Novel single-crystal-to-single-crystal anion exchange and self-assembly of luminescent d(10) metal (Cd(II), Zn(II), and Cu(I)) complexes containing C(3)-symmetrical ligands

Ligands L1 and L2' (L1=N,N',N'-tris(4-pyridyl)trimesic amide, L2'=N,N',N'-tris(3-pyridinyl)-1,3,5-benzenetricarboxamide) belonging to an interesting family of tripyridyltriamides with C(3)-symmetry have been utilized to construct 3D porous or hydrogen-bonded frameworks. Through a novel single-crystal-to-single-crystal anion-exchange process, [Cd(L1)(2)(ClO(4))(2)](n) (1c) can be obtained from [Cd(L1)(2)Cl(2)](n) (1b) in the presence of ClO(4)(-) anions. This anion-exchange process is highly selective and only the substitution of Cl(-) by ClO(4)(-) or PF(6)(-) could be realized; Cl(-) was found not to be substituted by BPh(4)(-). This demonstrates that the exchange process depends on the size of the anions in relation to the size of the cavities in the host material (ca. 7.5 A). In addition, the anion-exchange properties of 1 b have also been investigated by means of powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), elemental analysis (EA), and infrared absorption spectroscopy (IR). Structurally, [Zn(L1)(NO(3))(2)](n)(2) consists of a 2D coordination network with five-coordinate Zn(II) ions. Surprisingly, different trigonal-bipyramidal Zn(II) ions propagate to form distinct respective sheet structures, A and B, which are packed in an A-B-A-B manner in the crystal lattice, and these are hydrogen-bonded to give a 3D extended framework. The molecular structure of [CuI(L2')](n)(3) shows that the Cu(I) ion adopts a distorted tetrahedral geometry, and 3 also forms a 2D coordination network. Significantly, this 2D coordination network is further assembled into a remarkable 3D homochiral framework through triple hydrogen bonding and pi...pi interactions. All of these 3D coordination polymers and/or hydrogen-bonded frameworks are luminescent in the solid state, and their solid-state luminescent properties have been investigated at room temperature and/or at 77 K.     

Self-assembly of tris(2-ureidobenzyl)amines: a new type of capped, capsule-like dimeric aggregates derived from a highly flexible skeleton

A set of tris(2-ureidobenzyl)amines 3 was prepared and their dimerization processes thoroughly investigated. In spite of their inherent flexibility, tris(ureas) 3 form dimeric aggregates both in the solid state and in solution. Evidence for the existence of these dimeric species was provided by a combination of techniques (X-ray analysis, NMR and IR spectroscopy, and ESI-MS). The association constants and thermodynamic parameters for the dimerization processes of selected tris(ureas) were determined and show that they are enthalpically driven. Heterodimerization experiments in solution reveal a high degree of self-recognition or narcissistic self-sorting. On the other hand, desymmetrized tris(ureas) derived from 3 self-assemble with modest regioselectivities depending on the terminal substituent of every urea functionality.     

Calculated NMR as a tool for structural elucidation of jungianol and mutisianthol

Theoretical methods were used for the correct structure assignments of the natural products jungianol and mutisianthol. A three stage protocol for the calculation was used: a conformational search using molecular mechanics (MM3), a DFT (B3LYP) structure optimization and ab initio (HF/GIAO) or DFT (B3LYP/GIAO) calculation of magnetic properties.     

Two-focus fluorescence correlation spectroscopy: a new tool for accurate and absolute diffusion measurements.

We present a new method to measure absolute diffusion coefficients at nanomolar concentrations with high precision. Based on a modified fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS)-setup, this method is improved by introducing an external ruler for measuring the diffusion time by generating two laterally shifted and overlapping laser foci at a fixed and known distance. Data fitting is facilitated by a new two-parameter model to describe the molecule detection function (MDF). We present a recorded MDF and show the excellent agreement with the fitting model. We measure the diffusion coefficient of the red fluorescent dye Atto655 under various conditions and compare these values with a value achieved by gradient pulsed field NMR (GPF NMR). From these measurements we conclude, that the new measurement scheme is robust against optical and photophysical artefacts which are inherent to standard FCS. With two-focus-FCS, the diffusion coefficient of 4.26 x 10(-6) cm2s(-1) for Atto655 in water at 25 degrees C compares well with the GPF NMR value of 4.28 x 10(-6) cm2s(-1).     

