2]Rotaxanes containing pyridinium-phosphonium axles and 24-crown-8 ether wheels

A triethylphosphonium group attached to a pyridinium ethane moiety can be used as an axle for the self-assembly of [2]pseudorotaxanes and [2]rotaxanes. Although [2]pseudorotaxane formation is limited due to the bulk of the PR4+ group, [2]rotaxanes can be formed utilising 24-crown-8 ether, benzo-24-crown-8 ether and naphtho-24-crown-8 ether. The synthesis of these [2]rotaxanes and the X-ray structure of the [2]rotaxane containing a 24-crown-8 ether wheel are described. When the crown ether contains an aromatic group two possible conformational isomers exist; these are identified at low temperature by 1H and 31P NMR spectroscopy.     

Chemical and electrochemical formation of pseudorotaxanes composed of alkyl(ferrocenylmethyl)ammmonium and dibenzo[24]crown-8

Protonation of p-xylylaminomethylferrocene (1) and n-hexylaminomethylferrocene (2) by HCl and NH(4)PF(6) forms the ferrocenylmethyl(alkyl)ammonium salt. Inclusion of the compounds by dibenzo[24]crown-8 (DB24C8) produces [2]pseudorotaxanes, [(DB24C8)(1-H)](+)(PF(6)) and [(DB24C8)(2-H)](+)(PF(6)), respectively. X-ray diffraction of the former product indicates an interlocked structure composed of the axis and the macrocyclic molecule. Intermolecular N-H...O and C-H...O interactions and stacking of the aromatic planes are observed. [(DB24C8)(1-H)](+)(PF(6)), in the solid state, is characterized by IR spectroscopy and elemental analyses. A similar reaction of 1,1'-bis(p-xylylaminomethyl)ferrocene (3) forms a mixture of [2] and [3]pseudorotaxanes, [(DB24C8)(3-H(2))](2+)(PF(6))(2) and [(DB24C8)(2)(3-H(2))](2+)(PF(6))(2). The latter product having two DB24C8 molecules is isolated and characterized by X-ray crystallography. Formation of these pseudorotaxanes in a CD(3)CN solution is evidenced by (1)H NMR and mass spectrometry. Electrochemical oxidation of 1-3 at 0.4 V (vs Ag(+)/Ag) in the presence of TEMPOH (1-hydroxy-2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine) and DB24C8 affords the corresponding pseudorotaxanes. The ESR spectrum of the reaction mixture indicates the formation of a TEMPO radical in high yield. Details of the conversion of the dialkylamino group of the ligand to the dialkylammonium group are investigated by using a flow electrolysis method linked to spectroscopic measurements. The proposed mechanism for the reaction involves the ferrocenium species, formed by initial oxidation, which undergoes electron transfer from nitrogen to the Fe(III) center, producing a cation radical at the nitrogen. Transfer of hydrogen from TEMPOH to the cation radical and inclusion of the resulting dialkylammonium species by DB24C8 yields the pseudorotaxanes.     

A very efficient synthesis of a mannosyl orthoester [2]rotaxane and mannosidic [2]rotaxanes

The direct preparation of mannosyl[2]rotaxane derivatives by O-glycosylation from tetra-O-acetyl-alpha-D-mannosyltrichloroacetimidate and a tert-butylanilinium alcohol in the presence of dibenzo-24-crown-8 is described. The method appears to be very efficient and allows for the preparation of either orthoester or mannosyl rotaxane derivatives, depending on reaction conditions.     

Linking [2]rotaxane wheels to create a new type of metal organic rotaxane framework

Three new [2]rotaxanes with aromatic nitrogen donors appended to the crown ether wheel have been synthesized and used as ligands to coordinate Cd(II) ions. One of these yields a new type of 2-periodic, metal organic rotaxane framework in which the wheel rather than the axle is used to link the metal nodes.     

