Synthesis and self-association properties of diethynylbenzene macrocycles

We synthesized diethynylbenzene macrocycles (DBMs), cyclic oligomers of diethynylbenzene, having functional groups in the periphery of the macrocyclic framework and investigated their self-association properties in solution resulting from π-π stacking interaction. The tetrakis-DBM having hexadecyl ester groups showed dimerization behavior not only in chloroform-d, but also in o-dichlorobenzene-d₄.     

Shape-persistent arylene ethynylene macrocycles: syntheses and supramolecular chemistry

This article describes recent developments in the synthesis of macrocycles having rigid, monocyclic skeletons composed of arylene and ethynylene units and the studies on their self-assembling behavior.     

Tetrabutylammonium alkyl carboxylate surfactants in aqueous solution: self-association behavior, solution nanostructure, and comparison with tetrabutylammonium alkyl sulfate surfactants

A series of long and ultralong chain tetrabutylammonium alkyl carboxylate (TBACm, TBA = tetrabutylammonium ion; Cm = carboxylate ion C(m-1)H(2)(m-1)CO(2)(-) of total carbon number m) surfactants have been obtained by direct neutralization of the fatty acids with m = 12, 14, 18, 22, and 24 by tetrabutylammonium hydroxide. Time-resolved fluorescence quenching has been used to determine the micelle aggregation number (N) of the surfactants with m = 12, 14, and 18 in the temperature range 10-50 degrees C and of the surfactants with m = 22 and 24 in the temperature range 25-60 degrees C. In all instances the values of N were well below those that can be calculated for the maximum spherical micelle formed by surfactants with the same alkyl chain as the investigated surfactants on the basis of the oil drop model for the micelle core. The microstructure of selected solutions of TBAC22 was examined using transmission electron microscopy at cryogenic temperature and compared to the microstructure of solutions of TBA dodecyl and tetradecyl sulfates. These observations generally confirmed the findings of TRFQ. The self-association behavior of these anionic surfactants with TBA counterions is explained on the basis of the large size and the hydrophobicity of the tetrabutylammonium ions. The important differences in behavior that have been evidenced between tetrabutylammonium alkyl carboxylates and alkyl sulfates are discussed in terms of differences in distribution of the surfactant electrical charge on the headgroup and alkyl chain predicted by quantum chemical calculations (Langmuir 1999, 15, 7546).     

Structure and dynamics of pyrimidine-based macrocycles in solution

The conformational structure of macrocycles obtained from two thiopyrimidine and uracil nucleic acids linked by polymethylene spacers is determined by the length of the spacers, intramolecular NH bonding, pH and solvent. In CDCl₃, NH-OC hydrogen bonding can impact the overall stabilization of the folded conformation, however spatial preorganization to such hydrogen bonding is a prerequisite. Protonation leads to disruption of intramolecular hydrogen bonds, destabilization of the folded conformation and to strong counterion assisted self-aggregation of macrocyles which can be destroyed in polar solvents.     

Symmetric diarylacetylenes: one-pot syntheses and solution photoluminescence

Bis(tri-n-butylstannyl)acetylene was synthesized and used to create a series of symmetric diarylacetylenes via a one-step Stille coupling protocol with Pd(PPh₃)₄ as the catalyst. In many cases, the product simply crystallized in good yields from the reaction mixture upon cooling after reflux at 100 °C or upon removal of solvent. The diarylacetylenes were studied using UV-vis and fluorescence spectroscopies, which showed that naphthyl- and biphenyl-substituted acetylenes had very high solution-state fluorescence quantum yields.     

