Inclusion of methano[60]fullerene derivatives in cavitand-based coordination cages

The X-ray study of self-assembled coordination cage 1, constituted of two tetrapyridyl-substituted resorcin[4]arene cavitands coupled through four square-planar palladium complexes is reported. The coordination cage, embracing an internal cavity of ca. 840 Å³, reveals to have the right size for the inclusion of large molecules such as fullerenes. Cage 1 forms 1:1 complexes with methano[60]fullerene derivatives 3 and 4 bearing a dimethyl and a diethyl malonate addend, respectively. Evidence for inclusion complexation was provided by ¹H NMR spectroscopic studies and ESI-MS investigations, which unambiguously showed the formation of 1:1 fullerene-cage complexes. The association constants (K_a) were experimentally determined to be ca. 150 M⁻¹ at 298 K in CD₂Cl₂. In both complexes 1·3 and 1·4, the malonate residue is threaded through one of the four lateral portals, as clearly shown by docking simulations.     

多酸导向的间苯二酚杯[4]芳烃[Co8]配位笼的组装及电化学性质

基于多金属氧酸盐(POM)的超分子配位笼的设计和组装引起了广泛的研究兴趣,但在合成过程中仍然存在挑战。本文中,我们报道了一例基于POM-杯芳烃的大型[Co₈]配位笼[Co₈(MTR4A)₆Cl₈](α-SiW₁₂O₄₀)₂·30DMF·74EtOH (cage-1),该配位笼由6个碗状间苯二酚杯[4]芳烃(MTR4A)分子、8个Co(Ⅱ)阳离子、2个α-SiW₁₂O₄₀^4-抗衡阴离子和8个Cl^-阴离子组装而成。值得注意的是,α-SiW₁₂O₄₀^4-阴离子通过氢键夹在层与层之间,形成一个三维超分子结构。此外,作为锂离子电池的负极材料,cage-1表现出良好的锂离子存储能力。cage-1也能够实现对亚硝酸盐(NO₂^-)的还原和抗坏血酸(AA)的氧化,是一种具有高活性的双功能催化剂。     

多酸导向的间苯二酚杯[4]芳烃[Co8]配位笼的组装及电化学性质

基于多金属氧酸盐（POM）的超分子配位笼的设计和组装引起了广泛的研究兴趣,但在合成过程中仍然存在挑战。本文中,我们报道了一例基于POM-杯芳烃的大型[Co₈]配位笼[Co₈（MTR4A）₆Cl₈]（α-SiW₁₂O₄₀）₂·30DMF·74EtOH （cage-1）,该配位笼由6个碗状间苯二酚杯[4]芳烃（MTR4A）分子、8个Co(Ⅱ)阳离子、2个α-SiW₁₂O₄₀^4-抗衡阴离子和8个Cl^-阴离子组装而成。值得注意的是,α-SiW₁₂O₄₀^4-阴离子通过氢键夹在层与层之间,形成一个三维超分子结构。此外,作为锂离子电池的负极材料,cage-1表现出良好的锂离子存储能力。cage-1也能够实现对亚硝酸盐（NO₂^-）的还原和抗坏血酸（AA）的氧化,是一种具有高活性的双功能催化剂。     

Self-assembly and anion encapsulation properties of cavitand-based coordination cages

Two novel classes of cavitand-based coordination cages 7a--j and 8a--d have been synthesized via self-assembly procedures. The main factors controlling cage self-assembly (CSA) have been identified in (i) a P--M--P angle close to 90 degrees between the chelating ligand and the metal precursor, (ii) Pd and Pt as metal centers, (iii) a weakly coordinated counterion, and (iv) preorganization of the tetradentate cavitand ligand. Calorimetric measurements and dynamic (1)H and (19)F NMR experiments indicated that CSA is entropy driven. The temperature range of the equilibrium cage-oligomers is determined by the level of preorganization of the cavitand component. The crystal structure of cage 7d revealed the presence of a single triflate anion encapsulated. Guest competition experiments revealed that the encapsulation preference of cages 7b,d follows the order BF(4)(-) > CF(3)SO(3)(-) > PF(6)(-) at 300 K. ES-MS experiments coupled to molecular modeling provided a rationale for the observed encapsulation selectivities. The basic selectivity pattern, which follows the solvation enthalpy of the guests, is altered by size and shape of the cavity, allowing the entrance of an ancillary solvent molecule only in the case of BF(4)(-).     

