Inclusion [2]complexes based on the cryptand/diquat recognition motif

Seven diquat-based inclusion [2]complexes were studied by proton NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray analysis. The hosts used in these inclusion [2]complexes are bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10, a bis(m-phenylene)-26-crown-8-based cryptand, and five bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands. Bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands have been proved to be able to complex diquat much more strongly than bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 itself and one containing a pyridyl moiety has one of the highest K_a values reported to date. These hosts form 1:1 complexes with diquat in solution and in the solid state. It was found that the improved binding from bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10 to bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10 was due to a supramolecular cryptand structure formed by chelation of the two terminal OH moieties of bis(5-hydroxymethyl-1,3-phenylene)-32-crown-10 with a water molecule as a hydrogen-bonding bridge.     

A molecular plug-socket connector

A monocationic plug-socket connector that is composed, at the molecular level, of three components, (1) a secondary dialkylammonium center (CH2NH2+CH2), which can play the role of a plug toward dibenzo[24]crown-8 (DB24C8), (2) a rigid and conducting biphenyl spacer, and (3) 1,4-benzo-1,5-naphtho[36]crown-10 (BN36C10), capable of playing the role of a socket toward a 4,4'-bipyridinium dicationic plug, was synthesized and displays the ability to act as a plug-socket connector. The fluorescent signal changes associated with the 1,5-dioxynaphthalene unit of its BN36C10 portion were monitored to investigate the association of this plug-socket connector with the complementary socket and plug compounds. The results indicate that (1) the CH2NH2+CH2 part of the molecular connector can thread DB24C8 in a trivial manner and (2) the BN36C10 ring of the connector can be threaded by a 1,1'-dioctyl-4,4'-bipyridinium ion only after the CH2NH2+CH2 site is occupied by a DB24C8 ring. The two connections of the three-component assembly are shown to be controlled reversibly by acid/base and red/ox external inputs, respectively. The results obtained represent a key step for the design and construction of a self-assembling supramolecular system in which the molecular electron source can be connected to the molecular electron drain by a molecular elongation cable.     

The first [2]pseudorotaxane and the first pseudocryptand-type poly[2]pseudorotaxane based on bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 and paraquat derivatives

By the self-assembly of a bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 bearing two electron-donating groups (carbazoles) with electron-accepting paraquat derivatives, the first [2]pseudorotaxane and the first pseudocryptand-type poly[2]pseudorotaxane based on bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 were isolated as crystalline solids as shown by X-ray analyses.     

Synergistic activation of photoswitchable supramolecular assembly based on sulfonated crown ether and dithienylethene derivative

Conformational regulation among two or more distant sites is not only one of the main pathways to accomplish multiple tasks in complex biological systems but also represents a powerful strategy to obtain stimuli-responsive supramolecular nanoconstructs with tailored physicochemical performance. We herein report the fabrication of a photochromic supramolecular assembly, which can be synergistically activated by the conformational regulation with bis(4,8-disulfonato-1,5-naphtho)-32-crown-8 and the...     

2]Pseudorotaxanes based on the recognition of cryptands to vinylogous viologens

Host-guest complexation between two crown ether-based cryptands and two vinylogous viologens has been studied. Formation of [2]pseudorotaxanes from a dibenzo-24-crown-8-based cryptand and these vinylogous viologens can be reversibly controlled by adding and removing potassium cation in acetone. Furthermore, the complexation between a bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptand and a vinylogous viologen exhibits a high association constant, 1.18 × 10(6) M(-1) in acetone, and leads to the formation of a supramolecular poly[2]pseudorotaxane in the solid state.     

Complexation of diquat and paraquat by macrocyclic polyethers incorporating two dibydroxynaphthalene residues

NMR Spectroscopy and FAB mass spectrometry demonstrate that the 38-crown-10 (1/5DN38C10) and 35-crown-9 (1/5DN35C9) ethers incorporating two 1,5-di-naphtho units form 1:1 complexes with the Paraquat [PQT]²⁺ and Diquat [DQT]²⁺ dications in solution. In the solid state, the [PQT.1/5DN38C10]²⁺ complex is stabilised by face-to-face (π/π charge transfer) interactions between the naphtho and bipyridinium rings, whereas the free 1/5DN35C9 receptor features a classic edge-to-face (H^δ+/π electrostatic) interaction between its two naphtho rings.     