Bis-imine-cyclometalated macrocycles: synthesis, characterization and observation of solution behaviour

A novel class of cyclometalated macrocycles [(Cp*Ir)(2)(R-N=C-C(6)H(2)-C=N-R)(2)](2)(pyrazine)(2)·(OTf)(4) [R = Ph (4a), p-MeOC(6)H(4) (4b), p-MeC(6)H(4) (4c), p-ClC(6)H(4) (4d), Me (4e)]; [(Cp*Rh)(2)(R-N=C-C(6)H(2)-C=N-R)(2)](2)(pyrazine)(2)·(OTf)(4) [R = Ph (4a'), p-MeOC(6)H(4) (4b'), p-MeC(6)H(4) (4c')] and [(Cp*Ir)(2)(R-C=N-C(6)H(4)-N=C-R)(2)](2)(pyrazine)(2)·(OTf)(4) [R = Ph (5a), p-MeOC(6)H(4) (5b)] was stepwise constructed through the double-site C-H activation of aromatic bis-imine substrates. The structures of binuclear complexes and tetranuclear macrocycles were confirmed by single-crystal X-ray diffraction. Isomers were found both in binuclear species and macrocyclic complexes. Flexible substrates led to the existence of isomers for binuclear species, yet gave no isomers after macrocyclic constructions; rigid ones, in contrast, led to isomers only for macrocyclic species. The isomers of tetranuclear macrocycles were thermodynamically stable to reversible transformation on a scale of days. Robust bonding and a certain degree of rigidity were invoked to explain the existence of isomers. This is the first example, to our knowledge, in which coordinated macrocycles containing half-sandwich Cp*M (M = Ir, Rh) fragments have been constructed, without a dynamic reversible process.     

Nucleoside 5'-triphosphates: self-association, acid-base, and metal ion-binding properties in solution

Adenosine 5'-triphosphate (ATP(4-)) and related nucleoside 5'-triphosphates (NTP(4-)) serve as substrates in the form of metal ion complexes in enzymic reactions taking part thus in central metabolic processes. With this in mind, the coordination chemistry of NTPs is critically reviewed and the conditions are defined for studies aiming to describe the properties of monomeric complexes because at higher concentrations (>1 mM) self-stacking may take place. The metal ion (M(2+)) complexes of purine-NTPs are more stable than those of pyrimidine-NTPs; this stability enhancement is attributed, in accord with NMR studies, to macrochelate formation of the phosphate-coordinated M(2+) with N7 of the purine residue and the formation degrees of the resulting isomeric complexes are listed. Furthermore, the formation of mixed-ligand complexes (including also those with buffer molecules), the effect of a reduced solvent polarity on complex stability and structure (giving rise to selectivity), the use of nucleotide analogues as antiviral agents, and the effect of metal ions on group transfer reactions are summarized.     

Synthesis of muscothiazoles A and B: Critical role of methyl group substitution in RCM-based syntheses of macrocycles

[reaction: see text] Muscothiazoles A (2b) and B (2c) have been prepared by two approaches that differ in the order of assembly of the rings. Comparative studies show that substitution of the carbon chains in substrate 5 or 12 (respective precursors to 13-membered and 14-membered rings by RCM), even by a single methyl group, can have a profound effect on increasing the efficiency of the macrocyclization.     

Efficient syntheses of new chiral peptidomimetic macrocycles through a configurationally driven preorganization

A new family of 32-membered ring peptidomimetic macrocycles has been efficiently obtained in a simple one-pot two-step reductive amination reaction, from easily prepared precursors. The structural and stereochemical variables have been explored in order to rationalize the obtained selectivity. The formation of the [2A+2B] tetraimine intermediate has been explained in terms of a very favorable configurationally driven preorganization as detected by NMR, CD and molecular modeling.     

The syntheses of nitrogen‐oxygen donor macrocycles containing pyridine ring

Five new nitrogen‐oxygen mixed donor macrocycles have been prepared by condensation of 2,6‐bis [(2‐formylphenyl)oxymethyl]pyridine with different diamino compounds in hot methanol, followed by a one‐pot reduction of the intermediate bis‐Schiff base. All the macrocycles were identified by elemental analysis, and ir, uv, and nmr spectroscopy.     

