A Platform Approach to Cleavable Macrocycles for the Controlled Disassembly of Mechanically Caged Molecules

Inspired by interlocked oligonucleotides, peptides and knotted proteins, synthetic systems where a macrocycle cages a bioactive species that is “switched on” by breaking the mechanical bond have been reported. However, to date, each example uses a bespoke chemical design. Here we present a platform approach to mechanically caged structures wherein a single macrocycle precursor is diversified at a late stage to include a range of trigger units that control ring opening in response to enzymatic, chemical, or photochemical stimuli. We also demonstrate that our approach is applicable to other classes of macrocycles suitable for rotaxane and catenane formation.     

Hydrogen-bonded Networks in Crown Ether Complexes of Hydrated Metal Ions

Abstract

The hydrated metal nitrates (M(NO₃)₃.6H₂O, M[dbnd]Co, Ni, Cu, Zn and Cd) have been crystallised from water in the presence of 18-crown-6 and their structures determined by X-ray crystallography. In the case of copper, a pseudo four-coordinate square planar complex resides in an extended six-coordinate octahedral array which is further bound in a single-stranded one-dimensional hydrogen bonded polymeric mode. For M[dbnd]Co,Ni,Zn and Cd isomorphous complexes are isolated where the octahedral [M(H₂O)₅(NO₃)⁺ cation resides in a two-dimensional polymeric network through hydrogen bonds between the water ligands and either the crown ether oxygens or unbound nitrate ions or water molecules.     

Crown Ether Complexes of Six-Membered N-heteroaromatic Cations

Crown ether complexes of six-membered N-heteroaromatic cations and the closely related bicyclic purinium cation (6) have been studied by ¹H NMR, mass spectrometric and crystallographic methods. The stability constants for the complexes were determined by ¹H NMR titration in acetonitrile solution and the complexation stoichiometry by ¹H NMR and ESI mass spectrometric methods. Altogether six crystal structures of complexes were determined to study the complexation in the solid state. Hydrogen bonding was observed to be the most important interaction for the complexation both in solution and in the solid state but – interactions also contribute to it. All crystal structures of the DB18C6 complexes with six-membered N-heteroaromatic cations, except for 4-hydroxypyridinium, are isomorphous to previously studied five-membered N-heteroaromatic cations and pyridinium complexes. Such a close resemblance is not observed in B18C6 and 18C6 complexes or DB18C6purinium (6).     

Cationic Crown Ether Complexes of Germanium(II)

Fit for a king : Cationic complexes of Ge^II can be prepared by using crown ethers to stabilize and protect the germanium center. Three different crown ethers were employed: [12]crown‐4 (see structure, Ge teal, O red, C gray), [15]crown‐5, and [18]crown‐6. The structures of the cationic complexes depend on the cavity size of the crown ether and on the substituent on germanium.

     

Reactivity of Hydroxy‐ and Aquo(hydroxy)‐λ3‐iodane–Crown Ether Complexes

We have designed a series of hydroxy(aryl)‐λ³‐iodane–[18]crown‐6 complexes, prepared from the corresponding iodosylbenzene derivatives and superacids in the presence of [18]crown‐6, and have investigated their reactivities in aqueous media. These activated iodosylbenzene monomers are all non‐hygroscopic shelf‐storable reagents, but they maintain high oxidizing ability in water. The complexes are effective for the oxidation of phenols, sulfides, olefins, silyl enol ethers, and alkyl(trifluoro)borates under mild conditions. Furthermore, hydroxy‐λ³‐iodane–[18]crown‐6 complexes serve as efficient progenitors for the synthesis of diaryl‐, vinyl‐, and alkynyl‐λ³‐iodanes in water. Other less polar organic solvents, such as methanol, acetonitrile, and dichloromethane, are also usable in some cases.     

