Synthesis and Characterization of (2E,2 E)‐3,3‐((9,9‐diocyl‐9H‐flourene‐2,7‐diyl)bis(4,1‐phenylene))bis(2‐cyanoacylic acid) as a Symmetrical Metal‐free Organic Dye

In this study a novel symmetrical metal‐free organic dye for applications in dye‐sensitized solar cells (DSSCs) was synthesized. This dye ( D ) was designed with A–π–D–π–A framework and synthesized with 9,9‐dioctylfluorene as electron donor, phenylene as π‐spacer and cyanoacetic acid as electron acceptor. The chemical structure of product was determined using UV‐Vis, FT‐IR, CNMR, HNMR spectroscopy techniques. The presence of a phenylene π‐bridge between the donor and the acceptor units and the di‐anchoring moieties in this structure led to enhancement of conjugation lengths and molar extinction coefficient (ε) that is promising for further improvement of the conversion efficiency of DSSCs.     

Phenylcarbamoylated β‐CD: π‐Acidic and π‐basic chiral selectors for HPLC

Two types of chiral stationary phases for HPLC based on π‐acidic or π‐basic perphenylcarbamoylated β‐CDs were synthesized. The relative structural features of the two effective chiral selectors are discussed and compared in both normal‐phase and RP modes. In addition, the nature and concentration of alcoholic modifiers were varied for optimal separation in normal phase and the structural variation of the analytes was also examined. The results showed that hydrogen bonding, steric effect and π‐acidic–π‐basic interaction contributed greatly to enantioseparation. Upon comparison, some of the differences in the separation behavior of the two types of chiral stationary phases might be due to the π‐acidic or π‐basic phenylcarbamate groups.     

Facile One‐Pot Synthesis of a Polyvinylpyrrolidone‐Based Self‐Crosslinked Fluorescent Film

A polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP)‐based fluorescent film with stable optical properties is successfully prepared in one pot without any additive. The reaction mechanism of ring‐opening and self‐crosslinking of linear PVP is proposed and demonstrated. The morphologies and the nanostructures of the fluorescent film as well as the unmodified film are investigated. The dye is incorporated into the film networks via covalent linkages, thus leading to the highly stable optical properties. The facile and effective synthesis approach opens a new way for the design of other multi‐functional composite materials based on linear PVP.

     

Entropically Driven Self‐Assembly of Bolaamphiphilic Perylene Dyes in Water

The specific hydrophobic effect involved in the self‐assembly of a bolaamphiphilic perylene bisimide (PBI) dye bearing oligoethylene glycol (OEG) chains has been identified. In pure water, the self‐assembly is entropically driven and enthalpically disfavored, as explored by optical spectroscopy and isothermal titration calorimetry studies. Besides strong π–π interactions between the PBI units that are primarily of enthalpic nature, the major contribution to the self‐assembly is the gain of entropy by release of confined water molecules from the hydration shell of the hydrophilic OEG moieties. Both contributions favor self‐assembly, but their countervailing thermodynamic parameters are reflected in an uncommon temperature dependence, which can be inverted upon gradual addition of an organic cosolvent that makes the π–π interaction increasingly dominant.     

[2,5‐Bis(2,2′‐bipyridyl‐6‐yl)‐3,4‐diazahexa‐2,4‐diene]dichloridomanganese(II): from a mononuclear compound to a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework through C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions

The title compound, [MnCl₂(C₂₄H₂₀N₆)], has been synthesized and characterized based on the multifunctional ligand 2,5‐bis(2,2′‐bipyridyl‐6‐yl)‐3,4‐diazahexa‐2,4‐diene (L). The Mn^II centre is five‐coordinate with an approximately square‐pyramidal geometry. The L ligand acts as a tridendate chelating ligand. The mononuclear molecules are bridged into a one‐dimensional chain by two C—H...Cl hydrogen bonds. These chains are assembled into a two‐dimensional layer through π–π stacking interactions between adjacent uncoordinated bipyridyl groups. Furthermore, a three‐dimensional supramolecular framework is attained through π–π stacking interactions between adjacent coordinated bipyridyl groups.     

Enantio‐ and Site‐Selective α‐Fluorination of N‐Acyl 3,5‐Dimethylpyrazoles Catalyzed by Chiral π–CuII Complexes

Catalytic enantioselective α‐fluorination reactions of carbonyl compounds are among the most powerful and efficient synthetic methods for constructing optically active α‐fluorinated carbonyl compounds. Nevertheless, α‐fluorination of α‐nonbranched carboxylic acid derivatives is still a big challenge because of relatively high pK_a values of their α‐hydrogen atoms and difficulty of subsequent synthetic transformation without epimerization. Herein we show that chiral copper(II) complexes of 3‐(2‐naphthyl)‐l ‐alanine‐derived amides are highly effective catalysts for the enantio‐ and site‐selective α‐fluorination of N‐(α‐arylacetyl) and N‐(α‐alkylacetyl) 3,5‐dimethylpyrazoles. The substrate scope of the transformation is very broad (25 examples including a quaternary α‐fluorinated α‐amino acid derivative). α‐Fluorinated products were converted into the corresponding esters, secondary amides, tertiary amides, ketones, and alcohols with almost no epimerization in high yield.     

