Self-assembly of molecular nanoball: design, synthesis, and characterization

The design and self-assembly of two new flexible supramolecular nanoballs are described. These assemblies incorporate two flexible tritopic amide and ester building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (96-97%) via coordination driven self-assembly. The first resulted from the reaction of 4 equiv of a new tritopic ester ligand N,N',N' '-tris(4-pyridylmethyl) trimesic ester and 3 equiv of C4 symmetric Pd(NO3)2. The second analogous structure was obtained by the self-assembly of a flexible N,N',N' '-tris(3-pyridylmethyl) trimesic amide and Pd(NO3)2. The assemblies were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy, elemental analysis, and TGA. Mass spectrometry along with NMR data and TEM view confirms the existence of the two assemblies. MM2 force field simulations of the cages showed a ball shape with the diameter of the inner cavity of about 2.1 and 1.8 nm for 2a and 2b, respectively, which were also corroborated by TEM analysis.     

Self-assembly of a Mn9 nanoscopic mixed-valent cluster: synthesis, crystal structure, and magnetic behavior

A rare Mn9 micro3-oxo-centered mixed-valent cluster [Mn9O7(O2CPh)11(thmn)(py)2 (H2O)3] (1) is prepared by assembling an oxo-centered MnIIMnIII2 triangle, [Mn3O(O2CPh)6(py)2(H2O)].0.5MeCN, as the secondary building unit in the presence of a tripodal alcohol, 1,1,1-tris(hydroxymethyl)nitromethane (H3thmn), as the capping ligand. Complex 1 was formed along with a minor byproduct, [Mn6O2(O2CPh)10(MeCN)4] (2). Complex 1 was characterized by X-ray single-crystal structure analysis and was crystallized in a monoclinic system, space group P2(1)/n, a=16.214(6) A, b=25.874(10) A, c=26.497(10) A, and beta=94.214(7) degrees. The Manganese-oxo-carboxylate core in 1 looks like a funnel. Variable-temperature magnetic studies down to 2 K reveal the existence of dominant ferromagnetic interaction within the cluster. Alternating current susceptibility data of the cluster show strong frequency dependence of both the real and imaginary parts of susceptibility chi' and chi' below 5 K. Moreover, the calculated relaxation time, tau0=1.2x10(-7) s, and the energy barrier, DeltaE=25 K, are consistent with the single-molecule magnetic behavior of 1.     

A pyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene cage: synthesis and X-ray crystal structure

[reaction: see text] A novel type of tetrathiafulvalene-cage 4 containing three monopyrrolo-tetrathiafulvalene units has been prepared employing a general and efficient synthetic approach. X-ray crystal structure analysis revealed that the cage is able to accommodate solvent molecules within a cavity in the solid state.     

3-Pyridylacetonitrile-ligated 11-vertex rhodathiaboranes: synthesis,characterization, and X-ray crystal structure

The reaction between the 11-vertex rhodathiaborane [8,8-(PPh₃)₂-nido-8,7-RhSB₉H₁₀] (1) and 3-pyridylacetonitrile affords the hydrorhodathiaborane [8,8,8-(PPh₃)₂H-9-(3-Py-CH₂CN)-nido-8,7-RhSB₉H₉] (2) in good yield. Treatment of this cluster with ethylene leads to the formation of red, [1,1-(PPh₃)(η²-C₂H₄)-3-(3-Py-CH₂CN)-closo-1,2-RhSB₉H₈] (3). Both 11-vertex polyhedral boron-based clusters have been characterized by multielement NMR spectroscopy. In addition, (3) has been analyzed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis and is only the second ethylene-ligated metalla-heteroborane to be characterized in the solid state. The molecular structure of this cluster is based on an octadecahedron. In the crystal lattice, the individual clusters form layers supported by short edge-to-face π-interactions between the phenyl rings of neighboring molecules.     

Materials discovery by flux crystal growth: quaternary and higher order oxides

This Review highlights the application of high-temperature solutions for exploratory crystal growth and materials discovery of novel complex oxides. It provides an overview of the method of flux crystal growth of complex oxides and can function as a "how to" guide for those interested in oxide crystal growth. The most commonly used fluxes are discussed in terms of their applicability for dissolving specific elements and the typical reaction conditions are compiled. A large variety of recent quaternary and higher oxides that have been grown as crystals from fluxes are used to illustrate the power of the flux method to grow oxide crystals containing specific elements.     

