 5PDI chromophores within lin-5PDI2 are perpendicular to one another. Ground-state absorption spectra of both 5PDI dimers show exciton coupling, which is consistent with the orientation of the 5PDI chromophores relative to one another. Ultrafast transient absorption spectroscopy following excitation of the dimers with 700 nm, 100 fs laser pulses shows that quantitative intradimer electron transfer occurs in cof-5PDI2 in toluene with tau = 0.17 ps followed by charge recombination to the ground state with tau = 222 ps. Similar measurements on lin-5PDI2 reveal that photoinduced electron transfer does not occur in toluene, but occurs in more polar solvents such as 2-methyltetrahydrofuran, wherein tau = 55 ps for charge separation and tau = 99 ps for charge recombination. Excited-state symmetry breaking in 5PDI dimers provides new routes to biomimetic charge separation and storage assemblies that can be more easily prepared and modified than those based on multiple tetrapyrrole macrocycles.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Properties of O6‐Corona[3]arene[3]tetrazines

O₆‐Corona[3]arene[3]tetraazines, a new class of macrocyclic compounds, were synthesized efficiently in a one‐pot reaction from the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 1,4‐dihydroxybenzene derivatives and 3,6‐dichlorotetrazine in warm acetonitrile. In the crystalline structure, the resulting macrocycles adopt highly symmetric structures of a regular hexagonal cavity with all bridging oxygen atoms and tetrazine rings located on the same plane with phenylene units orthogonally orientated. The constitutional aromatic rings are able to rotate around the macrocyclic annulus, depending on the steric effect of the substituents and temperature, in solution. The electron‐deficient nature revealed by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and characteristic absorbances at a visible region show the O₆‐corona[3]arene[3]tetrazines to be suitable macrocyclic receptors for electron‐rich guests.     

Synthesis,Structure, and Properties of O6‐Corona[3]arene[3]tetrazines

O₆‐Corona[3]arene[3]tetraazines, a new class of macrocyclic compounds, were synthesized efficiently in a one‐pot reaction from the nucleophilic aromatic substitution reaction between 1,4‐dihydroxybenzene derivatives and 3,6‐dichlorotetrazine in warm acetonitrile. In the crystalline structure, the resulting macrocycles adopt highly symmetric structures of a regular hexagonal cavity with all bridging oxygen atoms and tetrazine rings located on the same plane with phenylene units orthogonally orientated. The constitutional aromatic rings are able to rotate around the macrocyclic annulus, depending on the steric effect of the substituents and temperature, in solution. The electron‐deficient nature revealed by cyclic voltammetry, differential pulse voltammetry, and characteristic absorbances at a visible region show the O₆‐corona[3]arene[3]tetrazines to be suitable macrocyclic receptors for electron‐rich guests.     

Transimination: An efficacious reaction for the synthesis of macrocycles

A new family of main-chain liquid crystal polymers containing azomethine units have been synthesized and characterized. Our attention has been focused on their strong tendency to generate macrocyclic dimers (AB)² constituted with two mesogenic rods and siloxane spacers. In favourable conditions (diluted solution, acid catalysis) macrocycles may be rapidly formed and purely obtained by fractionation. Synthetic aspects and main thermotropic properties are discussed. In spite of their large size some macrocycles have been obtained as single crystals and then characterized by X-ray diffraction.     

Cyclic beta-peptoids

The first synthesis of functionalized beta-peptoid macrocycles is reported. X-ray crystallographic structure of tetramer 9 reveals a C2-symmetrical derivative with unexpected all-cis-amide bonds and spatial disposition of the appendages toward the two opposite faces of the ring. Quantum calculations suggest that 9 is locked in this layout. These macrocycles constitute novel promising templates for multimeric ligation of biologically active ligands. The concept was exemplified by chemical decoration of tetramer 9 via "click" reactions.     