Squalyl Crown Ether Self‐Assembled Conjugates: An Example of Highly Selective Artificial K+ Channels

The natural KcsA K⁺ channel, one of the best‐characterized biological pore structures, conducts K⁺ cations at high rates while excluding Na⁺ cations. The KcsA K⁺ channel is of primordial inspiration for the design of artificial channels. Important progress in improving conduction activity and K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity has been achieved with artificial ion‐channel systems. However, simple artificial systems exhibiting K⁺/Na⁺ selectivity and mimicking the biofunctions of the KcsA K⁺ channel are unknown. Herein, an artificial ion channel formed by H‐bonded stacks of squalyl crown ethers, in which K⁺ conduction is highly preferred to Na⁺ conduction, is reported. The K⁺‐channel behavior is interpreted as arising from discreet stacks of dimers resulting in the formation of oligomeric channels, in which transport of cations occurs through macrocycles mixed with dimeric carriers undergoing dynamic exchange within the bilayer membrane. The present highly K⁺‐selective macrocyclic channel can be regarded as a biomimetic alternative to the KcsA channel.     

Hydrogen Storage in a Potassium‐Ion‐Bound Metal–Organic Framework Incorporating Crown Ether Struts as Specific Cation Binding Sites

To develop a metal–organic framework (MOF) for hydrogen storage, SNU‐200 incorporating a 18‐crown‐6 ether moiety as a specific binding site for selected cations has been synthesized. SNU‐200 binds K⁺, NH₄⁺, and methyl viologen(MV²⁺) through single‐crystal to single‐crystal transformations. It exhibits characteristic gas‐sorption properties depending on the bound cation. SNU‐200 activated with supercritical CO₂ shows a higher isosteric heat (Q_st) of H₂ adsorption (7.70 kJ mol^?1) than other zinc‐based MOFs. Among the cation inclusions, K⁺ is the best for enhancing the isosteric heat of the H₂ adsorption (9.92 kJ mol^?1) as a result of the accessible open metal sites on the K⁺ ion.     

The structure of a 1:4 adduct between 1,4,7,10,13,16-hexaoxacyclooctadecane (18-crown-6) and thiourea

The structure of 18-crown-6·4 thiourea has been determined by single crystal X-ray methods. The unit cell is monoclinic and the space group isP2₁, witha=9.251(3),b=19.285(8),c=16.556(7) Å and =90.85(6)°. There are two formula units, C₁₂H₂₄O₆·4CH₄N₂S, in the asymmetric unit; finalR=0.086. One thiourea is attached at either side of the macrocycle (biangular conformation) via N–N...O bonds and the patterns in the two crystallographically-independent adductsA andB differ slightly, involving two bifurcated hydrogen bonds inA. Core adducts are linked by additional thiourea molecules via N–H...S bonds. As compared to the analogous 18-crown-6·5 urea, the present 1:4 stoichiometry might be attributed to the longer S...N hydrogen bonding distance, i.e., to the bigger van der Waals radius of sulphur. Supplementary Data relating to this article are deposited with the British Library as Supplementary Publication No. SUP 82004 (31 pages). To obtain copies, see p. ii of this issue.     

Oligonorbornenes with Hammock‐Like Crown Ether Pendants as Artificial Transmembrane Ion Channel

Trimeric oligonorbornenes with hammock‐like crown ether pendants 3b and 3c were selectively synthesized by cascade metathetical cyclopolymerization upon treatment with the first generation Grubbs catalyst. These crown‐ether‐containing oligonorbornenes are impregnated in egg yolk phosphatidylcholine (EYPC) liposome as an artificial ion channel. The efficiency of the sodium ion transport properties has been examined. Oligomer 3c having a polar hydroxy end group exhibits the highest transport efficiency, which is comparable with the best efficiencies reported in literature. The orientation of the crown ether moieties in these oligomers may be critical for the ion transport properties.     

新型套索冠醚-金属离子络合性能的紫外光谱法与质谱法研究

本文合成了3种套索冠醚4、5和6,分别测定了它们与Hg^2^ 、Pb^2^ 、Zn^2^ 、cd^2^ 、Ni^2^ 、Co^2^ 、Cu^2^ 、Ag^ 、Tb^3^ 和Eu^3^ 所形成的络合物的紫外吸收光谱,用电喷雾液相色谱-质谱联用仪分别表征了它们与TB^3^ 形成的络合物,结果显示它们对上述金属离子有很好的络合性。     

Five‐State Molecular Shuttling of a Pair of [2]Rotaxanes: Distinct Outputs in Response to Acid and Base Stimuli