Rotaxane axle as an effective scaffold: synthesis of functionalized [3]rotaxane and connection of the wheel components arranged on the axle

A [3]rotaxane consisting of a bis(sec-ammonium)-type axle and two functionalized dibenzo-24-crown-8-ether wheels was prepared in a good yield. The two point connection of the wheel components placed on the axle of the rotaxane was achieved by the Michael addition of hexanedithiol to the methacrylate CC bonds of the wheels to afford the corresponding [2]rotaxanes.     

[2]Pseudorotaxanes based on the cryptand/monopyridinium recognition motif

The first cryptand/monopyridinium [2]pseudorotaxanes were prepared from five bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10- and one bis(m-phenylene)-26-crown-8-based cryptand hosts and three monopyridinium guests. These pseudorotaxanes were studied by proton NMR spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and X-ray crystallography. Association constants ranged from 141 M⁻¹ to 1.86×10⁴ M⁻¹ in 1:1 acetone: chloroform at 22 °C.     

A chemical-responsive bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10/2,7-diazapyrenium salt [2]pseudorotaxane

A chemical-responsive bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10/2,7-diazapyrenium salt [2]pseudorotaxane was prepared. It was found to form a supramolecular poly[2]pseudorotaxane in the solid state driven by π-π stacking interactions.     

An acid-base adjustable pseudocryptand-type [2]pseudorotaxane based on a bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 derivative and paraquat

A pseudocryptand-type [2]pseudorotaxane was formed via the self-assembly of a dipyridyl bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 (BMP32C10) derivative and a paraquat derivative. Due to the basicity of the pyridyl group, which forms the third pseudo-bridge of the pseudocryptand, this pseudorotaxane possesses two finite acid-base adjustable association constants.     

Heteroleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) europium(III) complexes fused with different numbers of 15-crown-5 moieties. Synthesis, spectroscopy, electrochemistry, and supramolecular structure

A series of heteroleptic bis(phthalocyaninato) europium(III) complexes, namely, Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)] (2), Eu(Pc)[Pc(opp-15C5)2] (3), Eu(Pc)[Pc(adj-15C5)2] (4), Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)3] (5), and Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)4] (6) [Pc = unsubstituted phthalocyaninate; Pc(15C5) = 2,3-(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate; Pc(opp-15C5)2 = 2,3,16,17-bis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate; Pc(adj-15C5)2 = 2,3,9,10-bis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate; Pc(15C5)3 = 2,3,9,10,16,17-tris(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate, Pc(15C5)4 = 2,3,9,10,16,17,24,25-tetrakis(15-crown-5)phthalocyaninate], with one, two, three, and four 15-crown-5 voids attached at different positions of one of the two phthalocyaninato ligands in the double-decker molecules, have been devised and prepared by Eu(Pc)(acac)-induced (Hacac = acetylacetone) mixed cyclization of the two corresponding phthalonitriles in the presence of organic base 1,8-diazabicyclo[5.4.0]undec-7-ene (DBU) in n-pentanol. For the purpose of comparative studies, homoleptic counterparts Eu(Pc)2 (1) and Eu[Pc(15C5)4]2 (7) have also been prepared. These sandwich double-decker complexes have been characterized by a wide range of spectroscopic methods in addition to elemental analysis. Their electrochemistry has also been studied by cyclic voltammetry (CV) and differential pulse voltammetry (DPV). The molecular structure of Eu(Pc)[Pc(15C5)4] (6) has been determined by X-ray diffraction analysis. Their supramolecular structure-formation properties, in particular for compounds 5 and 6 in the presence of potassium ions, have also been comparatively studied for the purpose of future functional investigation.     