Quantitative conformational study of redox-active [2]rotaxanes, part 1: Methodology and application to a model [2]rotaxane

This paper reports a novel methodology for the conformational analysis of [2]rotaxanes. It combines NMR spectroscopic (COSY, NOESY and the recently reported paramagnetic line-broadening and suppression technique) and electrochemical techniques to enable a quantitative analysis of the co-conformations of interlocked molecules and the conformations of their components. This methodology was used to study a model [2]rotaxane in solution. This [2]rotaxane consists of an axle that incorporates an electron-poor, doubly positively charged viologen that threads an electron-rich crown ether. It has been shown that the axle of the [2]rotaxane in its dicationic state adopts a folded conformation in solution and the crown ether is localised at the viologen moiety. Following a one-electron reduction of viologen, the paramagnetic radical cation of the [2]rotaxane retains its folded conformation in solution. The data also demonstrate that in the radical cation the crown ether remains localised at the viologen, despite its reduced affinity for the singly reduced viologen. The combined quantitative NMR spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of the electromechanical function of the model [2]rotaxane in solution provides an important reference point for the study of switching in structurally related bistable [2]rotaxanes, which is the subject of the second part of this work.     

Self-assembly of unprecedented [8+12] Cu-metallamacrocycle-based 3D metal-organic frameworks

[8+12]-metallamacrocycle-based 3D frameworks {[Cu(4)(pbt)(2)(SO(4))(2)(DMF)(2)(CH(3)OH)]·7H(2)O·DMF}(n) (1) and [12]-macrocycle 3D {[Cu(2)(pbt)(SO(4))(DMSO)(CH(3)OH)(2)]·5H(2)O·CH(3)OH}(n) (2) have been obtained. Both complexes display antiferromagnetic couplings and high catalytic activity in the oxidative coupling reaction of 1-ethynylbenzene and oxazolidin-2-one.     

Modular construction of pyrido[24]crown-8-based templates in the self-assembly of cross-linked [n]catenanes

Starting from the versatile 4-bromopyrido[24]crown-8 building block, novel ditopic and tritopic receptors have been synthesized and shown to be appropriate hosts for bis(4-formylbenzyl)ammonium hexafluorophosphate. Association constants (per binding site) for the corresponding [3]- and [4]pseudorotaxanes, assembled from these components, were determined to be 2753  M^?1 and 723  M^?1, respectively. Mechanical bond formation was attempted utilizing dynamic imine bond formation between the formyl groups of the bound dibenzylammonium threads and p-phenylenediamine.     

Self-assembly of Novel Hetero[3]rotaxane,[2]Rotaxanes and [2]Catenane

One linear template 13 and one cyclophane template 15, both incorporating two electron rich 1,4-dialkoxybenzene units and one diamide unit, have been synthesized. By utilizing donor-acceptor interaction and/or intermolecular hydrogen bonding assembling principles, one novel hetero[3]rotaxane 22·4Cl, possessing one neutral and one tetracationic ring components, has been synthesized from 13, through neutral [2]rotaxane 21 as intermediate. With 15 as template, tetracationic [2]catenane 23·4PF6 was assembled by using donor-acceptor interaction, but no neutral [2]rotaxane could be obtained under the typical conditions of hydrogen bonding assembling principle. The interlocked supramolecular compounds have been characterized and their spectral properties are investigated.     

Foldamers in pseudo[2]rotaxanes and [2]rotaxanes: tuning the switching kinetics and metastability

Hydrogen bonded arylamide foldamers have been introduced in switchable pseudo[2]rotaxanes and [2]rotaxanes, which also include a cyclobisparaquat(p-phenylene) (CBPQT⁴⁺) ring and a ‘dumbbell’ containing tetrathiafulvalene (TTF) and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene (DNP, for rotaxanes). The foldamer size changes through folding and unfolding serve as a steric handle to modulate the mechanical movement of the CBPQT⁴⁺ ring along the dumbbell of the pseudo[2]rotaxanes and [2]rotaxanes. By varying the number of the repeating units in the foldamer, the kinetics of the solvent-dependent slippage/deslippage of pseudo[2]rotaxanes and the switching of the ring between TTF and DNP of the [2]rotoxanes can be tuned remarkably, with the time scope ranging from several minutes to several days, in twelve solvents of varying polarity, which have been confirmed by the ¹H NMR, UV–vis spectroscopy, and cyclic voltammogram experiments.     

Characterization of a slippage stopper for the 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane-[24]crown-8 ether [2]pseudorotaxane motif

Comparison of 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane axles containing iso-nicotinate esters (R=ethyl, iso-propyl, cyclohexyl, cycloheptyl) as the pyridinium unit shows that the cyclohexyl group provides a stopper size that allows slippage to be used as a method for pseudorotaxane/rotaxane formation employing dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether (DB24C8) as the wheel. Rates of complexation and decomplexation were measured in a number of solvent systems and the kinetic and thermodynamic parameters associated with the process reported.     

