Non-covalent synthesis of ionic and molecular complexes of benzoic acid and substituted 2-aminopyrimidines by varying aryl/alkyl substituents and their supramolecular chemistry

The non-covalent synthesis of ionic and molecular complexes of substituted 2-aminopyrimidines with benzoic acid in crystalline solid phase is reported. The nature of supramolecular architecture varied with the substituents in the 2-aminopyrimidine ring. Two complexes have been synthesised from two differently substituted 2-aminopyrimidines and benzoic acid. In one case, proton transfer takes place and an ionic organic salt is formed, whereas in the other, there is no proton transfer and a hydrogen-bonded molecular complex is formed.     

Carboxylic acid–pyridine supramolecular heterocatemer in a co-crystal

Robustness of carboxylic acid–pyridine supramolecular heterosynthon was examined in three 1:2 binary co-crystals of 4,4′-bipyridine with monocarboxylic acids, (4,4′-bipyridine)·(dl-hydroxyphenylacetic acid)₂, 1; (4,4′-bipyridine)_0.5·(4-bromonaphthalene-1-carboxylic acid), 2 and (4,4′-bipyridine)_0.5·(4-methylbenzoic acid), 3. All the three co-crystals form “two-component supermolecules” (consisting of one molecule of 4,4′-bipyridine and two molecules of the relevant carboxylic acid) stabilized through carboxylic acid–pyridine heterosynthons. Co-crystals 1 and 2 exhibits the expected carboxylic acid–pyridine dimer (heterodimer I) whereas co-crystal 3 forms a novel carboxylic acid–pyridine catemer (heterocatemer II).     

The supramolecular chemistry of 1,2,5-chalcogenadiazoles

1,2,5-Chalcogenadiazoles, in particular the tellurium derivatives, are promising building blocks for the assembly supramolecular structures through the formation of the [E-N]₂ (E = S, Se, Te) supramolecular synthon. This short account summarizes initial experimental and computational investigations in this area.     

The electrochemically tuneable hydrogen bonding interactions between a phenanthrenequinone-functionalized self-assembled monolayer and a phenyl-urea terminated dendrimer

We report the application of electrochemistry to detect and modulate hydrogen bonding interactions between a phenanthrenequinone-functionalized self-assembled monolayer and a phenyl-urea terminated dendrimer.     

Advances on supramolecular assembly of cyclometalated platinum(Ⅱ) complexes

Organoplatinum(Ⅱ) compounds have received enormous attention over the past decades due to their square-planar geometry as well as intriguing photo-physical properties.Self-assembly has emerged as an excellent approach to create well-ordered supramolecular architectures with tunable properties,which underpin the role of solvent-directed approach for the design of functional materials.In this minireview,the recent advances on supramolecular self-assembly of cyclometalated platinum(Ⅱ) complexes have been discussed.During the self-assembly process,non-covalent Pt-Pt and π-π interactions play crucial roles in controlling the structures and functions of the resulting assemblies.     

One-pot synthesis of supramolecular polymer containing quadruple hydrogen bonding units

A facile, efficient technique was built to synthesize a supramolecular material containing quadruple hydrogen bonding sites. The current approach presented here involves a single-step reaction between the amine of precursor, e.g. methyl isocytosine (MIC) and the epoxy group of polymer, e.g. poly(ethylene glycol diglycidyl ether) (PEG DGE, M_n = 526 g/mol, as verified using ¹H NMR and FT-IR spectroscopy. Wide angle X-ray scattering (WAXS), UV/visible spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) clearly show that the product is not a simple mixture of two components, but the supramolecular polymer containing quadruple hydrogen bonding sites. Complex melt viscosities reveal that mechanical properties of the supramolecular polymer are enhanced by more than 10⁴ times compared to the pristine low molecular weight polymer, giving rise to the significant change of physical state from liquid to solid. Current approach also illustrates an advantageous route because it does not need the selective use of monofunctionalized precursor and not produce a dead, difunctionalized precursor.     

