Rim-differentiated pillar[5]arenes

Pillar[5]arenes, designed and prepared by Ogoshi et al. in 2008 initially, refer to fifth classical macrocyclics. Among a wide range of pillar[5]arenes, rim-differentiated pillar[5]arenes containing five identical substituents on one rim and five different identical groups on the other rims are considered the most noteworthy type of pillar[5]arenes. As compared with the perfunctionalized pillar[5]arene, the self-assembly properties of rim-differentiated pillar[5]arenes have more varieties. On the other hand, in comparison with other types of pillar[5]arenes, the rim-differentiated pillar[5]arenes exhibit a more rigid symmetrical structure. In the present review, the synthetic methods, host-guest interactions, self-assembly properties and applications of rim-differentiated pillar[5]arenes are summarized. Hopefully, this review will be conducive to researchers in macrocyclic supramolecular chemistry.     

Alignment and Dynamic Inversion of Planar Chirality in Pillar[n]arenes

Pillar[n]arenes are symmetrical macrocyclic compounds composed of benzene panels with para-methylene linkages. Each panel usually exhibits planar chirality and prefers chirality-aligned states. Because of this feature, pillar[n]arenes are attractive scaffolds for chiroptical materials that are easy to prepare and optically resolve and show intense circular dichroism (CD) signals. In addition, rotation of the panels endows the chirality of pillar[n]arenes with a dynamic nature. The chirality in tubular oligomers and supramolecular assemblies sometimes show time- and procedure-dependent alignment phenomena. Furthermore, the CD signals of some pillar[n]arenes respond to the addition of chiral guests when their dynamic chirality is coupled with host–guest properties. By using diastereomeric pillar[n]arenes with additional chiral structures, the response can also be caused by achiral guests and changes of the environment, providing molecular sensors.     

Open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography using carboxylatopillar[5]arene as stationary phase

Pillar[n]arenes have achieved much interest in material chemistry and supramolecular chemistry due to unusual pillar shape structure and high selectivity toward guest. However, pillar[n]arenes have not yet been applied in capillary electrochromatography. This work at first time reports that carboxylatopillar[5]arene is used as a stationary phase in open‐tubular capillary electrochromatography. Carboxylatopillar[5]arene not only possess the advantages of pillar[n]arenes but also provide free carboxy groups for immobilizing on the inner wall of capillary column via covalent bonding. The characterization of SEM and FT‐IR indicated that carboxylatopillar[5]arene was successfully grafted on the inner wall of capillary. The baseline separation of model analytes including neutral, basic, and acidic compounds, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs and dansyl‐amino acids have been achieved thanks to the electron‐rich cavity of carboxylatopillar[5]arene and hydrophobic interactions between the analytes and stationary phase. The intraday, interday, and column‐to‐column precisions (RSDs) of retention time and peak area for the neutral analytes were all less than 3.34 and 9.65%, respectively. This work indicates that pillar[n]arenes have great potential in capillary electrochromatography as novel stationary phase.     

Chiral pillar[n]arenes: Conformation inversion,material preparation and applications

Chiral pillar[n]arenes have shown great research value and application prospect in construction of chiral materials and chiral applications, due to their inherent planar chiral configurations, chiral recognition ability, easy modification and highly symmetric hydrophobic cavity. This review systematically summarized the conformation inversion factors of planar chiral pillar[5]arenes (pR/pS), such as solvents, temperature, substituent size, alkyl chains, chiral and achiral guest molecules. We firstly introduced the applications of chiral pillar[n]arenes for constructing chiral materials and pointed out that planar conformation inversion showed a great potential role in constructing chiral materials. Then, we mainly concluded the chiral applications of chiral and planar chiral pillar[n]arenes like chiral enantiomer analysis by circular dichroism, electrochemistry or chiral fluorescence sensing. From this review, we found that the inherent planar chiral conformation of chiral pillar[n]arenes have played a very important role in chiral field in the future.     

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.     

Pillar[6]arenes: From preparation,host-guest property to self-assembly and applications

Pillar[n]arenes primarily comprise pillar[5]arenes and pillar[6]arenes, which belong to the new class of supramolecular macrocyclic hosts. Pillar[n]arenes have aroused wide attention because of their highly rigid and symmetrical architectures, controllable cavity size, and wide applications in a wide variety of areas. Although pillar[6]arene is difficult to synthesize, numerous studies have been conducted on it. In this review, the strategies to synthesize and functionalize pillar[6]arenes are investigated systematically. In addition, their host-guest properties in organic solvents and in aqueous solution are described. Moreover, pillar[6]arenes applied in different fields (e.g., molecular recognition, drug release, cancer therapy, and gas separation) are clarified. Hopefully, this study is capable of arousing more attention from increasing scientists to study large-cavity pillar[n]arenes.     

Applications of Pillar[n]arene‐Based Supramolecular Assemblies

Macrocycles are an important player in supramolecular chemistry. In 2008, a new class of macrocycles, “pillar[n]arenes”, were first discovered. Research efforts in the area of pillar[n]arenes have elucidated key properties, such as their shape, reaction mechanism, host–guest properties, and their versatile functionality, which has contributed to the development of pillar[n]arene chemistry and their applications to various fields. This Minireview describes how pillar[n]arene‐based supramolecular assemblies can be applied to supramolecular gel formation, reactions, light‐harvesting systems, drug‐delivery systems, biochemical applications, separation and storage materials, and surface chemistry.     