Phenylacetylene macrocycles with two opposing bipyridine donor sites: syntheses, X-ray structure determinations, and Ru complexation

Reaction of the known macrocycle 1a, which contains two bipyridine units in opposing sides, with two equivalents of [Ru(bipy)2Cl2] furnishes the doubly exocyclically complexed macrocycle 8a in 55% yield. Synthesis of the shape-persistent macrocycle 1c by Hagihara-Sonogashira cross-coupling chemistry of suitably functionalized building blocks is reported. This macrocycle was also converted into a Ru complex (8c). X-ray analysis of single crystals of 1b and 1c shows a layered structure that contains "channels" filled with solvent molecules and parts of the flexible chains, with which the cycle is decorated for solubility reasons.     

A survey of acid catalysts for use in two-step, one-flask syntheses of meso-substituted porphyrinic macrocycles

[reaction: see text] Diverse Lewis acids and Bronsted acids were examined in the two-step, one-flask synthesis of meso-tetraphenylporphyrin, N-confused tetraphenylporphyrin, and tetraphenylsapphyrin. The scope of acid catalysis was found to be very broad, with 35 of 45 acids providing TPP in yields ranging from 5% to 58%. NC-TPP was also widely observed in yields of 1-40%, and TPS was infrequently observed in yields of <1%. Additionally, conditions were found for direct preparation of magnesium TPP and copper TPP.     

On the Stacking of β -Rings: The solution self-association behavior of two partially N-methylated cyclo(hexaleucines)

Cyclo(-D -Leu-L -MeLeu-D -Leu-L -MeLeu-D -Leu-L -MeLeu-) ( 1 ) and cyclo(-L -Leu-D -Leu-L -MeLeu-D -Leu-L -Leu-D -Leu-) ( 2 ) were synthesized and used for a study of the interaction of β -rings in solution. In appropriate solvents, 1 and 2 formed dimers consisting of two β -rings connected through six interannular H-bonds and having the N -Me group(s) on the solvent-exposed face. The study also afforded indications that 2 formed different dimers of this kind, differing in the relative orientation of the two β -rings. These experimental observations provide strong support to the idea that unsubstituted D ,L -alternating cyclooligopeptides, such as cyclo(hexaleucine), can self-assemble and give rise to long tubular stacks of β -rings.     

1H NMR study on the self-association of quinacridone derivatives in solution

The pi-stacking structures and self-association thermodynamics of N, N'-di(n-alkyl) quinacridone derivatives (n-alkyl QAs) with various substituents on the side aromatic rings and different length of n-alkyl chains are investigated in organic solvents by (1)H NMR spectroscopy. The stacking geometries are built based on both the magnitudes and directions of peak shifts with concentration and solvent polarity. The intermolecular interaction between nitrogen atoms and oxygen atoms dominates the general geometrical preferences of the stacking in which the molecules are face-to-face arranged in a parallel and an antiparallel fashion, respectively. The stacking structures are little affected by the length of the n-alkyl chains but are regulated in an allowed range by the size and properties of the substituents. The association processes of all the n-alkyl QAs are enthalpically favorable at 298 K, while the relative stability of these n-alkyl QAs assemblies is governed mainly by the entropy of the association processes. The introduction of larger substituents and longer n-alkyl chains disfavors the association of the n-alkyl QAs, while the binding of the halogen atoms on the side aromatic rings is favorable to the association. The relative strength of the stacking interaction for the substituted n-alkyl QAs has not obvious correlation with the electron-donating or electron-withdrawing nature of the substituents, while it is well associated to the dispersion energy and repulsive exchange energy. The different entropy-enthalpy compensation of the halogen-substituted n-alkyl QAs from others may suggest different association mechanism for the two types of n-alkyl QAs.     

