Temperature triggered alternating copolymerization of epoxides and lactones via pre-sequenced spiroorthoester intermediates

We report the alternating copolymerization of caprolactone and epoxide through the in situ formation of pre-sequenced spiroorthoester monomer. The reaction is catalyzed by the temperature triggered, bifunctional cationic indium complex (±)-[(NN_iO_tBu)In(CH₂SiMe₃)][B(C₆F₅)₄] (1). 1 can catalyze the coupling of epoxide and lactone to form spiroorthoester at 60 °C and its double ring-opening polymerization at 110 °C to form poly(ether-alt-ester). The post-polymerization modification and degradation of the poly(ether-alt-ester) are further investigated.

We report the alternating copolymerization of caprolactone and epoxide through the in situ formation of pre-sequenced spiroorthoester monomer.     

Supramolecular Polymerization Controlled through Kinetic Trapping

A method of controllable supramolecular polymerization through kinetic trapping is developed. To this end, two bifunctional monomers with cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and adamantane end groups were synthesized. The CB[7]‐containing monomer was presaturated with a pH‐responsive competitive guest for kinetic control. Then, the kinetics of supramolecular polymerization of the two monomers was easily controlled through the modulation of pH. As a result, supramolecular polymerization was kinetically trapped at certain stages, and supramolecular polymers with different molecular weights were obtained. It is anticipated that this research will enrich the methods of controllable supramolecular polymerization.     

Supramolecular Detoxification of Colchicine through Electrochemical Recognition

The complex characteristics of p-sulfonated calix[n]arene and colchicine were examined using various techniques. Cyclic voltammetry indicated that the structural matching and electrostatic interactions were the dominant stabilizing factors for the host–guest complexes. The method showed a long linear voltammetric range for p-sulfonated calix[4]arene from 1?×?10^?8 to 1?×?10^?6?mol?L^?1 with a detection limit of 3?×?10^?9?mol?L^?1. Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy confirmed that a 1:1 ratio complex was formed. Molecular mechanics showed that the benzene ring of colchicine entered the p-sulfonated calix[4]arene cavity. The solubility of colchicine increased with the p-sulfonated calix[4]arene concentration 50-fold from 0.13 to 6.4?mol?L^?1. The simulation of cell membrane permeability indicated that colchicine was released from the colchicine-p-sulfonated calix[4]arene complex and entered the hydrophobic micelles. These results show that p-sulfonated calix[4]arene is suitable as a drug carrier for colchicine. This work has expanded applications of drug loading, transport, and targeted release for the treatment of gout.     

Supramolecular assemblies through macromolecular recognition by cyclodextrins

Cyclodextrins have been found to form inclusion complexes with various polymers with high specificities to give stoichiometric compounds in crystalline states. Polyrotaxanes in which many cyclodextrins are threaded on a single chain were prepared by capping the chain ends with bulky groups.     

Supramolecular Peptide Amphiphile Vesicles through Host-Guest Complexation

Tricky triggering: Supramolecular peptide amphiphiles were prepared by host-guest complexation of pyrene-labeled peptides and viologen lipid with cucurbit[8]uril. They self-assemble into vesicles, which are responsive to a variety of external triggers. Both "switching on" and "switching off" of fluoresence and cytotoxicity is demonstrated in?vitro.     

Supramolecular PhanePhos-analogous ligands through hydrogen-bonding for asymmetric hydrogenation

PhanePhos-analogous phosphorous ligands have been generated via self-assembly through hydrogen-bonding, and studied in rhodium-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation (up to 99% ee).     

Synthetic applications of non-polymerizable monomers in living carbocationic polymerization

The foundation and methodology of using highly reactive but non-polymerizable monomers in living cationic polymerizations is introduced. The chemistry and kinetics of 1,1-diphenylethylene (DPE) addition to living polyisobutylene (PIB) in methyl chloride/n-hexanes 40/60 v/v at −80°C is reported. Monoaddition occurred even when large excess of 1,1-diphenylethylene was used. The methanol quenched polymer of the DPE capped PIB carried -OCH₃ functionality exclusively, suggesting that the diphenyl alkyl chain-ends are completely ionized, which was confirmed by conductivity studies. By in-situ functionalization using soft nucleophiles a variety of functional groups were obtained, most notably ester upon reaction with silyl ketene acetal. It was found that the diphenyl carbenium ion is an efficient initiating species for the polymerization of reactive monomers such as vinyl ethers and α-methylstyrene. The synthesis of PIB based block copolymers was accomplished by sequential monomer addition, using para-methylstyrene, α-methylstyrene or isobutyl vinyl ether as the second monomer. It involved capping with DPE, followed by tailoring the Lewis acidity to the reactivity of the second monomer by the addition of titanium(IV) alkoxide, by replacing the Lewis acid with a weaker one or by the use of a common ion salt. PIB-b-PMMA was obtained by the combination of living cationic and group transfer (GTP) polymerizations.     

Supramolecular control of single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformation through selective guest exchange

Guest-switchable crystals: A solid-state guest exchange of the tetraphosphonate cavitand Tiiii[H,CH(3),Ph] as host promotes single-crystal-to-single-crystal transformations (see graphic). The strong preference for methanol over water is observed in all three phases (gas, liquid, solid), thus demonstrating the fundamental role played by the preorganized cavity through synergistic H-bonds and C-H???π interactions.     

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 .     

Functionalization of diazines and benzo derivatives through deprotonated intermediates

This critical review targets as a readership researchers generally oriented toward organic synthesis and in particular those active in heterocyclic chemistry. Diazines and benzo derivatives can undergo deprotonative metalation provided that the base is properly chosen. Metalation reactions of a large range of substrates can be performed using hindered lithium dialkylamides such as lithium 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidide. Subsequent reactions with electrophiles open an entry to a great variety of building blocks, notably for the synthesis of biologically active compounds. (83 references).     

