Facile Preparation of α‐Cyano‐α,ω‐Diaryloligovinylenes: A New Class of Color‐Tunable Solid Emitters

An efficient Knoevenagel condensation reaction was used to construct a series of α‐cyano‐α,ω‐diaryloligovinylenes, which show prominent fluorescence emission in the solid state. On investigating the effect of conjugation length on fluorescent properties, we found that the diene structure showed superior solid‐state luminescence. Furthermore, the emission color could be adjusted by introducing donor or acceptor functional groups at the terminal aryl groups. Full‐color emission in the visible region can be achieved by adding different functional groups to the α‐cyano‐α,ω‐diaryldivinylene moiety. The structure–property relationships were elucidated and some observations such as the substitution position effects were discussed. These compounds have potential applications as full‐color solid emissive candidates in material science and their simple structures allow them to be easily modified resulting in further interesting properties.     

A three‐dimensional ZnII coordination polymer constructed from 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylate and 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene ligands exhibiting photoluminescence

Ligands based on polycarboxylic acids are excellent building blocks for the construction of coordination polymers; they may bind to a variety of metal ions and form clusters, as well as extended chain or network structures. Among these building blocks, biphenyltetracarboxylic acids (H₄bpta) with C ₂ symmetry have recently attracted attention because of their variable bridging and multidentate chelating modes. The new luminescent three‐dimensional coordination polymer poly[(μ₅‐1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylato)bis[μ₂‐1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene]dizinc(II)], [Zn₂(C₁₆H₆O₈)(C₁₂H₁₀N₄)]_n , was synthesized solvothermally and characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction, elemental analysis and IR spectroscopy. The crystal structure contains two crystallographically independent Zn^II cations. Both metal cations are located on twofold axes and display distorted tetrahedral coordination geometries. Neighbouring Zn^II centres are bridged by carboxylate groups in the syn –anti mode to form one‐dimensional chains. Adjacent chains are linked through 1,1′‐biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylate and 1,4‐bis(1H‐imidazol‐1‐yl)benzene ligands to form a three‐dimensional network. In the solid state, the compound exhibits blue photoluminescence and represents a promising candidate for a thermally stable and solvent‐resistant blue fluorescent material.     

Reversible Phase Transition of Robust Luminescent Hybrid Hydrogels

We report herein on remote control over a reversible phase transition of robust luminescent hybrid hydrogels as enabled by the rational selection and incorporation of photoswitches. Azobenzene units functionalized with a guanidinium group were utilized as the photoswitches and incorporated through a host–guest inclusion method involving α‐cyclodextrins functionalized with 2,6‐pyridinedicarboxylic acid (PDA) groups. While the guanidinium functional groups bind to the negatively charged Laponite matrix surface to connect organic and inorganic components, the PDA groups enable simultaneous coordination with different lanthanide metal ions, thus rendering the hydrogel broadly luminescent. Owing to its conformation‐dependent binding behavior with α‐cyclodextrin, the isomerization of azobenzene induced association or dissociation of the inclusion complexes and thus lead to a reversible photocontrolled sol?gel phase transition of the luminescent hybrid hydrogels.     

N,N′‐Bis(Salicylidene)‐1,2‐Cyclohexanediamine Lanthanide(III) Coordination Polymers: Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescence Properties

The salen‐type ligand H₂L [H₂L = N,N′‐bis(salicylidene)‐1,2‐cyclohexanediamine] was utilized for the synthesis of two lanthanide(III) coordination polymers [LnH₂L(NO₃)₃MeOH]_n [Ln = Eu ( 1 ) and Ln = Lu ( 2 )]. The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analyses of 1 and 2 revealed that they are isomorphous and exhibit one‐dimension neutral structure, in which H₂L effectively functions as a bridging ligand and give rise to a chain‐like polymer. The luminescent properties of polymers in solid state and in solution were investigated and 1 exhibits typical red luminescence of Eu^III ions in solid state and dichloromethane solution and 2 emits the ligand‐centered blue luminescence. The energy transfer mechanisms in these luminescent lanthanide polymers were described through calculation of the lowest triplet level of ligand H₂L.     