Self-assembly of nanosize coordination cages on si(100) surfaces

Bottom-up fabrication of 3D organic nanostructures on Si(100) surfaces has been achieved by a two-step procedure. Tetradentate cavitand 1 was grafted on the Si surface together with 1-octene (Oct) as a spatial spectator by photochemical hydrosilylation. Ligand exchange between grafted cavitand 1 and self-assembled homocage 2, derived from cavitand 5 bearing a fluorescence marker, led to the formation of coordination cages on Si(100). Formation, quantification, and distribution of the nanoscale molecular containers on a silicon surface was assessed by using three complementary analytical techniques (AFM, XPS, and fluorescence) and validated by control experiments on cavitand-free silicon surfaces. Interestingly, the fluorescence of pyrene at approximately 4 nm above the Si(100) surface can be clearly observed.     

Guest encapsulation and self-assembly of a cavitand-based coordination capsule

The synthesis and spectroscopic characterization of a cavitand-based coordination capsule 14 BF4 of nanometer dimensions is described. Encapsulation studies of large aromatic guests as well as aliphatic guests were performed by using 1H NMR spectroscopy in [D1]chloroform. In addition to the computational analysis of the shape and geometry of the capsule, an experimental approach to estimate the interior size of the cavity is discussed. The cavity provides a highly rigid binding space in which molecules with lengths of approximately 14 A can be selectively accommodated. The rigid cavity distinguished slight structural differences in the flexible alkyl-chain guests as well as the rigid aromatic guests. The detailed thermodynamic studies revealed that not only CH-pi interactions between the methyl groups on the guest termini and the aromatic cavity walls, but also desolvation of the inner cavity play a key role in the guest encapsulation. The cavity preferentially selected the hydrogen-bonded heterodimers of a mixture of two or three carboxylic acids 18-20. The chiral capsule encapsulated a chiral guest to show diastereoselection.     

A self-assembling metallosupramolecular cage based on cavitand-terpyridine subunits

Metal-directed self-assembly of a terpyridyl-functionalized cavitand yields a large hexameric coordination cage.     

Self-assembly of a water-soluble endohedrally functionalized coordination cage including polar guests

Coordination cages containing endohedrally functionalized aromatic cavities are scarce in the literature. Herein, we report the self-assembly of a tetra-cationic super aryl-extended calix[4]pyrrole tetra-pyridyl ligand into a water-soluble Pd(ii)-cage featuring two endohedral polar binding sites. They are defined by the four pyrrole NHs of the calix[4]pyrrole unit and the four inwardly directed α-protons of the coordinated pyridyl groups. The efficient assembly of the Pd(ii)-cage requires the inclusion of mono- and ditopic pyridyl N-oxide and aliphatic formamide guests. The monotopic guests only partially fill the cage''s cavity and require the co-inclusion of a water molecule that is likely hydrogen-bonded to the endohedral α-pyridyl protons. The ditopic guests are able to completely fill the cage''s cavity and complement both binding sites. We observed high conformational selectivity in the inclusion of the isomers of α,ω-bis-formamides. We briefly investigate the uptake and release mechanism/kinetics of selected polar guests by the Pd(ii)-cage using pair-wise competition experiments.

A tetra-cationic calix[4]pyrrole tetra-pyridyl ligand self-assembles into a water-soluble Pd(ii)-cage featuring two endohedral polar binding sites. The Pd(ii)-cage encapsulates pyridyl N-oxide and aliphatic formamide guests in water.     