Autoamplification of Molecular Chirality through the Induction of Supramolecular Chirality

The novel concept for the autoamplification of molecular chirality, wherein the amplification proceeds through the induction of supramolecular chirality, is presented. A solution of prochiral, ring‐open diarylethenes is doped with a small amount of their chiral, ring‐closed counterpart. The molecules co‐assemble into helical fibers through hydrogen bonding and the handedness of the fibers is biased by the chiral, ring‐closed diarylethene. Photochemical ring closure of the open diarylethene yields the ring‐closed product, which is enriched in the template enantiomer.     

Supramolecular helical mesomorphic polymers. Chiral induction through H-bonding

The work described here concerns a challenge of general interest in supramolecular chemistry: the achievement of chiral helical organizations with controlled structures. This work provides a strategy to obtain supramolecular polymers in which a chiral helical conformation has been induced by a noncovalent association, that is, through hydrogen bonding. Polycatenar 2,4,6-triarylamino-1,3,5-triazines, which organize into columnar mesophases and are susceptible to H-bonding interactions, were chosen as a starting point to build up the chiral supramolecular structure. The stacking of these mesogens has been forced to wind in a helical way by means of H-bond association with (R)-3-methyladipic acid, within the mesophase. The optically active columnar organization has been studied in depth by optical microscopy, differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), X-ray diffraction, and circular dichroism. Formation of stable complexes between the triazine units and (R)-3-methyladipic acid has also been investigated by means of NMR diffusion-ordered spectroscopy (DOSY) experiments in chloroform.     

Supramolecular Clippers for Controlling Photophysical Processes through Preorganized Chromophores

A novel supramolecular clipping design for influencing the photophysical properties of functional molecular assemblies, by the preorganization (clipping) of chromophores, is described. Several chromophores end functionalized with molecular recognition units were designed. These molecular recognition units serve as handles to appropriately position these systems upon noncovalent interactions with multivalent guest molecules (supramolecular clippers). Towards this goal, we have synthesized 1,5‐dialkoxynaphthalene (DAN) and naphthalenediimide (NDI) functionalized with dipicolylethylenediamine (DPA) motifs. These molecules could preorganize upon noncovalent clipping with adenosine di‐ or triphosphates, which resulted in preassociated excimers and mixed (cofacial) charge‐transfer (CT) assemblies. Chiral guest binding could also induce supramolecular chirality, not only into the individual chromophoric assembly but also into the heteromeric CT organization, as seen from the strong circular dichroism (CD) signal of the CT transition. The unique ability of this design to influence the intermolecular interactions by changing the binding strength of the clippers furthermore makes it very attractive for controlling the bimolecular photophysical processes.     

Dynamic Growth of Macroscopically Structured Supramolecular Hydrogels through Orchestrated Reaction-Diffusion

Living organisms are capable of dynamically changing their structures for adaptive functions through sophisticated reaction-diffusion processes. Here we show how active supramolecular hydrogels with programmable lifetimes and macroscopic structures can be created by relying on a simple reaction-diffusion strategy. Two hydrogel precursors (poly(acrylic acid) PAA/CaCl₂ and Na₂CO₃) diffuse from different locations and generate amorphous calcium carbonate (ACC) nanoparticles at the diffusional fronts, leading to the formation of hydrogel structures driven by electrostatic interactions between PAA and ACC nanoparticles. Interestingly, the formed hydrogels are capable of autonomously disintegrating over time because of a delayed influx of electrostatic-interaction inhibitors (NaCl). The hydrogel growth process is well explained by a reaction-diffusion model which offers a theoretical means to program the dynamic growth of structured hydrogels. Furthermore, we demonstrate a conceptual access to dynamic information storage in soft materials using the developed reaction-diffusion strategy. This work may serve as a starting point for the development of life-like materials with adaptive structures and functionalities.     

Design and Control of Perylene Supramolecular Polymers through Imide Substitutions

The number and type of new supramolecular polymer (SMP) systems have increased rapidly in recent years. Some of the key challenges faced for these novel systems include gaining full control over the mode of self-assembly, the creation of novel architectures and exploring functionality. Here, we provide a critical overview of approaches related to perylene-based SMPs and discuss progress to exert control over these potentially important SMPs through chemical modification of the imide substituents. Imide substitutions affect self-assembly behaviour orthogonally to the intrinsic optoelectronic properties of the perylene core, making for a valuable approach to tune SMP properties. Several recent approaches are therefore highlighted, with a focus on controlling 1) morphology, 2) H- or J- aggregation, and 3) mechanism of growth and degree of aggregation using thermodynamic and kinetic control. Areas of potential future exploration and application of these functional SMPs are also explored.     

Chemical functionalization of activated carbon through radical and diradical intermediates

Small redox molecules were grafted on carbon through radical and diradical procedures. The reactive intermediates were derived from the 3,4-dimethoxybenzenediazonium salt and the 4,5-dimethoxybenzenediazonium-2-carboxylate salt prepared and decomposed in situ, yielding the dimethoxybenzene radical and the analogous diradical benzyne, respectively. In both cases, the activated carbon Norit serves as trapping agent and the dimethoxybenzene–carbon composites obtained were compared by thermal gravimetric analysis, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and cyclic voltammetry. After oxidative ether cleavage of dimethoxybenzene molecules attached to the surface, the resultant catechol-modified carbon electrodes served as pseudo-capacitive materials in aqueous electrochemical capacitors.