Solvo‐thermal Preparation of One Novel Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymer with 1‐(4‐Aminobenzyl)‐1,2,4‐Triazole and Bi‐functional Photo‐Luminescent Sensing for Acetone and Dichromate

In this work a 1,2,4‐triazole derivative 1‐(4‐aminobenzyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole (abtz) was utilized, one new cadmium(II) coordination polymer, namely [Cd(abtz)I₂]_n ( 1 ) was prepared through the powerful solvo‐thermal synthetic strategy. In compound 1 , the abtz building blocks are interlinked through the central Cd^II ions forming the two‐dimensional (2D) layer coordination framework. Powder X‐ray diffraction (PXRD) characterization also reveals that we have prepared the pure phases of coordination polymer 1 . Optical properties have been determined, which can behave the excellent photo‐luminescent emission of coordination polymer 1 . Photo‐luminescent experiment also reveals that coordination polymer 1 can behave the highly sensitive detection for acetone molecules with high K_sv value (K_sv = 4.12 ×10⁴ L · mol^–1) in the recyclable detection fashion. Additionally, coordination polymer 1 also can behave the highly sensitive detection for pollutant dichromate with excellent quenching efficiency K_sv (K_sv = 2.12 × 10⁴ L · mol^–1) and low detection limit [38 × 10^–3 mM (S/N = 3)]. UV/Vis, photo‐luminescent lifetime, and PXRD patterns also have been determined to analyze the detection mechanism.     

Self‐Assembly through Coordination and π‐Stacking: Controlled Switching of Circularly Polarized Luminescence

Multiple noncovalent interactions can drive self‐assembly through different pathways. Here, by coordination‐assisted changes in π‐stacking modes between chromophores in pyrene‐conjugated histidine (PyHis), a self‐assembly system with reversible and inversed switching of supramolecular chirality, as well as circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) is described. It was found that l ‐PyHis self‐assembled into nanofibers showing P‐chirality and right‐handed CPL. Upon Zn^II coordination, the nanofibers changed into nanospheres with M‐chirality, as well as left‐handed CPL. The process is reversible and the M‐chirality can change to P‐chirality by removing the Zn^II ions. Experimental and theoretical models unequivocally revealed that the cooperation of metal coordination and π‐stacking modes are responsible the reversible switching of supramolecular chirality. This work not only provides insight into how multiple noncovalent interactions regulate self‐assembly pathways.     

Modulating Photo‐ and Electroluminescence in a Stimuli‐Responsive π‐Conjugated Donor–Acceptor Molecular System

Functional organic materials that display reversible changes in fluorescence in response to external stimuli are of immense interest owing to their potential applications in sensors, probes, and security links. While earlier studies mainly focused on changes in photoluminescence (PL) color in response to external stimuli, stimuli‐responsive electroluminescence (EL) has not yet been explored for color‐tunable emitters in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). Here a stimuli‐responsive fluorophoric molecular system is reported that is capable of switching its emission color between green and orange in the solid state upon grinding, heating, and exposure to chemical vapor. A mechanistic study combining X‐ray diffraction analysis and quantum chemical calculations reveals that the tunable green/orange emissions originate from the fluorophore's alternating excited‐state conformers formed in the crystalline and amorphous phases. By taking advantage of this stimuli‐responsive fluorescence behavior, two‐color emissive OLEDs were produced using the same fluorophore in different solid phases.     

One‐Dimensional Spin Chains from CuII Ions and 2,5‐Bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,4‐dihydroxybenzene

The purple colored coordination polymer [1 Cu]_n was obtained from 2,5‐bis(pyrazol‐1‐yl)‐1,4‐dihydroxybenzene and CuBr₂ in aqueous ammonia. The crystal structure of [1 Cu]_n was determined from high resolution X‐ray powder diffraction data using the method of simulated annealing. In the solid state, [1 Cu]_n features largely independent linear chains, all of them being oriented parallel to the c‐axis of the crystal. The Cu ions are coordinated in a square‐planar fashion by two nitrogen atoms and two anionic oxygen donors. Magnetic susceptibility and magnetization measurements indicate the Cu ions in [1 Cu]_n to be antiferromagnetically coupled with a coupling constant of about 20 K.     