Self-assembly of metal-organometallic coordination networks

A range of neutral metal-organometallic coordination networks (MOMNs) containing both backbone and pendant metal sites have been synthesized and characterized. These materials consist of metal ions or metal ion clusters as nodes that are linked by the bifunctional “organometalloligand” (η⁴-benzoquinone)Mn(CO)₃⁻, which binds through the quinone oxygen atoms. The resulting MOMNs can be rationally designed to a significant extent based upon a knowledge of the electronic and geometrical requirements of the metal ion nodes, the solvent, organometalloligand substituents, and the presence or absence of organic spacers. An impressive range of architectures have been accessed in this manner, suggesting that the use of π-organometallics in coordination directed self-assembly holds much promise.     

Self-assembly of DNA Nanostructures via Bioinspired Metal Ion Coordination

Despite a growing interest in DNA nanomaterials,their simple synthesis remains a challenge.A simple and general strategy for constructing DNA-based nanomaterials by metal ion coordination is reported.The me-tal-DNA nanoparticles(NPs)could be synthesized with DNA molecules of diverse sequence and various metal ions of intrinsic property,resulting in multifunctional NPs with the combined advantages of both inorganic and DNA building blocks.It is demonstrated that the hybrid metal-DNA NPs could be engineered for magnetic resonance and luminescence imaging,encapsulation of multifarious nucleic acids with controlled ratio,and co-assembly with small drug molecules.Furthermore,because these metal-DNA NPs exhibited enhanced cellular uptake compared to free synthetic DNA,they hold potential for applications in diagnostics and therapeutics.     

Self-assembly and anion-exchange properties of a discrete cage and 3D coordination networks based on cage structures

By using tridentate ligand 4-(3-pyridinyl)-1,2,4-triazole (pytrz), cage-like complexes of {[Cu(mu2-pytrz)2](ClO4)(SO4)0.5C2H5OH.0.25 H2O}6 (1), {[Cu3(mu3-pytrz)4(mu2-Cl)2(H2O)2](ClO4)2Cl(2).2 H2O}n (2), and {[Cu3(mu3-pytrz)3(mu3-O)(H2O)3](ClO4)2.5(BF4)(1.5)5.25 H2O}n (3) have been synthesized with different copper(II) salts. Complex 1 represents the second example of a M6L12 metal-organic octahedron with an overall Th symmetry. Complex 2 is constructed from a 3(8) cage-building unit (CBU) and each CBU connects six neighboring cages to give the first 3D metal-organic framework (MOF) based on octahedral M6L12. Complex 3 is built from Cu24(pytrz)12 CBUs with the trinuclear copper clusters serving as second building units (SBUs) and decorating each corner of the M24L12 polyhedron. The Cu24(pytrz)12 building unit is linked by extra ligands to give an extended 3D framework that has the formula Cu24(pytrz)24 and possesses a CaB6 topology. The mixed anions ClO4- and BF4- in 3 are both included in the inner cavity of the cage and can be completely exchanged by ClO4- through the open windows of the cage, as evidenced by the crystal structure of the 3D MOF {[Cu3(mu3-pytrz)3(mu3-O)(H2O)3](ClO4)(4)4.5 H2O}n (4). Complex 4 can also be synthesized when employing 1 as a precursor in an extensive study of the anion-exchange reaction. This represents the first successful conversion of a discrete cage into a 3D coordination network based on a cage structure. Complex 2 remains invariable during anion-exchange reactions because uncoordinated Cl- ions are located in the comparatively small inner cavity.     

An interlocked coordination cage based on aromatic amide ligands

An interlocked M_4 L_8 coordination cage was synthesized by coordination-driven self-assembly of palladium(Ⅱ) ions with aromatic amide bidentate ligands.The reaction of the ligand and the metal at 2:1 ratio led to the monomeric M_2 L_4 cage as the kinetic product,while the thermodynamic product M_4 L_8 cage was obtained by prolongating the reaction.This conve rsion and the interlocked structure was clearly revealed by using ~1 H NMR,mass spectrometry and X-ray crystallography.The driving force of interlocking was mainly attributed to the interactions(hydrogen bonding,aromatic stacking and electrostatic interaction) arising from the aptitude of flexibility of the amide ligand.     