Synthesis of novel pillar-shaped cavitands “Pillar[5]arenes” and their application for supramolecular materials

In 2008, we reported a new class of macrocyclic hosts and named “Pillar[5]arenes”. They combine the advantages and aspects of traditional hosts and have a composition similar to those of typical calix[n]arenes. Pillar[5]arenes have repeating units connected by methylene bridges at the para-position, and thus they have a unique symmetrical pillar architecture differing from the basket-shaped structure of meta-bridged calix[n]arenes. Pillar[5]arenes show high functionality similar to cyclodextrins, and can capture electron accepting guest molecules within their cavity similarly to cucurbit[n]urils. In this review, the synthesis, structure, rotation, host–guest properties, planar chirality and functionality of pillar[5]arenes are discussed, along with pillar[5]arene-based supramolecular architectures and the challenges in synthesizing pillar[6]arenes.     

Synthesis and host-guest properties of pillar[6]arenes

A facile method for the synthesis of pillar[6]arenes was developed.A series of pillar[6]arenes were prepared with FeCl 3 as catalyst and chloroform as solvent at room temperature in moderate yields(30%-40%).Their host-guest properties with n-cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide were investigated by 1 HNMR.The results showed that high selectivity in the host-guest relationship became apparent between pillar[6]arenes and pillar[5]arenes based on the different size of the inner cavity.     

Dynamic-to-Static Planar Chirality Conversion in Pillar[5]arenes Regulated by Guest Solvents or Amplified by Crystallization

Controlling dynamic chirality and memorizing the controlled chirality are important. Chirality memory has mainly been achieved using noncovalent interactions. However, in many cases, the memorized chirality arising from noncovalent interactions is erased by changing the conditions such as the solvent and temperature. In this study, the dynamic planar chirality of pillar[5]arenes was successfully converted into static planar chirality by introducing bulky groups through covalent bonds. Before introducing the bulky groups, pillar[5]arene with stereogenic carbon atoms at both rims existed as a pair of diastereomers, and thus showed planar chiral inversion that was dependent on the chain length of the guest solvent. The pS and pR forms, regulated by guest solvents, were both diastereomerically memorized by introducing bulky groups. Furthermore, the diastereomeric excess was amplified by crystallization of the pillar[5]arene. The subsequent introduction of bulky groups yielded pillar[5]arene with an excellent diastereomeric excess (95 % de).     

Synthesis and inclusion properties of pillar[n]arenes

A detailed study of the reaction conditions revealed that a quantitative cyclocondensation of 1,4-dialkoxy-2,5-bis(alkoxymethyl)-benzenes to pillar[n]arenes can be achieved by catalysis of p-toluenesulfonic acid in CH₂Cl₂. Major product of this new reaction is in each case a cyclopentamer (n = 5), but small amounts of the pillar[n]arenes with n = 6, 7 and 10 can be obtained as well. Different alkoxy groups in 1- and 4-position lead to regioisomers. All cyclooligomers exist in pillar structures as pair of enantiomers, which show a racemisation at room temperature, which is fast in terms of the NMR time scale. The racemisation process occurs by rotation of the 1,4-phenylene segments in the macrocyclic rings. Pillar[n]arenes exhibit novel host–guest behavior.     

A novel pillar[5]arene-cucurbit[10]uril based host-guest complex: Synthesis,characterization and detection of paraquat

The macrocyclic family comprising pillar[n]arenes and cucurbit[n]urils have received much attention recently. However, studies on the construction of supramolecular complexes formed directly with derivatized pillar[n]arenes and cucurbit[n]urils are scant. Given the interest in such systems, herein we have synthesized a new type of naphthalene-derivatized pillar[n]arene NTP5 and selected Q[10] as the host molecule. The 4-[2-(1-naphthalenyl)ethenyl]pyridine of NTP5 is encapsulated by Q[10] and formed a host-guest complex in water-acetic acid (1:1) solution accompanied by enhanced fluorescence, which changed the morphology of NTP5 from a sphere to a porous form. In addition, the fluorescence of Q[10]-NTP5 can be quenched by the addition of the highly toxic pesticide paraquat (PQ), and the mechanism was shown to be the formation of a new charge transfer ternary system of Q[10]-NTP5-PQ. This work provides new ideas for the contribution of supramolecular assemblies based on derivatized pillar[n]arenes and their combination with cucurbit[n]urils and reveals their potential applications.     

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.     