In this study we synthesized two acid‐/base‐controllable [2]rotaxanes featuring aminodiazobenzene and aminocoumarin units, respectively, as chromophores and dibenzo[24]crown‐8 and dibenzo[25]crown‐8 units, respectively, as their macrocyclic components. Each [2]rotaxane contained N‐alkylarylamine (ammonium) and N,N‐dialkylamine (ammonium) centers as binding sites for their crown ether components. The absorption patterns of the chromophores were dependent on the position of the encircling macrocyclic component and the degree of protonation, with three distinct states (under acidic, neutral, and basic conditions) evident for each [2]rotaxane. The mixed [2]rotaxane system displayed stepwise and independent molecular shuttling behavior based on the degree of protonation of the amino groups in response to both the amount and strength of added acids or bases; as such, the system provided five different absorption signals as outputs that could be read using UV/Vis spectroscopy.     

Late-Stage Photocatalytic Fluoroalkylation of Aromatic Crown Ethers in Aqueous Media

Modified crown ethers are fundamental building blocks in supramolecular chemistry, with applications in phase transfer catalysis, metal extraction, smart materials, and molecular machines. Here we report on a one-pot highly chemo- and regioselective photocatalytic fluoroalkylation protocol for the mono-functionalization of benzo substituted crown ethers. For this important class of macrocycles, the method described here represents one of the few late-stage functionalization procedures that is both high yielding and scalable. Because of its breadth of scope and substrate tolerance, the devised approach can be applied to a wide range of aromatic crown ethers (18 examples, up to 99 % yield), including those engaged in mechanically interlocked molecules.     

Complexes of Mercury(II) Cyanide with Crown Ethers in Dimethylsulfoxide

The complexation of mercury(II) cyanide with macrocyclic ligands 15-crown-5,18-crown-6 and dibenzo-24-crown-8 in dimethylsulfoxide was studied using¹⁹⁹Hg NMR measurements. No significant complexation with 15-crown-5was observed. The stability constants K_s for 1 : 1 complexes with two other ligands were determined and found to be similar, in contrary to the results reported in nitrobenzene. Solvent effects on K_s values obtained are discussed in comparison with the literature data. X-ray crystal structure of Hg(CN)₂.A18-crown-6 was also determined.     

模板导向的亚胺型夹套法在构筑N-杂冠醚类机械互锁分子中的应用

近些年来,随着超分子化学的发展,基于N-杂冠醚骨架的机械互锁分子受到了人们越来越多的关注。与传统的合成方法相比较,基于模板导向的亚胺型夹套法在构建N-杂冠醚类机械互锁分子中具有独特的优势,并且取得了许多重要的进展。科学家们不仅拓展了基于N-杂冠醚的机械互锁分子的拓扑学结构,而且丰富了其在多个领域的应用。基于此,本文总结了近十年来模板导向的亚胺型夹套法在构筑具有不同拓扑学结构的N-杂冠醚类机械互锁分子(如轮烷、索烃、杂轮烷、轮烷-索烃集成体、低聚物、菊花链和树枝状分子)及其在功能化方面的应用进展。     

Active Esters as Pseudostoppers for Slippage Synthesis of [2]Pseudorotaxane Building Blocks: A Straightforward Route to Multi‐Interlocked Molecular Machines

The efficient synthesis and very easy isolation of dibenzo[24]crown‐8‐based [2]pseudorotaxane building blocks that contain an active ester motif at the extremity of the encircled molecular axle and an ammonium moiety as a template for the dibenzo[24]crown‐8 is reported. The active ester acts both as a semistopper for the [2]pseudorotaxane species and as an extensible extremity. Among the various investigated active ester moieties, those that allow for the slippage process are given particular focus because this strategy produces fewer side products. Extension of the selected N‐hydroxysuccinimide ester based pseudorotaxane building block by using either a mono‐ or a diamino compound, both containing a triazolium moiety, is also described. These provide a pH‐dependent two‐station [2]rotaxane molecular machine and a palindromic [3]rotaxane molecular machine, respectively. Molecular machinery on both interlocked compounds through variation of pH was studied and characterized by means of NMR spectroscopy.