Cooperative Effect of a Classical and a Weak Hydrogen Bond for the Metal‐Induced Construction of a Self‐Assembled β‐Turn Mimic

A novel metal‐induced template for the self‐assembly of two independent phosphane ligands by means of unprecedented multiple noncovalent interactions (classical hydrogen bond, weak hydrogen bond, metal coordination, π‐stacking interaction) was developed and investigated. Our results address the importance and capability of weak hydrogen bonds (WHBs) as important attractive interactions in self‐assembling processes based on molecular recognition. Together with a classical hydrogen bond, WHBs may serve as promoters for the specific self‐assembly of complementary monomeric phosphane ligands into supramolecular hybrid structures. The formation of an intermolecular C? H???N hydrogen bond and its persistence in the solid state and in solution was studied by X‐ray crystal analysis, mass spectrometry and NMR spectroscopy analysis. Further evidence was demonstrated by DFT calculations, which gave specific geometric parameters for the proposed conformations and allowed us to estimate the energy involved in the hydrogen bonds that are responsible for the molecular recognition process. The presented template can be regarded as a new type of self‐assembled β‐turn mimic or supramolecular pseudo amino acid for the nucleation of β‐sheet structures when attached to oligopeptides.     

Self‐Assembly of a Highly Organized,Hexameric Supramolecular Architecture: Formation,Structure and Properties

Two derivatives, ³ L and ⁹ L , of a ditopic, multiply hydrogen‐bonding molecule, known for more than a decade, have been found, in the solid state as well as in solvents of low polarity at room temperature, to exist not as monomers, but to undergo a remarkable self‐assembly into a complex supramolecular species. The solid‐state molecular structure of ³ L , determined by single‐crystal X‐ray crystallography, revealed that it forms a highly organized hexameric entity ³ L ₆ with a capsular shape, resulting from the interlocking of two sets of three monomolecular components, linked through hydrogen‐bonding interactions. The complicated ¹H NMR spectra observed in o‐dichlorobenzene (o‐DCB) for ³ L and ⁹ L are consistent with the presence of a hexamer of D₃ symmetry in both cases. DOSY measurements confirm the hexameric constitution in solution. In contrast, in a hydrogen‐bond‐disrupting solvent, such as DMSO, the ¹H NMR spectra are very simple and consistent with the presence of isolated monomers only. Extensive temperature‐dependent ¹H NMR studies in o‐DCB showed that the L ₆ species dissociated progressively into the monomeric unit on increasing th temperature, up to complete dissociation at about 90 °C. The coexistence of the hexamer and the monomer indicated that exchange was slow on the NMR timescale. Remarkably, no species other than hexamer and monomer were detected in the equilibrating mixtures. The relative amounts of each entity showed a reversible sigmoidal variation with temperature, indicating that the assembly proceeded with positive cooperativity. A full thermodynamic analysis has been applied to the data.     

1H, (19)F, and (31)P PGSE NMR diffusion studies on chiral organic salts: ion pairing and the dependence of a diffusion value on diastereomeric structure

1H, (19)F and (31)P pulsed field gradient spin-echo (PGSE) diffusion studies on chiral organic salts that contain hexacoordinate phosphate anions, namely tris(tetrachlorobenzenediolato)phosphate(V) (TRISPHAT) and bis(tetrachlorobenzenediolato)mono([1,1']binaphthalenyl-2,2'diolato)-phosphate(V) (BINPHAT), are reported. The first example of the dependence of a diffusion value on diastereomeric structure is presented. Marked solvent and concentration effects on the diffusion constants (D) of these salts are noted and the question of ion pairing is discussed.     