New mono- and bis-carbene samarium complexes: synthesis, X-ray crystal structures and reactivity

New samarium carbene complexes have been synthesized and characterized by X-ray diffraction analysis; the carbenic nature was assessed by reactivity studies.     

Vinyl-functionalized multicolor benzothiadiazoles: design,synthesis, crystal structures and mechanically-responsive performance

Benzothiadiazole(BTD) has been extensively used as a building block in optical materials. In this work, a class of π-conjugated BTD-based luminogens BTD-685, BTD-580, BTD-675 and BTD-565 were designed by varying donor units and facilely synthesized by Heck coupling reaction. It was found that their emission in solid state covered the regio from orange, red to near infrared fluorescence. Investigation on photo-physical property manifested that they had strong solvatochromic behavior except symmetric 2-vinylpyridine substituted BTD-565. Crystal X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that they involved in multi weak intermolecular interactions. And loose molecular packing implied that they can be easily rearranged under external force stimuli.Indeed, all compounds showed reversible mechanically-responsive behavior in solid state. Interestingly, the vinylpyridinecontaining BTD-565 exhibited hypochromatic mechanochromic behavior, whereas others showed bathochromic mechanochromism behavior. It was worth mentioning that BTD-675 had self-recovery behavior after grinding. The powder X-ray diffraction study showed that these chromic processes may be mainly attributed to the reversible morphological changes between crystalline and amorphous phase upon grinding or fuming. These observations suggested that the vinyl-functionalized benzothiadiazoles can be considered as a type of excellent candidates in mechanically-responsive chromic materials.     

per-Hydroxylated pillar[6]arene: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, and host-guest complexation

A per-hydroxylated pillar[6]arene was prepared. Single-crystal X-ray analysis demonstrated that its molecules are arranged in an up-to-down manner to form infinite channels in the solid state. Its host-guest complexation with a series of bispyridinium salts in solution was further investigated. It was found that the per-hydroxylated pillar[6]arene could form a 1:1 complex with paraquat in acetone with an association constant of 2.2 × 10(2) M(-1). This complex is a [2]pseudorotaxane as shown by its crystal structure, which is the first pillar[6]arene-based host-guest complex crystal structure.     

New polynuclear compounds based on N-benzyliminodipropionic acid: solution studies,synthesis, and X-ray crystal structures

Three new polynuclear compounds based on a dicarboxylic acid ligand are reported. In particular, two Cu(II) coordination compounds, [Cu₂(H₂O)₆(Hbzlidp)₂](CF₃SO₃)₂·2H₂O (1) and [Cu(NO₃)(Hbzlidp)]_∞ (2) (bzlidp^2? = N-benzyliminodipropionate anion), and a Ni(II) dinuclear compound, [Ni₂(H₂O)₄(bzlidp)₂] (3), were synthesized and characterized by IR spectroscopy, elemental analysis and single crystal X-ray diffraction. Different structures were obtained depending on the reaction conditions. The structural analyses reveal that 1 was formed by dinuclear [Cu₂(H₂O)₆(Hbzlidp)₂]²⁺ units built by two copper(II) ions joined through two Hbzlidp^? ligands, while 2 was formed by pairs of Cu(II) centers bridged by four syn,syn carboxylate groups to generate “paddle wheel” units. The dinuclear copper units are arranged in a rhombus type grid, in a 2-D layer structure. In both cases, the N was protonated and not coordinated to the metal center. Compound 3 was formed by [Ni₂(H₂O)₄(bzlidp)₂] neutral dinuclear units, with octahedral Ni(II) centers. Solution studies of the ligand–M(II) systems (M(II) = Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb) were also carried out.     

Heptametallic bowl-shaped complexes derived from conjugated Schiff-base macrocycles: synthesis, characterization, and X-ray crystal structures

The reaction of chelating conjugated macrocycles 1a-c with Zn(OAc)2 gives bowl-shaped heptanuclear Zn complexes featuring Zn in tetrahedral, octahedral, and square-pyramidal geometries. Crystallographic and NMR results indicate that vacant Zn coordination sites within the bowl may be accessed, suggesting that these coordination complexes may be used as mimics for Zn fingers and carbonic anhydrase.     