Intramolecular behaviors of anthryldicarbenic systems: dibenzo[b,f]pentalene and 1H,5H-dicyclobuta[de,kl]anthracene

9,10-Bis[methoxy(trimethylsilyl)methyl]anthracenes (24), synthesized from 9,10-dilithioanthracene (26) and bromomethoxytrimethylsilylmethane (27, 2 equiv), decompose (550-650 degrees C/10(-3) mmHg) carbenically to dibenzo[b,f]pentalene (28, > 48%). 9,10-Anthryldicarbenes 39 or their equivalents convert to pentalene 28 rather than di-peri-cyclobutanthracenes 30 and 31, benzobiphenylene 32, or extended rearrangement products 33-38. Formation of 28 from 24 raises questions with respect to the behavior of 1,3,4,6-cycloheptatetraenyl-1-carbenes 49, 2,4,5,7-cyclooctatetraenylidene 51, 2,5,7-cyclooctatriene-1,4-diylidene 52, 1,2,4,5,7-cyclooctapentaene 53, and bicyclo[4.1.0]heptatrienyl-1-carbenes 54 and to carbon-skeleton and hydrogen rearrangements of anthryldicarbenes 39 and/or their equivalents at various temperatures. 1,5-Bis[methoxy(trimethylsilyl)methyl]anthracenes (25), prepared from 1,5-diiodoanthracene (63) and methoxytrimethylsilylmethylzinc bromide (57, 2 equiv) as catalyzed by PdCl(2)(PPh(3))(2), yield the di-peri-carbenic reaction product 1H,5H-dicyclobuta[de,kl]anthracene (30, > 40%) on pyrolysis at 550-650 degrees C/10(-3) mmHg. Proof of structure and various aspects of the mechanisms of formation of 30 are discussed.     

High-yield preparation of [2]rotaxanes based on the bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptand/paraquat derivative recognition motif

Based on the complexation between bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands and a paraquat derivative, two [2]rotaxanes were synthesized by using a threading-followed-by-stoppering method. Due to the strong associations between the cryptands and the paraquat derivative, high yields were achieved even in dilute solution.     

Template effects and kinetic selection in the self-assembly of crown ether cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene)

The template effects exerted by bis(p-phenylene)[34]crown-10 (3) and by 1,5-dinaphto[38]crown-10 (4) in the ring-closure reaction of the trication 2(3+) to yield the [2]catenanes 7(4+) and 8(4+) have been quantitatively evaluated in acetonitrile at 62 degrees C by UV/visible spectroscopy. The rate of ring closure of the trication 2(3+) dramatically increases in the presence of the templates 3 and 4, up to approximately 230 times at [3] approximately equals 0.1 molL(-1), and up to approximately 1,900 times at [4] approximately equals 0.01 molL(-1). The outcome of kinetic selection experiments, in which the two crown ethers compete for the incorporation into the catenane structure, has been discussed in the light of the obtained results. It has been shown that the product ratio of catenanes obeys the Curtin-Hammett principle only if the concentrations of the templates are equal and much greater than that of the substrate. Analysis of the rate profiles has shown that the 1,5-dioxynaphthalene unit, present in the template 4, has a greater affinity than the 1,4-dioxybenzene unit, present in the template 3, for the electron-deficient pyridinium rings present in both the transition-state and substrate structures. Ab initio calculations at the 3-21G and 6-31G(d) levels of theory indicate that the greater affinity of the 1,5-dioxynaphthalene unit cannot be explained on the basis of greater pi-pi stacking and [C-H...pi] interactions, but rather on the basis of the model of apolar complexation in which the solvent plays a major role.     

Bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10/monopyridinium [2]pseudorotaxanes

The first crown ether/monopyridinium threaded structures, which are [2]pseudorotaxanes based on a new bis(m-phenylene)-32-crown-10/monopyridinium recognition motif, were successfully prepared as confirmed by proton NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and X-ray analysis.     

Contrasting biscryptand/dimethyl paraquat [3]pseudorotaxanes: statistical vs. anticooperative complexation behavior

Via the self-assembly of two bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10-based cryptands, bearing covalent and metal complex (ferrocene) linkages, with dimethyl paraquat, novel [3]pseudorotaxanes were formed statistically and anticooperatively, respectively.     

Pseudocryptand-type [2]pseudorotaxanes based on bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 derivatives and paraquats with remarkably improved association constants

The first dual component pseudocryptand-type [2]pseudorotaxanes were designed and prepared via the self-assembly of synthetically easily accessible bis(meta-phenylene)-32-crown-10 pyridyl, quinolyl, and naphthyridyl derivatives with paraquat. The formation of the pseudocryptand structures in the complexes remarkably improved the association constant by forming the third pseudobridge via H-bonding with the guest and π-stacking of the heterocyclic units.     