Structure, stability and guest affinity of tris(3-ureidobenzyl)amine capsules in solution

In non-competitive solvents, the tris(3-ureidobenzyl)amines 1 a-c form dimeric assemblies in which guests such as CH(3)CN, CH(3)NO(2), CH(2)Cl(2), CH(3)I, CH(2)BrCl, CH(2)Br(2), CHCl(3) and C(6)H(6) can be encapsulated. Variable temperature (1)H and (1)H,(1)H-ROESY NMR spectroscopy, as well as pulsed-gradient spin-echo (PGSE) diffusion measurements were used to investigate the encapsulation within 1 a1 a (1 a: tris{3-[N'-(4-butylphenyl)ureido]benzyl}amine). Kinetic parameters for the encapsulation of CH(3)NO(2), CH(2)Cl(2) and CH(3)I, both in CDCl(3) and in [D(8)]toluene have been obtained by using magnetisation transfer methods. These data are discussed together with the thermodynamic parameters. The affinity between guest and capsule seems to be dictated mainly by the electronic, size and shape complementarity between cavity and guest. A gating mechanism for guest exchange is proposed.     

Coordination-driven self-assembly, structures, and dynamic properties of diplatinum hexatriynediyl and butadiynediyl complexes in which the sp carbon chains are shielded by sp3 carbon chains: towards endgroup-endgroup interactions

Sequential reactions of trans-(C6F5)(p-tol3P)2Pt(C[triple chemical bond]C)3SiEt3 (PtC6SiEt3) with nBu4N+ F(-) (THF/methanol), PtCl, KPF6/tBuOK, and CuCl give trans,trans-[(C6F5){(p-tol3P)2}Pt(C[triple chemical bond]C)3Pt{(Pp-tol3)2}(C6F5)] (PtC6Pt) in 95 % yield on multigram scales. Reactions of PtC6Pt and Ar2P(CH2)mPAr2 afford substitution products trans,trans-[(C6F5){(Ar2P(CH2)mPAr2)}Pt(C[triple chemical bond]C)3Pt{(Ar2P(CH2)mPAr2)}(C6F5)] (PtC6Pt-m/Ar; m/Ar=8/p-tol, 78 %; 10/Ph, 82 %; 11/Ph, 69 %; 12/Ph, 57 %; 14/p-tol, 57 %; 14/p-C6H4-tBu, 71 %), in which the diphosphines span the square planar platinum endgroups. An analogous reaction with PEt3 gives a tetrakis PEt3 complex Pt'C6Pt' (72 %). The crystal structures of PtC6Pt, Pt'C6Pt', PtC6Pt-10/Ph, PtC6Pt-11/Ph, and PtC6Pt-14/p-tol or solvates thereof are compared. In PtC6Pt, the endgroups can avoid van der Waals contact, and define angles of 0 degrees . In PtC6Pt-14/p-tol, the sp3 chains twist around the sp chain in a chiral double-helical motif, with an endgroup/endgroup angle of 189 degrees . The sp3 chains are too short to adopt analogous conformations in the other complexes, but laterally shield the sp chain. NMR spectroscopy shows that the helical enantiomers of PtC6Pt-14/p-tol rapidly interconvert in solution at low temperature. A crystal structure of PtC4Pt shows endgroups that are in van der Waals contact and define an angle of 41 degrees . Reactions with Ar2P(CH2)8PAr2 give PtC4Pt-8/Ar (Ar=Ph, 53 %; p-tol, 87 %). Low-temperature NMR spectroscopy establish non-helical chiral conformations. Electrochemical oxidations of the diplatinum complexes are analyzed, the reversibilities of which decrease with increasing sp chain length.     

7Li, 31P, and 1H pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) diffusion NMR spectroscopy and ion pairing: on the temperature dependence of the ion pairing in Li(CPh3), fluorenyllithium, and Li[N(SiMe3)2] amongst other salts

7Li, 31P, and 1H variable-temperature pulsed gradient spin-echo (PGSE) diffusion methods have been used to study ion pairing and aggregation states for a range of lithium salts such as lithium halides, lithium carbanions, and a lithium amide in THF solutions. For trityllithium (2) and fluorenyllithium (9), it is shown that ion pairing is favored at 299 K but the ions are well separated at 155 K. For 2-lithio-1,3-dithiane (13) and lithium hexamethyldisilazane (LiHMDS 16), low-temperature data show that the ions remain together. For the dithio anion 13, a mononuclear species has been established, whereas for the lithium amide 16, the PGSE results allow two different aggregation states to be readily recognized. For the lithium halides LiX (X = Br, Cl, I) in THF, the 7Li PGSE data show that all three salts can be described as well-separated ions at ambient temperature. The solid state structure of trityllithium (2) is described and reveals a solvent-separated ion pair formed by a [Li(thf)4]+ ion and a bare triphenylmethide anion.     