Interplay between H‐Bonding and Preorganization in the Evolution of Self‐Assembled Systems

Cooperative π–π interactions and H‐bonding are frequently exploited in supramolecular polymerization; however, close scrutiny of their mutual interplay has been largely unexplored. Herein, we compare the self‐assembly behavior of a series of C₂‐ and C₃‐symmetrical oligophenyleneethynylenes differing in their amide topology (N‐ or C‐centered). This subtle structural modification brings about drastic changes in their photophysical and supramolecular properties, highlighting the reciprocal impact of H‐bonding vs. preorganization on the evolution and final outcome of supramolecular systems.     

The Helix to Super‐Helix Transition in the Self‐Assembly of π‐Systems: Superseding of Molecular Chirality at Hierarchical Level

Higher‐order super‐helical structures derived from biological molecules are known to evolve through opposite coiling of the initial helical fibers, as seen in collagen protein. A similar phenomenon is observed in a π‐system self‐assembly of chiral oligo(phenyleneethylene) derivatives (S )‐ 1 and (R )‐ 1 that explains the unequal formation of both left‐ and right‐handed helices from molecule having a specific chiral center. Concentration‐ and temperature‐dependent circular dichroism (CD) and UV/Vis spectroscopic studies revealed that the initial formation of helical aggregates is in accordance with the molecular chirality. At the next level of hierarchical self‐assembly, coiling of the fibers occurs with opposite handedness, thereby superseding the command of the molecular chirality. This was confirmed by solvent‐dependent decoiling of super‐helical structures and concentration‐dependent morphological analysis.     

Facile Fabrication of Solid‐state Electrochemiluminescence Sensor via Non‐covalent π‐π Stacking and Covalent Bonding on Graphite Electrode

Herein, a facile and efficient method was developed for fabrication of solid‐state electrochemiluminescence (ECL) sensor via non‐covalent π‐π stacking and covalent bonding on the graphite electrode (GE) surface. The electrode was firstly modified with 1‐aminopyrene via π‐π stacking between GE surface and the pyrene moiety. Thereafter a stable and efficient solid‐state ECL sensor was fabricated by covalent immobilization of ruthenium(II) onto the GE surface via amidation reaction between the 1‐aminopyrene and bis(2,2′‐bipyridyl)(4‐methyl‐4′‐carboxypropyl‐2,2′‐bipyridyl) ruthenium(II) bishexafluorophosphate. The sensor has been investigated using tripropylamine and tetracycline as representative analytes, and low detection limits of 0.7 nM and 3.5 nM (S/N=3) were reached, respectively.     

Luminescent Polymer Consisting of 9,12‐Linked o‐Carborane

The synthesis of novel luminescent polymer containing p‐phenylene‐ethynylene and 9,12‐linked o‐carborane units alternately in the main chain is reported. The obtained polymer exhibits intense blue photoluminescence, providing the first insights into the optical properties of a 9,12‐disubstituted o‐carborane dye.  π‐Conjugated substituent at 9 and/or 12‐positions in o‐carborane is electrically independent, and both the HOMO and the LUMO levels slightly increase, whereas LUMO of the π‐conjugated substituent at 1 and/or 2‐positions in o‐carborane decrease.  Thus, it is deduced that polymers consisting of the 9,12‐linked o‐carborane unit are able to be applied as light‐emitting materials.

     

A novel dinuclear bismuth(III) coordination compound: bis(μ‐pyridine‐2,6‐dicarboxylato)‐κ4O2,N,O6:O6′;κ4O2:O2′,N,O6‐bis[(azido‐κN)(1,10‐phenanthroline‐κ2N,N′)bismuth(III)] tetrahydrate

A novel dinuclear bismuth(III) coordination compound, [Bi₂(C₇H₃NO₄)₂(N₃)₂(C₁₂H₈N₂)₂]·4H₂O, has been synthesized by an ionothermal method and characterized by elemental analysis, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy, IR, X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction. The molecular structure consists of one centrosymmetric dinuclear neutral fragment and four water molecules. Within the dinuclear fragment, each Bi^III centre is seven‐coordinated by three O atoms and four N atoms. The coordination geometry of each Bi^III atom is distorted pentagonal–bipyramidal (BiO₃N₄), with one azide N atom and one bridging carboxylate O atom located in axial positions. The carboxylate O atoms and water molecules are assembled via O—H...O hydrogen bonds, resulting in the formation of a three‐dimensional supramolecular structure. Two types of π–π stacking interactions are found, with centroid‐to‐centroid distances of 3.461 (4) and 3.641 (4) Å.     