Reversible Self‐Assembly of Carboxylated Peptide‐Functionalized Gold Nanoparticles Driven by Metal‐Ion Coordination

Carboxylated peptide‐functionalized gold nanoparticles (peptide‐GNPs) self‐assemble into two‐ and three‐dimensional nanostructures in the presence of various heavy metal ions (i.e. Pb²⁺, Cd²⁺, Cu²⁺, and Zn²⁺) in aqueous solution. The assembly process is monitored by following the changes in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of gold nanoparticles in a UV/Vis spectrophotometer, which shows the development of a new SPR band in the higher‐wavelength region. The extent of assembly is dependent on the amount of metal ions present in the medium and also the time of assembly. TEM analysis clearly shows formation of two‐ and three‐dimensional nanostructures. The assembly process is completely reversible by addition of alkaline ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) solution. The driving force for the assembly of peptide‐GNPs is mainly metal ion/carboxylate coordination. The color and spectral changes due to this assembly can be used for detection of these heavy‐metal ions in solution.     

Self‐Assembly of α‐Helical Polypeptides Driven by Complex Coacervation

Reported is the ability of α‐helical polypeptides to self‐assemble with oppositely‐charged polypeptides to form liquid complexes while maintaining their α‐helical secondary structure. Coupling the α‐helical polypeptide to a neutral, hydrophilic polymer and subsequent complexation enables the formation of nanoscale coacervate‐core micelles. While previous reports on polypeptide complexation demonstrated a critical dependence of the nature of the complex (liquid versus solid) on chirality, the α‐helical structure of the positively charged polypeptide prevents the formation of β‐sheets, which would otherwise drive the assembly into a solid state, thereby, enabling coacervate formation between two chiral components. The higher charge density of the assembly, a result of the folding of the α‐helical polypeptide, provides enhanced resistance to salts known to inhibit polypeptide complexation. The unique combination of properties of these materials can enhance the known potential of fluid polypeptide complexes for delivery of biologically relevant molecules.     

[Fe19] “Super‐Lindqvist” Aggregate and Large 3D Interpenetrating Coordination Polymer from Solvothermal Reactions of [Fe2(OtBu)6] with Ethanol

The syntheses, crystal structures, and physical properties of [HFe₁₉O₁₄(OEt)₃₀] and {Fe₁₁(OEt)₂₄}_∞ are reported. [HFe₁₉O₁₄(OEt)₃₀] has an octahedral shape. Its core with a central Fe metal ion surrounded by six μ₆‐oxo ligands is arranged in the rock salt structure. {Fe₁₁(OEt)₂₄}_∞ is a mixed‐valence coordination polymer in which Fe^III metal ions form three 3D interpenetrating (10,3)‐b nets. The arrangement of the Fe^III ions can also be compared to that of Si ions in α‐ThSi₂. Thus, the described structures are at the interface between molecular and solid‐state chemistry.     

A Metallosupramolecular Shape‐Memory Polymer with Gradient Thermal Plasticity

Solid‐state plasticity by dynamic covalent bond exchange in a shape‐memory polymer network bestows a permanent shape reconfiguration ability. Spatio‐selective control of thermally induced plasticity may further extend the capabilities of materials into unexplored domains. However, this is difficult to achieve because of the lack of spatio‐control in typical polymer network synthesis. Metal–ligand interactions possess the high strength of covalent bonds while maintaining the dynamic reversibility of supramolecular bonds. Metallosupramolecular shape‐memory polymer networks were designed and prepared, which demonstrated solid‐state plasticity. The metallo‐coordination bonds within these networks permit facile tuning of the plasticity behavior across a wide temperature range, simply by changing the metal ion. By controlling the diffusion of two different metal ions during preparation of a polymer film, a plasticity behavior with a spatial gradient was achieved, providing a unique shape‐morphing versatility with potential in shape‐memory devices.     