Preparation and characterization of the argentates: [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-) (M = Cr, W), and [Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)](-): X-ray crystal structure of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)

The first example of a mononuclear diphosphanidoargentate, bis[bis(trifluoromethyl)phosphanido]argentate, [Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-), is obtained via the reaction of HP(CF(3))(2) with [Ag(CN)(2)](-) and isolated as its [K(18-crown-6)] salt. When the cyclic phosphane (PCF(3))(4) is reacted with a slight excess of [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[P(CF(3))(2)](2)], selective insertion of one PCF(3) unit into each silver phosphorus bond is observed, which on the basis of NMR spectroscopic evidence suggests the [Ag[P(CF(3))P(CF(3))(2)](2)](-) ion. On treatment of the phosphane complexes [M(CO)(5)PH(CF(3))(2)] (M = Cr, W) with [K(18-crown-6)][Ag(CN)(2)], the analogous trinuclear argentates, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))M(CO)(5)](2)](-), are formed. The chromium compound [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)] crystallizes in a noncentrosymmetric space group Fdd2 (No. 43), a = 2970.2(6) pm, b = 1584.5(3) pm, c = 1787.0(4), V = 8.410(3) nm(3), Z = 8. The C(2) symmetric anion, [Ag[(micro-P(CF(3))(2))Cr(CO)(5)](2)](-), shows a nearly linear arrangement of the P-Ag-P unit. Although the bis(pentafluorophenyl)phosphanido compound [Ag[P(C(6)F(5))(2)](2)](-) has not been obtained so far, the synthesis of its trinuclear counterpart, [K(18-crown-6)][Ag[(micro-P(C(6)F(5))(2))W(CO)(5)](2)], was successful.     

Sodium and potassium benzeneazophosphonate complexes with crown ethers: Solid-state microwave synthesis, characterization and biological activity

The eco-friendly synthesis, spectroscopic (IR, MS, ¹H and ¹³C NMR) study and biological (cytostatic, antiviral) activity of sodium and potassium benzeneazophosphonate complexes, obtained by reaction in the solid state under microwave irradiation of the alkali salts of ethyl [α-(4-benzeneazoanilino)-N-benzyl]phosphonic acid and [α-(4-benzeneazoanilino)-N-4-methoxybenzyl]phosphonic acid with crown ethers containing 18-membered (dibenzo-18-crown-6 and bis(4′-di-tert-butylbenzo)-18-crown-6), 24-membered (dibenzo-24-crown-8) and 30-membered (dibenzo-30-crown-10) macrocyclic rings, have been described. The simple work-up solvent free reaction is an efficient green procedure for the formation of mononuclear crown ether complexes in which the sodium/potassium ion is bound to oxygen atoms of the macrocycle and the phosphonic acid oxygen. The free crown ethers, alkali benzeneazophosphonate salts and their complexes were evaluated for their cytostatic activity in vitro against murine leukemia L1210, murine mammary carcinoma FM3A and human T-lymphocyte CEM and MT-4 cell lines, as well as for their antiviral activity against a wide variety of DNA and RNA viruses. The investigated compounds showed no specific antiviral activity, whereas all the free crown ethers and their complexes demonstrated cytostatic activity, which was especially pronounced in the case of bis(4′-di-tert-butylbenzo)-18-crown-6 and its complexes.     

Conformational interconversions in [2]catenanes containing a wide rigid bis(p-benzyl)methyl spacer

The conformational interconversions of four [2]catenanes (1-4) containing a dibenzo-34-crown-10 ether (BPP34C10) interlocked with rings containing two 4,4'-dipyridiniums tethered by 1,3-bis(ethyloxy)phenyl and bis(p-benzyl)methyl spacers have been studied by VT 1H NMR spectroscopy. Symmetrically placed blocking groups on thickened tethers enabled either pathway for circumrotation of the BPP34C10 between isoenergetic sites to be blocked. On the basis of chemical shifts of the BPP34C10, its internal p-hydroquinone forms pi-pi-stacking interactions with only one 4,4'-dipyridinium ring at a time. The activation barrier for migration along either open tether was approximately 11.5 kcal/mol. This study demonstrates an ability to select the pathway for conformational interconversions in these [2]catenanes containing the rigid bis(p-benzyl)methyl tether and the lowering the barrier for interconversion through destabilization of the ground state structures.