The structures of MOFs prepared from 1,3,5‐tris [4‐pyridylethynyl]‐benzene and a copper(I) perchlorate complex

Two copper(I)‐based frameworks of complexes {[Cu(L)₂(ClO₄)]?CH₃CN}( 2 ) and {[Cu(L)(ClO₄)]? 2CH₃CN} ( 3 ) (L = 1,3,5‐tris(4‐pyridylethynyl) benzene) were produced by reacting [Cu(MeCN)₄(ClO₄)] with different amounts of a ligand (L) using a hydrothermal method at temperatures of up to 130°C. The nitrogen atoms in the pyridine moieties of the ligand coordinate to the Cu(I) ion. The charge on the Cu(I) ion can be stabilized by extending the degree of conjugation in the system and by taking advantage of its highly symmetrical structure. The large degree of conjugation also supports numerous π–π interactions in the framework.     

A Novel 1D Coordination Polymer [Pb(phen)(μ‐N3)(μ‐NO3)]n with the First Pb2‐(μ‐N3)2 Unit (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline)

A novel 1D polymeric lead(II) complex containing the first Pb₂‐(μ‐N₃)₂ motif, [Pb(phen)(μ‐N₃)(μ‐NO₃)]_n (phen = 1,10‐phenanthroline), has been synthesized and characterized. The single‐crystal X‐ray data showed the coordination number of Pb²⁺ ions to be eight (PbN₄O₄) with the Pb²⁺ ions having “stereo‐chemically active” electron lone pairs; the coordination sphere is hemidirected. The chains interact with each other via π‐π interactions to create a 3D framework.     

β‐Iminoenamine‐BF2 Complexes: Aggregation‐Induced Emission and Pronounced Effects of Aliphatic Rings on Radiationless Deactivation

The synthesis, photophysical, and electrochemical attributes of a novel class of boron difluorides containing an aromatic‐fused alicyclic/hetero‐alicyclic ring built on a β‐iminoenamine chromophoric backbone are reported. The compounds displayed large Stokes shifts (86–121 nm), and were emissive in the solid state. The quantum yields obtained in solution at room temperature were unusually lower by an order of magnitude compared to those in the solid state. Some of the tested compounds displayed aggregation‐induced emission (AIE). Single crystal XRD analyses revealed a lack of interplanar π–π interactions, which are presumed to be absent owing to non‐planarity of the alicyclic component in the molecule. For most of the studied compounds, time‐dependent DFT (TD‐DFT) calculations invariably reveal intramolecular charge transfer (π–π*) characteristics with the frontier orbitals concentrated on the boron–nitrogen heterocycle. The participation of boron and fluorine atoms was found to be negligible.     

C 5 and C7 intramolecular hydrogen bonds stabilize the structure of N‐pyrazinoyl‐gabapentin (Pyr‐Gpn‐OH)

2‐{1‐[(Pyrazin‐2‐ylformamido)methyl]cyclohexyl}acetic acid (Pyr‐Gpn‐OH), C₁₄H₁₉N₃O₃, is an N‐protected derivative of gabapentin (Gpn). The compound crystallizes in the triclinic space group P and the molecular conformation is stabilized by intramolecular five‐ (C₅) and seven‐membered (C₇) hydrogen‐bonded rings. The packing of the molecules reveals intermolecular O—H...O and C—H...N hydrogen bonds, together with π–π interactions.     

Recognition Properties and Self‐assembly of Planar [M(2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole)2]2+ Metallo‐ligands

Molecular recognition continues to be an area of keen interest for supramolecular chemists. The investigated [M( L )₂]²⁺ metallo‐ligands (M=Pd^II, Pt^II, L =2‐(1‐(pyridine‐4‐methyl)‐1 H‐1,2,3‐triazol‐4‐yl)pyridine) form a planar cationic panel with vacant pyridyl binding sites. They interact with planar neutral aromatic guests through π–π and/or metallophilic interactions. In some cases, the metallo‐ligands also interacted in the solid state with Ag^I either through coordination to the pendant pyridyl arms, or through metal–metal interactions, forming coordination polymers. We have therefore developed a system that reliably recognises a planar electron‐rich guest in solution and in the solid state, and shows the potential to link the resultant host–guest adducts into extended solid‐state structures. The facile synthesis and ready functionalisation of 2‐pyridyl‐1,2,3‐triazole ligands through copper(I)‐catalyzed azide–alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC) “click” chemistry should allow for ready tuning of the electronic properties of adducts formed from these systems.     