Study of the self‐diffusion of poly(ethylene glycol)s in poly(vinyl alcohol) aqueous systems

We have measured the self‐diffusion coefficients of a series of oligo‐ and poly(ethylene glycol)s with molecular weights ranging from 150 to 10,000, in aqueous solutions and gels of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA), using the pulsed‐gradient spin‐echo NMR techniques. The PVA concentrations varied from 0 to 0.38 g/mL which ranged from dilute solutions to polymer gels. Effects of the diffusant size and polymer concentration on the self‐diffusion coefficients have been investigated. The temperature dependence of the self‐diffusion coefficients has also been studied for poly(ethylene glycol)s with molecular weights of 600 and 2,000. Several theoretical models based on different physical concepts are used to fit the experimental data. The suitability of these models in the interpretation of the self‐diffusion data is discussed. © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. J Polym Sci B: Polym Phys 37: 2396–2403, 1999     

Structure elucidation of two new xanthone derivatives from the marine fungus Penicillium sp. (ZZF 32#) from the South China Sea

Two new xanthones, 8-(methoxycarbonyl)-1-hydroxy-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-3-carboxylic acid (1) and dimethyl 8-methoxy-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-1,6-dicarboxylate (2) and one known xanthone methyl 8-hydroxy-6-methyl-9-oxo-9H-xanthene-1-carboxylate (3) were isolated from the culture broth of the mangrove fungus Penicillium sp. (ZZF 32#) collected from the South China Sea. Their structures were established by comprehensive analysis of one-dimensional (1D) and two-dimensional (2D) NMR data. The structure of compound 3 was confirmed by X-ray crystallography, which led to the suggestion that janthinone (4) might have the same structure as 3. Compounds 1-3 were inactive against KB or KBv200 cells during cytotoxicity evaluations.     

Molecular recognition: preorganization of a bis(pyrrole) Schiff base derivative for tight dimerization by hydrogen bonding

Multiple techniques have been used to delineate the self-assembly of a bis(pyrrole) Schiff base derivative (compound 4, C(16)H(14)N(4)), which forms an unusual dimer through complementary N-H...N=C hydrogen bonds between twisted, C2-symmetric monomer units. The asymmetric unit of the crystal structure comprises one and a half dimer units, with one dimer exhibiting approximate D2 point-group symmetry and the other exact D2 symmetry (space group C2/c). The dimers pack into columns whose axes are collinear with the a axis of the unit cell. The columns assemble into discrete layers with two distinct types of hydrogen-sized voids residing between the layers. Despite the promising architecture of the voids within the lattice of 4, the absence of genuine channels to interconnect the voids precludes the uptake of hydrogen gas, even at elevated pressures (10 bar). AM1 calculations of the structure of dimeric 4 indicate that self-recognition through hydrogen bonding depends primarily on favorable electrostatic interactions. The potential-energy surface for monomeric 4 mapped by counter-rotation of an adjacent pair of C=C-N=C torsion angles indicates that the X-ray structures of the four monomeric units are global minima with highly nonplanar conformations that are preorganized for self-recognition by hydrogen bonding. The in vacuo enthalpy of association for the dimer was calculated to be significantly exergonic (DeltaG(assoc)=-21.9 kJ mol(-1), 298 K) and in excellent agreement with that determined by 1H NMR spectroscopy in CDCl3 (DeltaG(assoc)=-16.6(4) kJ mol(-1), 298 K). Using population and bond order analyses, in conjunction with the conformation dependence of the frontier MO energies, we have been able to show that pi-electron delocalization is only marginally diminished in the nonplanar conformers of 4 and that the electronic structures of the constituent monomers of the dimer are well mixed.