Halide anion-templated assembly of di- and triiodoperfluorobenzenes into 2D and 3D supramolecular networks

The single crystal structures of five co-crystals formed by the reaction of different iodide and bromide salts with di- and triiodoperfluorobenzenes (I-ArF) are reported. All of these perfluorocarbon-hydrocarbon systems are heteromeric three-component systems, wherein the weakly coordinating cations favour the formation of naked halides, which function as electron-donors towards the I-ArF modules. The analysis of the crystal structures shows that I⁻?I-ArF, and Br⁻?I-ArF halogen bonds (XBs) control the self-assembly of the obtained supramolecular architectures. 2D and 3D supramolecular networks have been obtained, wherein naked iodide and bromide anions act as tri-, tetra-, or pentadentate nodes. The selected examples demonstrate that I-ArF modules can be particularly robust and reliable tectons for XB-based coordination of halide ions and afford supramolecular architectures in a rational and predictable way.     

Zinc(II) complexes with an imidazolylpyridine ligand: luminescence and hydrogen bonding

ZnLCl and [H₂L]₂[ZnCl₄], based on 2-(1-hydroxy-4,5-dimethyl-1H-imidazol-2-yl)pyridine (HL), have been synthesized. There is a short intraionic O–H···N hydrogen bond between the hydroxyimidazolyl and pyridyl of H₂L⁺ cations (N···O 2.608(2)?Å) in the structure of [H₂L]₂[ZnCl₄]. The formation of this rather strong hydrogen bond is confirmed by IR spectroscopy through a broad band at 3200–2200?cm^?1 and a band at 1655?cm^?1. HL crystallizes in the form of a hemihydrate, HL·0.5H₂O. HL assemble into infinite helical chains due to N–H···O intermolecular hydrogen bonds between the NH of imidazole and O of the N-oxide (O···N 2.623(2)?Å). An unusual mid-IR pattern with three broad bands at 3373, 2530, and 1850?cm^?1 is typical for strong hydrogen bonds, explained by resonance-assisted hydrogen bonding occurring in the helical chains. On cooling to 5?K, noticeable changes in the IR spectra of [H₂L]₂[ZnCl₄] and HL·0.5H₂O were observed. ZnLCl and [H₂L]₂[ZnCl₄] exhibit bright photoluminescence with maxima of emission at 458?nm (for ZnLCl) and 490?nm (for [H₂L]₂[ZnCl₄]).     

First systematic investigation of C-H...Cl hydrogen bonding using inorganic supramolecular synthons: lamellar, stitched stair-case, linked-ladder, and helical structures

Using a group of six neutral M(II)Cl(2)-containing coordination compounds as building blocks, the first systematic investigation of C-H...Cl hydrogen-bonding interactions was performed. Single-crystal X-ray structural analyses of four new compounds (pseudo-tetrahedral Co(II) and Zn(II); distorted trigonal bipyramidal Zn(II)) authenticate the metal coordination geometry. To provide a unified view of the presence of noncovalent interactions in this class of compounds, we have re-examined the packing diagram of two previously reported compounds (a distorted square-pyramidal Cu(II) complex and a trans-octahedral Co(II) complex). The organic ligands of our choice comprise bidentate/tridentate pyrazolylmethylpyridines and an unsymmetrical tridentate pyridylalkylamine. This systematic investigation has allowed us to demonstrate the existence of versatile C-H...Cl(2)M interactions and to report the successful application of such units as inorganic supramolecular synthons. Additional noncovalent interactions such as C-H...O and O-H...Cl hydrogen bonding and pi-pi stacking interactions have also been identified. Formation of novel supramolecular architectures has been revealed: 2D lamellar (p-cyclophane) and 3D lamellar, 3D "stitched staircase" (due to additional hydrogen-bonding interactions by water tetramers, with an average O-O bond length in the tetramer unit of 2.926 A, acting as "molecular clips" between staircases), 3D linked ladder, and single-stranded 1D helix.     

Macrocyclic anion receptors based on directed hydrogen bonding interactions

Natural anion receptors use charge-neutral dipoles to bind small anions with high affinities and selectivities. A convergent and rigid display of hydrogen bond donors such as amide, thiourea and urea functional groups in macrocyclic scaffolds would be one of the most efficient ways to create synthetic anion receptors that mimic natural ones. In this article, we present examples of natural anion receptors and discuss the synthesis of neutral macrocyclic receptors and their anion binding properties.     