Pillar[n]arenes-based materials for detection and separation of pesticides

The effective materials and methods for detection and separation of pesticides are urgently needed because most of pesticides show very harmful influence on life and environment. As a new kind of macrocyclic host compound, pillar[n]arenes show very good performance in the detection and separation of pesticides, especially for paraquat (PQ). For the pesticide detection and separation materials, their structures determine performance. Therefore, this review summarizes the recent progress of pillar[n]arenes-based materials for detection and separation of pesticides covering single/multi-pillar[n]arenes, pillar[n]arenes-based polymers, frameworks, composites, nanomaterials etc. The structure-performance relationships of these materials have been discussed according to the cavity size, the synergistic or collaboration effect, the structure of the polymer or framework, the substrate of the composites and the size of nanomaterials and so on. Based on these, we also look forward to the future and point out the possible way for improving the pesticides detection sensitivity and separation efficiency of this kind of materials.     

Desymmetrized Leaning Pillar[6]arene

In this work, a novel version of macrocyclic arenes, namely leaning pillar[6]arenes, was discovered and it can be considered as a tilted version of a pillar[6]arene with two hydroxy/alkoxy functionalities removed. Through a facile two‐step synthetic approaches, in conjunction with a diversity of post‐modification possibilities, a series of leaning pillar[6]arenes, with good cavity adaptability and enhanced guest‐binding capability, was synthesized, and their self‐assembly in single‐crystal states is presented. DFT calculations demonstrated that the lower rotational barrier of unsubstituted phenylene rings, the uneven electron density centered at the leaning phenyl rings, and the polarization effect along the edge generated by the hydrogen‐bond‐induced orientation of hydroxy groups greatly affected the host‐guest properties, and meanwhile provided an intuitive explanation for the pillar‐like and rigid structure of traditional pillar[6]arenes. Significantly, the crystal structure of cyclo‐oligomeric quinone was obtained by direct oxidation of leaning pillar[6]arenes.     

Recent advances of functional gels controlled by pillar[n]arene-based host–guest interactions

Functional gels fabricated from supramolecular host–guest interactions exhibit outstanding characteristics including stimuli-responsiveness, self-healing and adaptability. Pillar[n]arenes are new generation of supramolecular macrocyclic host, which displayed excellent host–guest recognition properties. In the last few years, pillar[n]arene-based gels that include both hydrogels and organogels have been attracted more and more attention. In this digest, the recent advances in this field are reviewed, with special emphasis on the multistimuli responsive pillar[n]arene gels. It is anticipated that more and more pillar[n]arenes-based gel materials with smart properties will be developed in the near future.     

Evidence for a Bulky Unit of a Pillar[5]arene Flipping in the Solid State

It is well known that pillar[5]arenes have two most stable conformations (pS and pR) in their crystal structures. Because of the intramolecular H‐bonding interactions, substituents, temperature, solvent and so on, the rotational behaviors of the phenolic units on pillararenes are also common. This paper showed some other kinds of conformations in the functionalized pillar[5]arenes and gave evidence for a bulky unit (1,4‐methoxycarbonylmethoxybenzene unit) flipping in the solid state. The presence of hydrogen bonding facilitated the intermolecular self‐assembly in terms of energy‐minimized packing in the crystals. Thus, the main driving force for the flipping of this bulky unit might be both the intramolecular hydrogen bonding between the phenolic units on pillararenes and quadrupolar hydrogen bonding between the host and water. This paper helps us to have a better understanding on the conformations of pillar[5]arenes.     

Controlled Self‐Assembly by Mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and Bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes

The complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentrations of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes (n=4, 5) were systemically measured by fluorescence spectroscopy. In all cases, the complexation‐induced critical aggregation concentration decreases by about 3 times upon addition of p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. However, the optimal molar ratios for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium by mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes are distinctly different: For mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes, the optimum mixing ratio for the aggregation of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium is 1:4 mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes/1‐pyrenemethylaminium, whereas only 2.5 molecules of 1‐pyrenemethylaminium can be bound by one cavity of bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes. The intermolecular complexation of mono‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes and bis‐p‐sulfonatocalix[n]arenes with 1‐pyrenemethylaminium led to the formation of two distinctly different nanoarchitectures, which were shown to be nanoscale vesicle and rod aggregates, respectively, by using dynamic laser scattering, TEM, and SEM. This behavior is also different from the fiber‐like aggregates with lengths of several micrometers that were formed by 1‐pyrenemethylaminium itself above its critical aggregation concentration. Furthermore, the obtained nanoaggregates exhibit benign water solubility, self‐labeled fluorescence, and, more importantly, temperature responsiveness.     

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.     

Synthesis,extraction and chromogenic properties of Amidoazocalix[4]arenes and their telomer derivatives

The synthesis, extraction and chromogenic properties of calix[4]arenes, carrying phenylazo and amido groups on their upper and lower rims, respectively, are described. Novel azocalix[4]arene amides (1a–d, 2a–d, 3a–d) and some of their telomers (T1a–T1d) have been synthesised and characterised by spectroscopic methods as well as elemental analysis techniques. Compounds 1c and 2b were additionally characterised by two-dimensional nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic methods. Some of the compounds were examined by absorption spectra using different solvents. The colour changes of the resulting solutions can be observed by the ‘naked eye’. Metal extraction abilities of compounds have been investigated comparatively. Telomer structures of azocalix[n]arenes exhibited higher extraction rates compared to those of their monomers. Products obtained under this study, especially telomers, can be used in the field of ion-selective electrodes.