Quantitative conformational study of redox-active [2]rotaxanes, part 2: Switching in flexible and rigid bistable [2]rotaxanes

Translational movement of the macrocycle in two structurally similar bistable [2]rotaxanes, which is induced by a four-step electrochemical process in solution, has been investigated by using a methodology developed in the preceding article (Chem. Eur. J. 2008, 14, 1107-1116). Both [2]rotaxanes contain a crown ether that can be accommodated by either of two interconnected viologen recognition sites. These sites are substantially different in terms of their affinity towards the crown ether and they possess considerably different electrochemical reduction potentials. The two [2]rotaxanes differ in the length and the rigidity of a bridge that links these sites. A combination of molecular mechanics modelling and NOE spectroscopy data provides information about the conformations of both [2]rotaxanes in the parent oxidation state when the crown ether exclusively populates the strong recognition site. To determine the population of the recognition sites at subsequent stages of reduction, a paramagnetic NMR technique and cyclic voltammetry were used. The key finding is that the flexibility of the connecting bridge element between the recognition sites interferes with shuttling of the crown ether in [2]rotaxanes. It can be demonstrated that the more flexible trimethylene bridge is folded, thus limiting the propensity of the crown ether to shuttle. Consequently, the crown ether populates the original site even in the second reduced state of the flexible [2]rotaxane. On the contrary, in the [2]rotaxane in which two viologen sites are connected by a larger and more rigid p-terphenylene bridge, the predominant location of the crown ether at the weak recognition site is achieved after just one single electron reduction.     

Branched [n]rotaxanes (n = 2-4) from multiple dibenzo-24-crown-8 ether wheels and 1,2-bis(4,4'-dipyridinium)ethane axles

To investigate the possibility of incorporating the 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane[subset or is implied by]24C8 [2]pseudorotaxane motif into dendrimer like macromolecules, a series of branched [n]rotaxanes were prepared employing multiple dibenzo-24-membered crown ether wheels with various aromatic core structures and the 1,2-bis(4,4'-dipyridinium)ethane axle. Yields of branched [2]-, [3]- and [4]rotaxanes were dependent on the size of the core and the relative proximity of the crown ethers arranged around the core unit.     

2]pseudorotaxane formation with N-benzylanilinium axles and 24-crown-8 ether wheels

[reaction: see text] As a hybrid of the N,N-dibenzylammonium and 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane axles, various N-benzylanilinium cations were investigated as suitable axles for the formation of [2]pseudorotaxanes with the 24-membered crown ethers 24C8 and DB24C8. The effect of electron-donating OCH(3) and electron-withdrawing CF(3) groups on both the anilinium and benzyl aromatic rings was studied. Formation constants and structural details were compared to the [2]pseudorotaxanes formed by the two aforementioned dibenzylammonium and 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane axles.     

One-, two- and three-periodic metal-organic rotaxane frameworks (MORFs): linking cationic transition-metal nodes with an anionic rotaxane ligand

A new singly charged pyridinium axle was prepared and combined with disulfonated dibenzo[24]crown-8 ether to form a [2]pseudorotaxane. The reaction of this new, anionic ligand with Zn(II) ions, under various crystallization conditions, resulted in the formation of three metal-organic rotaxane framework (MORF) solids; a one-periodic ML coordination polymer and two, two-periodic ML(2) square grid frameworks. The layers of square grids can be pillared to create full three-periodic MORF structures, which have completely neutral frameworks and are porous. These three-periodic materials represent the first examples of neutral porous MOFs in which one (or more) of the linkers is a mechanically interlocked molecule (MIM).     

A New Motif for the Self-Assembly of [2]Pseudorotaxanes; 1,2-Bis(pyridinium)ethane Axles and [24]Crown-8 Ether Wheels

Multiple intramolecular interactions help to stabilize the novel [2]pseudorotaxanes formed from 1,2-bis(pyridinium)ethane dications (which act as axles) and 24-membered crown ethers (which act as wheels; see structure). This is the first successful sythesis of [2]pseudorotaxanes with [24]crown-8 as the macrocycle.     