Self-assembly of a thymine quartet and quadruplex via an organic template

The synthesis of two hydrophobic cavitands bearing four (1) and eight (2) thymidine residues covalently linked with triazole moieties is reported. Spectral evidence indicates the adoption of a hydrogen-bonded T-quartet assembly by 1 in chloroform at low temperature and a π-stacked quadruplex by 2 in DMSO under ambient conditions.     

Morphological studies on Sn-O coordination driving self-assembly of well-defined organotin-containing block copolymers

A tin-oxygen coordination driving self-assembly was developed in the block copolymers containing organotin, which were prepared by the radical addition-fraction transfer（RAFT） method and characterized by the gel-permeation chromatography（GPC） and 1H-NMR. And the self-assemblies of these block copolymers with various chain length ratios in the different concentrations in CHCl3 were stable according to the results of DLS and TEM. Additionally, it was also given an insight investigation on the regulation of self-assembly of the block copolymers by adding dibutyltin dichloride and a possible mechanism was proposed.     

Dynamic and structural NMR studies of cavitand-based coordination cages

The interionic structure, kinetic stability, and degree of anion encapsulation of coordination cages 1 were studied by PGSE, NOE, and EXSY NMR techniques. The rate constants for the formation/dissociation processes at 296 K were obtained independently via (1)H-NOESY and (19)F-NOESY experiments giving, respectively, k(obs) = 0.30 +/- 0.04 s(-1) in CDCl(3) and k(obs) = 5.2 +/- 0.8 s(-1) in CD(3)NO(2)/CDC(13) (7.1) mixture with the proton probe, and k(obs) = 0.33 +/- 0.06 s(-1) in CDCl(3) and k(obs) = 5.0 +/- 0.8 s(-1) in CD(3)NO(2)/CDC(13) (7/1 mixture) with the (19)F probe. PGSE experiments showed that in CDCl(3) not only the encapsuled anion but also the external anions translate with the same rate as the cage. (19)F,(1)H-HOESY experiments indicated that an average of five external triflate anions are located in the equatorial sites close to the palladium moieties, while two of them approach the polar pockets formed by the alkyl chains. In a CD(3)NO(2)/CDCl(3) (7/1) mixture only one or two anions are in close proximity with the cage, while the others are solvated. In all the considered solvents (benzene, chloroform, methylene chloride, and nitromethane) the inclusion of a single unsolvated triflate anion in the cage is quantitative. (19)F,(1)H-HOESY experiments indicated that the charged guest head points toward one metal center. Therefore, while the ionic aggregation level and kinetic stability of coordination cages 1 are solvent dependent, anion encapsulation is not.     

Self-assembly of viral particles

Viruses, as typical bionanoparticles from nature, possess many superb properties, such as exquisite symmetry, uniformity of size and shape, well-characterized surface chemistry that governs the potential interparticle interactions. These features make viral particles ideal building blocks for self-assembly studies and novel materials development. This review outlines some of the recent research activities in the area of controlled self-assembly of viruses and its potential use as materials. One particular application of the assembled viruses, especially for biomaterials, is also briefly discussed.     

共聚物的自组装研究进展

自组装是分子间通过非共价键相互作用自发组合形成的一类结构明确、稳定,同时具有某种特定功能或性能的分子聚集体或超分子结构的现象。利用共聚物自组装技术可以制备高度有序介观形貌的功能材料,这些材料有望在生物医学、药物释放、智能材料等领域得到广泛的应用。研究表明,不同结构的共聚物的自组装行为和功能一般不同,同时环境条件,如温度、pH值等也对共聚物自组装行为有很大影响。本文从共聚物结构及外部环境条件两个方面综述了近几年来共聚物的自组装行为规律,并分析了相关自组装结构应用的研究进展。