Halogen bonding in supramolecular chemistry

Halogen bonding is the noncovalent interaction where halogen atoms function as electrophilic species. The energetic and geometrical features of the interaction are described along with the atomic characteristics that confer molecules with the specific ability to interact through this interaction. Halogen bonding has an impact on all research fields where the control of intermolecular recognition and self-assembly processes plays a key role. Some principles are presented for crystal engineering based on halogen-bonding interactions. The potential of the interaction is also shown by applications in liquid crystals, magnetic and conducting materials, and biological systems.     

Variation in crystalline architectures through supramolecular interactions in copper(II) complexes with tridentate N2O donor Schiff bases

Three copper(II) complexes, [Cu(L¹)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (1), [Cu(L²)(H₂O)(ClO₄)]·0.5H₂O (2), and [Cu(L²)(NCNC(OCH₃)NH₂)]ClO₄ (3), where HL¹ = 4-bromo-2-(-(quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)phenol and HL² = 1-(-(quinolin-8-ylimino)methyl)naphthalen-2-ol, have been prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and single-crystal X-ray diffraction studies. The copper(II) centers assume five-coordinate square-pyramidal geometries in 1 and 2, whereas square planar copper(II) is present in 3. A methanol molecule has been inserted in the pendant end of the ligated dicyanamide in 3. Various supramolecular architectures are formed by hydrogen bonding, π?π, C–H?π, and lp?π interactions.     

Supramolecular Assembly of Heterogeneous Multiporphyrin Arrays—Structures of [{ZnII(tpp)}2(tpyp)] and the Coordination Polymer [{[MnIII(tpp)]2(tpyp)(ClO4)2}∞]

Channels make up 46% of the crystal volume: A two-dimensional coordination polymer of exceptional structural regularity (see schematic drawing; tpp=tetraphenylporphyrin, tpyp=tetrapyridylporphyrin) was assembled from [Mn^III(tpp)]⋅ClO₄ and tpyp. The crystal packing of these polymers yields an open bulk structure with networks of perpendicular channels filled with nitrobenzene solvent molecules. Only oligomeric entities are formed by the reaction of [Zn^II(tpp)] with tpyp.     

The remarkable role of hydrogen bond,halogen, and solvent effect on self-healing supramolecular gel

Self-healing supramolecular gels of low-molecular-weight (LMW) molecules are smart soft materials; however, the development of self-healing LMW gelator is still a challenging task because of the lack of in-depth studies about self-healing mechanisms of LMW gels and the solvent effect on gel properties. Therefore, herein a different perspective was used to study a family of D-gluconic acetal-based gelators with variable structural fragments in 14 different solvents, and a more detailed understanding of self-assembly and self-healing mechanism of supramolecular gels was attained. Based on the critical gelation concentration, phase transition temperature, and rheological data, A8 bearing an amide group in side chain and two chlorine atoms linked to benzene ring was found to be an outstanding gelator, which could form gels with good self-healing ability in a variety of solvents. Interestingly, A8 gel formed in n-BuOH demonstrates high transparency, good mechanical strength, self-supporting behavior, and great self-healing ability from mechanical damage. Based on the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and theoretical calculation analysis, the self-assembly and self-healing mechanisms of A8 gel were proposed, indicating that a combination of hydrogen bonding and halogen effect was responsible for the efficient self-healing behavior of supramolecular gel. Furthermore, the analysis of solvent parameters indicated that the dispersion force of solvent favored gelators to self-assemble, hydrogen bonding donor ability of solvent mainly affected the formation of one-dimensional assembly, and hydrogen bonding receptor ability and polarity of solvent mainly influenced the supramolecular interactions among assemblies, significantly intervening the self-healing ability of gels. Overall, this study provides a new perspective to the understanding of gelator structure–property correlation in solvents and sheds light for future development of self-healing supramolecular gels.     

Self-Organization of a Heteroditopic Molecule to Linear Polymolecular Arrays in Solution

Like the proverbial monkey chain one heteroditopic self-complementary molecule, comprising a crown ether unit and a paraquat unit, catches a second such molecule in solution and thus by self-organization forms novel linear oligo- and polymolecular arrays (shown schematically; the crown ether unit is denoted by the ellipse, and the paraquat unit by the rectangle).     