Mass spectrometric study of oligourea macrocycles and their anion binding behavior

Two series, one of tris‐urea macrocycles and another of hexakis‐urea macrocycles, are examined by (tandem) Fourier‐transform ion cyclotron resonance (FTICR) mass spectrometry with respect to their fragmentation patterns and anion binding properties. All macrocycles are based on two different building blocks, one of which is a very rigid xanthene unit and the other one is a more flexible diphenyl ether. The composition and the sequence of these units thus determine their flexibility. During the fragmentation of deprotonated oligourea macrocycles in the gas phase, one urea N? CO bond is cleaved followed by a scrambling reaction within the macrocycle structure. Consequently, fragments are observed that deviate from those that would be expected from the sequence of the subunits. Interesting anion binding properties involve the simultaneous recognition of two chloride anions by one of the hexakis‐urea macrocycles, whose flexibility allows this host to form a double‐helical structure. Flexibility also determines which of the hexameric receptors bears a high sulfate affinity. The interaction energy between some of the macrocycles and sulfate is high enough to even stabilize the intrinsically unstable sulfate dianion. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Silver complexes with unsaturated thiacrown ethers: inclusion behavior of conformationally restricted macrocycles

The reactions of 18- and 21-membered unsaturated thiacrown ethers, 18-UT-6 and 21-UT-7, with CF(3)COOAg in acetone afforded novel silver(I) complexes Ag(I)(18-UT-6)(CF(3)COO) and Ag(I)(2)(21-UT-7)(CF(3)COO)(2), respectively. The crystal structure of Ag(I)(18-UT-6)(CF(3)COO) shows that the silver atom occupies the cavity of the 18-UT-6 and the geometry around the silver atom has a distorted five-coordinate square pyramidal arrangement. The crystal structure of Ag(I)(2)(21-UT-7)(CF(3)COO)(2) shows that the two silver atoms and all sulfur atoms are nearly coplanar and the two trifluoroacetate groups are located at the opposite sides of the plane. The stoichiometry for the complexation of 15-UT-5, 18-UT-6, and 21-UT-7 with CF(3)COOAg in solution was examined by (1)H NMR measurement. The titration plots of 15-UT-5 and 21-UT-7 show a distinct inflection point at 1:1 and 2:1 metal/macrocycle ratios, respectively, whereas the plot of 18-UT-6 gradually changes at the range of 1:1 to 2:1. From these results, 15-UT-5 and 21-UT-7 were found to show inclusion selectivity for number of silver ions, respectively, whereas 18-UT-6 showed low selectivity for the inclusion number of metals. Comparison of the oxidation and reduction potentials of the silver(I) complexes with those of free macrocycles and CF(3)COOAg revealed that unsaturated thiacrown ethers become difficult to be oxidized by complexation with CF(3)COOAg, and CF(3)COOAg becomes difficult to be reduced by complexation with unsaturated thiacrown ethers.     

New water-soluble macrocycles of the paracyclophane type: Aggregation behavior and host-guest-interaction with hydrophobic substrates

The three water-soluble tetraoxa[n.1.n.1.]paracyclophanes $\text{6a}$ – $\text{c}$ were synthesized. Their aggregation behavior was studied by H-NMR spectroscopy and light scattering; host-guest-interaction with hydrophobic guests was observed by fluorescence spectroscopy.     

Cd(II) complexation in aqueous solution with dipyridine- and phenanthroline-containing polyamine macrocycles

The coordination features toward Cd(II) of four phenanthroline-containing and three dipyridine-containing macrocyclic polyamines have been studied by means of potentiometric and spectrophotometric UV–Vis measurements in aqueous solutions. All ligands form stable 1:1 metal complexes. The stability constants of the Cd(II) are generally lower than those reported for Cd(II) complexes with aliphatic macrocyclic polyamines containing the same number of nitrogen donors. This effect is mainly related to the stiffening of the ligands, due to the insertion of a large and rigid heteroaromatic moiety within the aliphatic polyamine framework. This structural feature does not allow the nitrogen donor to achieve an optimal arrangement around the metal ion. The decreased stability is often accompanied by facile protonation of the complexes, suggesting that some amine groups are not involved in metal binding.