Supramolecular concepts and new techniques in mechanochemistry: cocrystals, cages, rotaxanes, open metal-organic frameworks

Mechanochemical reactions effected by milling or grinding are an attractive means to conduct chemical reactions dependent on molecular recognition and to systematically explore different modes of molecular self-assembly. The natural relationship between milling mechanochemistry and supramolecular chemistry arises primarily from the ability to avoid bulk solvent, which simultaneously avoids limitations of solution-based chemistry, such as solubility, solvent complexation, or solvolysis, and makes the resulting process highly environmentally friendly. This tutorial review highlights the use of mechanochemistry for the synthesis of supramolecular targets in the solid state, such as molecular hydrogen- or halogen-bonded complexes, molecular and supramolecular cages, open frameworks and interlocked architectures. It is also demonstrated that the molecular self-assembly phenomena that are well-established in solution chemistry, such as reversible binding through covalent or non-covalent bonds, thermodynamic equilibration and structure templating, are also accessible in milling mechanochemistry through recently developed highly efficient methodologies such as liquid-assisted grinding (LAG) or ion- and liquid-assisted grinding (ILAG). Also highlighted are the new opportunities arising from the marriage of concepts of supramolecular and mechanochemical synthesis, including organocatalysis, deracemisation and discovery of new molecular recognition motifs.     

In the twilight zone between [2]pseudorotaxanes and [2]rotaxanes

A [2]pseudorotaxane, based on a semi-dumbbell-shaped component containing asymmetrically substituted monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene and 1,5-dioxynaphthalene recognition sites for encirclement by cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) and with a "speed bump" in the form of a thiomethyl group situated between the two recognition sites, has been self-assembled. This supramolecular entity is a mixture in solution of two slowly interconverting [2]pseudorotaxanes, one of which is on the verge of being a [2]rotaxane at room temperature, allowing it to be isolated by employing flash column chromatography. These two [2]pseudorotaxanes were both characterized in solution by UV/Vis and (1)H NMR spectroscopies (1D and 2D) and also by differential pulse voltammetry. The spectroscopic and electrochemical data reveal that one of the complexes behaves wholly as a [2]pseudorotaxane, while the other has some [2]rotaxane character to it. The kinetics of the shuttling of cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) between the monopyrrolotetrathiafulvalene and the 1,5-dioxynaphthalene recognition sites have been investigated at different temperatures. The shuttling processes, which are accompanied by detectable color changes, can be monitored using UV/Vis and (1)H NMR spectroscopies; the spectroscopic data have been employed in the determination of the rate constants, free energies of activation, enthalpies of activation, and the entropies of activation for the translation of cyclobis(paraquat-p-phenylene) between the two recognition sites.     

Triptycene-derived oxacalixarenes as new wheels for the synthesis of [2]rotaxanes: acid-base- and metal-ion-switchable complexation processes

A pair of triptycene-derived oxacalixarenes, 1a and 1b, containing two naphthyridine subunits have been synthesized by a convenient one-pot approach. Macrocycles 1a and 1b are diastereomers, with 1a being a cis isomer with a boat-like 1,3-alternate conformation and 1b being a trans isomer with a curved boat-like conformation in the solid state. Both 1a and 1b have fixed conformations in solution at room temperature, as revealed by variable-temperature (1)H NMR spectroscopy experiments. It was found that oxacalixarenes 1a and 1b could both form 1:1 [2]pseudorotaxane-type complexes with paraquat derivatives with different functional groups in solution and in the solid state, which resulted in the further synthesis of a pair of novel isomeric [2]rotaxanes. Moreover, the controlled dethreading and rethreading processes of the [2]pseudorotaxanes were also easily achieved by acid-base stimuli or Hg(2+) association/dissociation.     

A new thermo- and photo-driven [2]rotaxane

A new rotaxane with functional chromophores porphyrin and fluorene as stoppers has been synthesized. It displays dual fluorescent character. The macrocycle ring can shuttle between the fumaramide part and the succinimide part on the dumbbell. Heating and UV light irradiating on the rotaxane lead to the reversible E/Z conversion, driving the ring to shuttle between the two stations. The optical properties of porphyrin and fluorene stoppers of the thread do not change so much while the ring shuttles because the macrocycle does not interact with the two stoppers. However, the active group, propargyloxyl, is introduced onto the two sides of the ring so that the rotaxane has the potential to be functionalized by further decoration.