Mechanically stabilized tetrathiafulvalene radical dimers

Two donor-acceptor [3]catenanes-composed of a tetracationic molecular square, cyclobis(paraquat-4,4'-biphenylene), as the π-electron deficient ring and either two tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP) containing macrocycles or two TTF-butadiyne-containing macrocycles as the π-electron rich components-have been investigated in order to study their ability to form TTF radical dimers. It has been proven that the mechanically interlocked nature of the [3]catenanes facilitates the formation of the TTF radical dimers under redox control, allowing an investigation to be performed on these intermolecular interactions in a so-called "molecular flask" under ambient conditions in considerable detail. In addition, it has also been shown that the stability of the TTF radical-cation dimers can be tuned by varying the secondary binding motifs in the [3]catenanes. By replacing the DNP station with a butadiyne group, the distribution of the TTF radical-cation dimer can be changed from 60% to 100%. These findings have been established by several techniques including cyclic voltammetry, spectroelectrochemistry and UV-vis-NIR and EPR spectroscopies, as well as with X-ray diffraction analysis which has provided a range of solid-state crystal structures. The experimental data are also supported by high-level DFT calculations. The results contribute significantly to our fundamental understanding of the interactions within the TTF radical dimers.     

Mimicking the growth of a pathologic biomineral: shape development and structures of calcium oxalate dihydrate in the presence of polyacrylic acid

The morphogenesis of calcium oxalate hydrates in aqueous solutions was investigated by varying the pH, oxalate concentration, and the concentration of the sodium salt of polyacrylate (PAA). With increasing amounts of PAA in solution, the shape of tetragonal calcium oxalate dihydrate (COD) changes from bipyramidal through elongated bipyramidal prisms to dumbbells and finally reverts to rodlike tetragonal bipyramidal prisms. PAA is incorporated into the prismatic zones of the growing COD crystals, thereby reducing the growth rate of the {100} faces along the <100> direction. Dumbbells start to develop through "non-crystallographic" branching from the prism faces and the formation of "multiple head" crystals. Adsorption of PAA on the rough surfaces of the splitting individuals supports the selection of new subindividuals and leads to the formation of core-shell patterns. The various shapes and structures of the biomimetic COD/PAA crystals and aggregates are closely related to the well-known "pathologic" individuals observed in the urine of patients with urinary disease (including urinary stones).     

On‐Surface Evolution of meso‐Isomerism in Two‐Dimensional Supramolecular Assemblies

Chiral structures created through the adsorption of molecules onto achiral surfaces play pivotal roles in many fields of science and engineering. Here, we present a systematic study of a novel chiral phenomenon on a surface in terms of organizational chirality, that is, meso‐isomerism, through coverage‐driven hierarchical polymorphic transitions of supramolecular assemblies of highly symmetric π‐conjugated molecules. Four coverage‐dependent phases of dehydrobenzo[12]annulene were uniformly fabricated on Ag(111), exhibiting unique chiral characteristics from the single‐molecule level to two‐dimensional supramolecular assemblies. All coverage‐driven phase transitions stem from adsorption‐induced pseudo‐diastereomerism, and our observation of a lemniscate‐type (∞) supramolecular configuration clearly reveals a drastic chiral phase transition from an enantiomeric chiral domain to a meso‐isomeric achiral domain. These findings provide new insights into controlling two‐dimensional chiral architectures on surfaces.     

New 2+2, 3+3 and 4+4 macrocycles derived from 1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 2,6-diformylpyridine

Two new Schiff base macrocycles - a 4+4 condensation product and a meso-type 2+2 condensation product - were obtained in a reaction of trans-1,2-diaminocyclohexane and 2,6-diformylpyridine. Reduction of these compounds led to the corresponding 4+4 and 2+2 macrocyclic amines. The macrocycles were characterised by NMR spectroscopy and electrospray mass spectrometry. The symmetry and stereochemistry of these macrocycles, as well as of new 3+3 and 4+4 diastereomers identified in solution, has been established. X-Ray structures of the 2+2 and 4+4 Schiff base macrocycles confirm the configurations determined on the basis of spectroscopic investigations. The crystal structures reveal that the centres of the square-shaped 4+4 macrocycles form channels as a result of columnar stacking.     

Synthesis of New Multibenzo Oxygen–Sulfur Donor Macrocycles Containing Lactams at Room Temperature

Some new oxygen–sulfur, multibenzo macrocyclic ligands containing amide groups have been prepared using the macrocyclization process with the reaction of 2,2′-thiobis-[4-methyl(2-aminophenoxy)phenyl ether] as a symmetrical diamine with appropriate dicarboxylicacid dichlorides in moderate yields. This macrocyclization led to the formation of di- and tetramide macrocycles. These reactions were routinely carried out at ambient temperature in CH₂Cl₂ as solvent in high dilution without template effect conditions. It is found that sulfur the atom affects the rigidity of the macrocycles and diastereotopicity of nuclei in the ring of these series of macrocyclic compounds.