Hydrothermal synthesis and characterization of a novel polyoxometallate-templated three-dimensional supramolecular network

The well-known polyoxomolybdate anion [Mo₈O₂₆]^4? has been used as a noncoordinating anionic template for the construction of a novel three-dimensional (3D) supramolecular network, [Co(phen)₃]₂[Mo₈O₂₆]·?2.5H₂O (1) (phen?=?o-phenanthroline). Compound 1 has been characterized by elemental analyses, IR spectrum, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), TG analysis and single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis reveals that [Co(phen)₃]²⁺ coordination complexes are packed together via aromatic?π–π?stacking and hydrogen-bonding interactions, and exhibit an interesting 3D supramolecular network with one-dimensional (1D) box-like channels in which the octamolybdate anions reside.     

Resolution of Racemic 1,2-Dibromohexafluoropropane through Halogen-Bonded Supramolecular Helices

Halogen bonds , attractive intermolecular interactions between perfluoroalkyl bromides and bromide ions, are present in cocrystals of (−)-sparteinium hydrobromide ( 1 ) and (S)-1,2-dibromohexafluoropropane ( 2 ; shown schematically), and result in enantiopure and infinite supramolecular helices. The perfluorocarbon–hydrocarbon self-assembly allows the resolution of racemic 2 .     

Supramolecular Strategies for the Recycling of Homogeneous Catalysts

Supramolecular approaches are increasingly used in the development of homogeneous catalysts and they also provide interesting new tools for the recycling of metal-based catalysts. Various non-covalent interactions have been utilized for the immobilization homogeneous catalysts on soluble and insoluble support. By non-covalent anchoring the supported catalysts obtained can be recovered via (nano-) filtration or such catalytic materials can be used in continuous flow reactors. Specific benefits from the reversibility of catalyst immobilization by non-covalent interactions include the possibility to re-functionalize the support material and the use as “boomerang” type catalyst systems in which the catalyst is captured after a homogeneous reaction. In addition, new reactor design with implemented recycling strategies becomes possible, such as a reverse-flow adsorption reactor (RFA) that combines a homogeneous reactor with selective catalyst adsorption/desorpion. Next to these non-covalent immobilization strategies, supramolecular chemistry can also be used to generate the support, for example by generation of self-assembled gels with catalytic function. Although the stability is a challenging issue, some self-assembled gel materials have been successfully utilized as reusable heterogeneous catalysts. In addition, catalytically active coordination cages, which are frequently used to achieve specific activity or selectivity, can be bound to support by ionic interactions or can be prepared in structured solid materials. These new heterogenized cage materials also have been used successfully as recyclable catalysts.     

Chiral eighteen-component three-dimensional supramolecular entities stabilized by the hydrogen bonding and coordination interactions

A new class of chiral eighteen-component three-dimensional supramolecular entities has been assembled in toluene and chloroform from twelve zinc porphyrin-appended 2-(ethylamino)- pyrimido[4,5-b][1,8]naphthyridin-4(3H)-one monomers and six chiral bipyridyl compounds. The heterocyclic segments form two C₆-symmetric cyclic hexamers, which are stabilized by a well-established DDA-AAD hydrogen bonding motif, while the six chiral bispyridine ligands are coordinated to the corresponding zinc porphyrin units to give the two-layered architectures. The structures have been characterized by the ¹H NMR, UV-vis and circular dichroism experiments, which also reveals that, when the concentration of the monomers is high enough, the chiral supramolecular entity can be formed exclusively.     

Multiresponsive supramolecular gels constructed by orthogonal metal–ligand coordination and hydrogen bonding

Macromonomers bearing tridentate 2,6-bis(1,2,3-trizol-4-yl)pyridine (BTP) ligand unit synthesized via CuAAC “click” chemistry in the middle of the chain and two ureidopyrimidinone (UPy) motifs on the ends linked to the central BTP unit via PEGs of various lengths were synthesized and used for the study of gelation both with and without the presence of Eu(III) ions. Various interesting gelation behaviors were found. Gels exhibited various multi-responsive properties, including photoluminescence, mechanoresponsive properties, self-healing abilities, thermorepsonsive properties and chemoresponsive properties. The different gelation abilities and multi-responsive properties for different systems were shown to be resulted from difference in PEG linker lengths and the introduction of orthogonal metal–ligand coordination and hydrogen bonding interactions. The selective responsiveness to different chemicals would allow the development of modular sensory systems that utilize a combination of orthogonal supramolecular interactions.