Polymorph‐Dependent Solid‐State Fluorescence and Selective Metal‐Ion‐Sensor Properties of 2‐(2‐Hydroxyphenyl)‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone

2‐(2‐Hydroxy‐phenyl)‐4(3H)‐quinazolinone (HPQ), an organic fluorescent material that exhibits fluorescence by the excited‐state intramolecular proton‐transfer (ESIPT) mechanism, forms two different polymorphs in tetrahydrofuran. The conformational twist between the phenyl and quinazolinone rings of HPQ leads to different molecular packing in the solid state, giving structures that show solid‐state fluorescence at 497 and 511 nm. HPQ also shows intense fluorescence in dimethyl formamide (DMF) solution and selectively detects Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions at micromolar concentrations in DMF. Importantly, HPQ not only detects Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions selectively, but it also distinguishes between the metal ions with a fluorescence λ_max that is blue‐shifted from 497 to 420 and 426 nm for Zn²⁺ and Cd²⁺ ions, respectively. Hence, tunable solid‐state fluorescence and selective metal‐ion‐sensor properties were demonstrated in a single organic material.     

Synthesis,structural characterization and computational studies of catena‐poly[chlorido[μ3‐(pyridin‐1‐ium‐3‐yl)phosphonato‐κ3O:O′:O′′]zinc(II)]

Coordination polymers are constructed from two basic components, namely metal ions, or metal‐ion clusters, and bridging organic ligands. Their structures may also contain other auxiliary components, such as blocking ligands, counter‐ions and nonbonding guest or template molecules. The choice or design of a suitable linker is essential. The new title zinc(II) coordination polymer, [Zn(C₅H₅NO₃P)Cl]_n , has been hydrothermally synthesized and structurally characterized by single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and vibrational spectroscopy (FT–IR and FT–Raman). Additionally, computational methods have been applied to derive quantitative information about interactions present in the solid state. The compound crystallizes in the monoclinic space group C 2/c . The four‐coordinated Zn^II cation is in a distorted tetrahedral environment, formed by three phosphonate O atoms from three different (pyridin‐1‐ium‐3‐yl)phosphonate ligands and one chloride anion. The Zn^II ions are extended by phosphonate ligands to generate a ladder chain along the [001] direction. Adjacent ladders are held together via N—H…O hydrogen bonds and offset face‐to‐face π–π stacking interactions, forming a three‐dimensional supramolecular network with channels. As calculated, the interaction energy between the neighbouring ladders is −115.2 kJ mol⁻¹. In turn, the cohesive energy evaluated per asymmetric unit‐equivalent fragment of a polymeric chain in the crystal structure is −205.4 kJ mol⁻¹. This latter value reflects the numerous hydrogen bonds stabilizing the three‐dimensional packing of the coordination chains.     

Ln3+‐Mediated Self‐Assembly of a Collagen Peptide into Luminescent Banded Helical Nanoropes

Design of biomimetic peptides to achieve the desired properties of natural collagen has much potential to build functional biomaterials. A collagen‐peptide/Ln³⁺ system has been constructed and self‐assembled to form helical nanoropes with a distinct periodic banding pattern characteristic of natural collagen. The fully reversible self‐assembly is specifically mediated by lanthanide ions, but not by other commonly used divalent metal ions. Lanthanide ions not only provide an external biocompatible stimulus of the assembly, but also play as a functional unit to endow the assembled materials with easily tunable photoluminescence. To our knowledge, this is the first report of collagen‐peptide‐based materials with exquisite nanorope structure and excellent photoluminescent features. These novel luminescent nanomaterials may have great potential in cell imaging, medical diagnostics, and luminescent scaffolds for cell cultivation.     

Syntheses,Crystal Structures,and Luminescence Properties of Dinuclear Metal (Ag+ and Cu+) Complexes with the Ligand 2‐MTPP [2‐MTPP = 2‐(Methylthio)‐4‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyrimidine]

Reactions of the ligand 2 ‐ MTPP [2‐MTPP = 2‐(methylthio)‐4‐(pyridin‐2‐yl)pyrimidine] with AgNO₃ and CuI produced dinuclear silver(I) ( 1 ) and copper(I) ( 2 ) complexes, respectively. Both complexes adopt a chair‐like structure in which two 2 ‐ MTPP ligands and two metal ions are joined together through M–N and M–S coordination bonds. The luminescence properties of both complexes were investigated in solid state at room temperature.     