The ability of Ex2Box4+ to interact with guests containing π‐electron‐rich and π‐electron‐poor moieties

The ability of Ex 2 Box⁴⁺ as a host, able to trap guests containing both π‐electron rich (polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons‐PAHs) and π‐electron poor (quinoid‐ and nitro‐PAHs) moieties was investigated to shed light on the main factors that control the host–guest (HG) interaction. The nature of the HG interactions was elucidated by energy decomposition (EDA‐NOCV), noncovalent interaction (NCI), and magnetic response analyses. EDA‐NOCV reveals that dispersion contributions are the most significant to sustain the HG interaction, while electrostatic and orbital contributions are very tiny. In fact, no significant covalent character in the HG interactions was observed. The obtained results point strictly to NCIs, modulated by dispersion contributions. Regardless of whether the guests contain π‐electron‐rich or π‐electron‐poor moieties, and no significant charge‐transfer was observed. All in all, HG interactions between guests 3‐14 and host 2 are predominantly modulated by π‐π stacking.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure and Properties of [Cu(phen)3][Cu(pheida)2]·10H2O and [(phen)2Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(phen)2][Cu(BAAP)2]·8.5H2O (H2pheida = N‐phenetyl‐iminodiacetic acid,H2BAAP = N‐benzylaminoacetic‐2‐propionic acid)

The salts [Cu(phen)₃][Cu(pheida)₂]·10H₂O ( 1 ) and [(phen)₂Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(μ‐BAAP)Cu(phen)₂][Cu(BAAP)₂]·8.5H₂O ( 2 ) (H₂pheida = N‐phenetyl‐iminodiacetic acid, H₂BAAP = N‐benzylaminoacetic‐2‐propionic acid, phen = 1, 10‐phenanthroline) have been prepared and studied by thermal, spectroscopic and X‐ray diffraction methods. 1 has the rather unusual [Cu(phen)₃]²⁺ cation and two non‐equivalent [Cu(pheida)₂]^2— anions with a coordination type 4+2 but quite different tetragonality (T = 0.848 and 0.703 for anions 1 and 2, respectively). The crystal consists of multi‐π, π‐stacked chains (…anion 2 — cation — cation — anion 2…) connected by hydrophobic interactions; these chains build channels which are partially filled by anions 1 and water molecules. In contrast, compound 2 has a mixed‐ligand trinuclear cation with a bridging central moiety close similar to the counter anion. The formation of such a trinuclear cation is discussed as a consequence of the most advantageous molecular recognition process between [Cu(phen)₂(H₂O)_{1 or 2}]²⁺ and [Cu(BAAP)₂]^2— in solution. In the crystal of 2, multi‐π, π‐stacked arrays of C₆‐rings from phen and (BAAP)^2— ligands of trinuclear cations generate channels where counter anions and water molecules are located.     

Self‐Assembly of π‐Conjugated Gelators into Emissive Chiral Nanotubes: Emission Enhancement and Chiral Detection

A series of new π‐conjugated gelators that contain various aromatic rings (phenyl, naphthyl, 9‐anthryl) and amphiphilic L ‐glutamide was designed, and their gel formation in organic solvents and self‐assembled nanostructures was investigated. The gelators showed good gelation ability in various organic solvents that ranged from polar to nonpolar. Those gelator molecules with small rings such as phenyl and naphthyl self‐assembled into nanotube structures in most organic solvents and showed strong blue emission. However, the 9‐anthryl derivative formed only a nanofiber structure in any organic solvent, probably owing to the larger steric hindrance. All of these gels showed enhanced fluorescence in organogels. Furthermore, during the gel formation, the chirality at the L ‐glutamide moiety was transferred to the nanostructures, thus leading to the formation of chiral nanotubes. One of the nanotubes showed chiral recognition toward the chiral amines.     

Energetic N‐Nitramino/N‐Oxyl‐Functionalized Pyrazoles with Versatile π–π Stacking: Structure–Property Relationships of High‐Performance Energetic Materials

N‐Nitramino/N‐oxyl functionalization strategies were employed to investigate structure–property relationships of energetic materials. Based on single‐crystal diffraction data, π–π stacking of pyrazole backbones can be tailored effectively by energetic functionalities, thereby resulting in diversified energetic compounds. Among them, hydroxylammonium 4‐amino‐3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1‐olate and dipotassium N,N′‐(3,5‐dinitro‐1H‐pyrazol‐1,4‐diyl)dinitramidate, with unique face‐to‐face π–π stacking, can be potentially used as a high‐performance explosive and an energetic oxidizer, respectively.