Strategies and tactics for the metal-directed synthesis of rotaxanes, knots, catenanes, and higher order links

More than a quarter of a century after the first metal template synthesis of a [2]catenane in Strasbourg, there now exists a plethora of strategies available for the construction of mechanically bonded and entwined molecular level structures. Catenanes, rotaxanes, knots and Borromean rings have all been successfully accessed by methods in which metal ions play a pivotal role. Originally metal ions were used solely for their coordination chemistry; acting either to gather and position the building blocks such that subsequent reactions generated the interlocked products or by being an integral part of the rings or "stoppers" of the interlocked assembly. Recently the role of the metal has evolved to encompass catalysis: the metal ions not only organize the building blocks in an entwined or threaded arrangement but also actively promote the reaction that covalently captures the interlocked structure. This Review outlines the diverse strategies that currently exist for forming mechanically bonded molecular structures with metal ions and details the tactics that the chemist can utilize for creating cross-over points, maximizing the yield of interlocked over non-interlocked products, and the reactions-of-choice for the covalent capture of threaded and entwined intermediates.     

Self-assembly of chiral mesoionic heterocycles into smectic phases: a new class of polar liquid crystal

The molecular design, synthesis and characterization of the first examples of both classical and non-conventional chiral mesoionic (mesomeric + ionic) liquid crystals derived from sydnones are described. The occurrence of chiral smectic phases in these novel compounds was evidenced by optical microscopy, calorimetry and X-ray studies.     

The synthesis,X-ray crystal structure and optical properties of novel 1,3,5-triaryl pyrazoline derivatives

A series of novel 1,3,5-triaryl pyrazoline derivatives has been synthesized by the reaction of chalcone and 3-chloro-6-hydrazinylpyridazine in 47–82% yields. The structures of compounds obtained were determined by IR, ¹H NMR and HRMS spectra. Representatively, the spatial structure of compound 3d was determined by using X-ray diffraction analysis. Absorption and fluorescence spectral characteristics of the compounds were investigated in CHCl₃ by UV–vis absorption and emission spectra. The results showed that the absorption maxima of the compounds vary from 332 to 342 nm depending on the group bonded to benzene rings. The maximum emission spectra of compounds in CHCl₃ are dependent on groups in benzene ring in which a strong electron-donating group in benzene ring such as methoxyl group on C3 position of pyrazoline made the emission wavelength of 3e, 3f and 3g red shifted than that of compounds 3b, 3c and 3d with chlorine group. The intensity of absorption and fluorescence was also correlated with substituent on two aryl rings. In addition, the absorption spectra of these compounds change very little with increasing solvent polarity.     

Self-assembling, cystine-derived, fused nanotubes based on spirane architecture: design, synthesis, and crystal structure of cystinospiranes

A novel family of cystine-based spirobicyclic peptides (cystinospiranes) has been synthesized by a single-step procedure involving condensation of pentaerythritol-derived tetrachloride with either the simple L-cystine dimethyl ester or its C,C'-extended bispeptides leading to a variety of 19-membered spirobicyclic peptides or its N,N'-extended bispeptides affording the ring-expanded 25-membered cystinospiranes. The design is flexible with respect to the ring size that can be adjusted depending upon the length of the N,N'-extended cystine bispeptide, and the choice of an amino acid, as illustrated here with the preparation of a large number of cystinospiranes containing a wide variety of amino acids. X-ray crystal structure of the parent spirane (5a) revealed nanotube formation by vertical stacking of relatively flat spirobicyclic molecules through contiguous NH- - -O==C hydrogen bonding. The fused pair of parallel nanotubes is open-ended, hollow, and extends to infinity. Crystallographic parameters are the following: C(33)H(52)N(4)O(16)S(4), space group C2, a = 42.181(3) A, b = 5.1165(7) A, c = 11.8687(9) A, beta = 106.23(1) degrees.     

2′-O,5-dimethyluridine: A total synthesis and single crystal X-ray diffraction study

A new method for the synthesis of 2′-O,5-dimethyluridine ( 5 ) has provided the title compound in a higher yield. Application of a one-pot ribosylation methodology resulted in an efficient, high yield synthesis of 5-methyluridine (ribothymine, 3b ). An X-ray diffraction analysis of 5 disclosed the conformation of the sugar moiety of this nucleoside as anti, N(3′-endo), g⁺.     