基于二-吡嗪-(2, 3-f: 2′3′-h)-喹喔啉和吡啶-2，5-二羧酸混合配体的两个新奇金属有机超分子骨架的水热合成、晶体结构与光致发光

以二-吡嗪-(2, 3-f: 2′3′-h)-喹喔啉(Dpq)和吡啶-2,5-二羧酸(2,5-H2pda)两种混合配体与不同金属硝酸盐为原料,通过水热反应得到了两个新奇的金属有机骨架[Zn2(Dpq)2(2,5-pda)2(H2O)2]·2H2O(1)和[Cd2(Dpq)2(2,5-pda)2]·2H2O(2),并经元素分析、TG、IR、X-射线单晶衍射分析进行了表征。结构分析表明,2,5-pda采取不同的配位方式桥连金属离子分别形成了二聚物1和2D菱形网络2。在化合物1中,相邻的二聚物通过氢键和π-π堆积作用形成扭曲的a-Po超分子结构。在化合物2中,相邻的配位聚合物层通过氢键拓展成扭曲的a-Po超分子骨架,而π-π堆积起到巩固骨架的作用。化合物1和2的结构差异表明了金属离子和配体在配位聚合物自组装过程中对结构的影响。此外固态标题化合物在室温下表现出蓝色的发光性质。     

A Second‐Coordination‐Sphere Strategy to Modulate Nickel‐ and Palladium‐Catalyzed Olefin Polymerization and Copolymerization

Transition‐metal‐catalyzed copolymerization reactions of olefins with polar‐functionalized comonomers are highly important and also highly challenging. A second‐coordination‐sphere strategy was developed to address some of the difficulties encountered in these copolymerization reactions. A series of α‐diimine ligands bearing nitrogen‐containing second coordination spheres were prepared and characterized. The properties of the corresponding nickel and palladium catalysts in ethylene polymerizations and copolymerizations were investigated. In the nickel system, significant reduction in polymer branching density was observed, while lower polymer branching densities, as well as a wider range of polar monomer substrates, were achieved in the palladium system. Control experiments and computational results reveal the critical role of the metal−nitrogen interaction in these polymerization and copolymerization reactions.     

Bioinspired Synergistic Fluorescence‐Color‐Switchable Polymeric Hydrogel Actuators

Many living organisms have amazing control over their color, shape, and morphology for camouflage, communication, and even reproduction in response to interplay between environmental stimuli. Such interesting phenomena inspire scientists to develop smart soft actuators/robotics via integrating color‐changing functionality based on polymer films or elastomers. However, there has been no significant progress in synergistic color‐changing and shape‐morphing capabilities of life‐like material systems such as hydrogels. Herein, we reported a new class of bioinspired synergistic fluorescence‐color‐switchable polymeric hydrogel actuators based on supramolecular dynamic metal–ligand coordination. Artificial hydrogel apricot flowers and chameleons have been fabricated for the first time, in which simultaneous color‐changing and shape‐morphing behaviors are controlled by the subtle interplay between acidity/alkalinity, metal ions, and temperature. This work has made color‐changeable soft machines accessible and is expected to hold wide potential applications in biomimetic soft robotics, biological sensors, and camouflage.     

Effect of Metal Ions on the Structures of Coordination Polymers Based on Biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐Tetracarboxylate

Two new coordination polymers, {[Cd₂(btc)(2,2′‐bpy)₂] · H₂O}_n ( 1 ) and [Zn₂(btc)(2,2′‐bpy)(H₂O)]_n ( 2 ) (H₄btc = biphenyl‐2,2′,4,4′‐tetracarboxylic acid, 2,2′‐bpy = 2,2′‐bipyridine), were synthesized hydrothermally under similar conditions and characterized by elemental analysis, IR spectra, TGA, and single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis. In complexes 1 and 2 , the (btc)^4– ligand acts as connectors to link metal ions to give a 2D bilayer network of 1 and a 3D metal‐organic framework of 2 , respectively. The differences in the structures are induced by diverging coordination modes of the (btc)^4– ligand, which can be attributed to the difference metal ions in sizes. The results indicate that metal ions have significant effects on the formation and structures of the final complexes. Additionally, the fluorescent properties of the two complexes were also studied in the solid state at room temperature.