Conformational specificity of non-canonical base pairs and higher order structures in nucleic acids: crystal structure database analysis

Non-canonical base pairs contribute immensely to the structural and functional variability of RNA, which calls for a detailed characterization of their spatial conformation. Intra-base pair parameters, namely propeller, buckle, open-angle, stagger, shear and stretch describe structure of base pairs indicating planarity and proximity of association between the two bases. In order to study the conformational specificities of non-canonical base pairs occurring in RNA crystal structures, we have upgraded NUPARM software to calculate these intra-base pair parameters using a new base pairing edge specific axis system. Analysis of base pairs and base triples with the new edge specific axis system indicate the presence of specific structural signatures for different classes of non-canonical pairs and triples. Differentiating features could be identified for pairs in cis or trans orientation, as well as those involving sugar edges or C-H-mediated hydrogen bonds. It was seen that propeller for all types of base pairs in cis orientation are generally negative, while those for trans base pairs do not have any preference. Formation of a base triple is seen to reduce propeller of the associated base pair along with reduction of overall flexibility of the pairs. We noticed that base pairs involving sugar edge are generally more non-planar, with large propeller or buckle values, presumably to avoid steric clash between the bulky sugar moieties. These specific conformational signatures often provide an insight into their role in the structural and functional context of RNA.     

N-(Benzoyloxy)amines: an investigation of their thermal stability, synthesis, and incorporation into novel peptide constructs

A series of N-benzoyloxyamines were pyrolyzed and their decomposition temperatures correlated well with the amine architecture's ability to stabilize a N-centered radical. A variety of amine substrates were treated with a biphasic mixture of benzoyl peroxide (BPO), CH₂Cl₂ and an aqueous carbonate buffer (at pH 10.5). Primary and secondary amines were successfully N-benzoyloxylated in good yield. Tertiary amines and BPO gave low yields of the corresponding N-oxide and complex product mixtures, presumably via radical decomposition. Electron deficient amines (such as fluorinated aliphatic amines, α-aminoacids, α-aminoesters, and α-aminoamides) were not N-benzoyloxylated under these conditions. Instead, N-benzoylation was observed with the fluorinated amines and the reaction was sensitive to temperature and the pH of the aqueous medium. A one-pot-two-step synthesis of N^α-FMOC-l-Leu-N^β-(benzoyloxy)-β-alanine ethyl ester, a peptide containing both an α- and a novel β-amino acid framework, was also developed.     

Porous magnesium carboxylate framework: synthesis, X-ray crystal structure, gas adsorption property and heterogeneous catalytic aldol condensation reaction

A new three-dimensional alkaline-earth metal-organic framework (MOF) compound, [Mg(Pdc)(H(2)O)](n) (1) (H(2)Pdc = pyridine-2,5-dicarboxylic acid), has been synthesized and structurally characterized by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. Compound 1 features a 3D porous framework afforded by the Mg(2)-diad centers through formation of interconnected chair like structural motifs. A nitrogen adsorption study confirms the microporosity of compound 1 with a BET surface area of 211 ± 12 m(2) g(-1). Upon dehydration, the BET surface area of 1 is enhanced to a value of 463 ± 36 m(2) g(-1) due to removal of coordinated water molecule. After rehydration, the compound reverts to its original form as evidenced by powder X-ray diffraction and IR spectroscopic analysis and N(2) sorption measurement. Compound 1 retains its pore structure with a variable BET surface area in several cycles of dehydration and rehydration processes indicating robustness of the framework in [Mg(Pdc)(H(2)O)](n) (1). Compound 1 catalyzes the aldol condensation reactions of various aromatic aldehydes with acetone and cyclohexanone in heterogeneous conditions. Notably, the catalytic activity of the compound is enhanced upon dehydration. The catalyst can be recycled and reused several times without significant loss of activity.     

Photodegradation of a 1,3,4-thiadiazole-urea herbicide. Isolation,characterization, X-ray crystal structure and synthesis of photoproducts

The photodegradation of 1,3-dimethyl-1-(2-(3-fluorobenzylthio)-1,3,4-thiadiazol-5-yl)urea as a thin film and in solution is described. The two photoproducts from thin-film photolysis were characterized by spectral and synthetic methods. The X-ray crystal structure of one of the photoproducts is also reported. The rearrangements were shown to involve an S-to-N benzyl migration, followed by a sulfur-oxygen substitution.