Fabrication of Pascal‐triangle Lattice of Proteins by Inducing Ligand Strategy

A protein Pascal triangle has been constructed as new type of supramolecular architecture by using the inducing ligand strategy that we previously developed for protein assemblies. Although mathematical studies on this famous geometry have a long history, no work on such Pascal triangles fabricated from native proteins has been reported so far due to their structural complexity. In this work, by carefully tuning the specific interactions between the native protein building block WGA and the inducing ligand R‐SL , a 2D Pascal‐triangle lattice with three types of triangular voids has been assembled. Moreover, a 3D crystal structure was obtained based on the 2D Pascal triangles. The distinctive carbohydrate binding sites of WGA and the intralayer as well as interlayer dimerization of RhB was the key to facilitate nanofabrication in solution. This strategy may be applied to prepare and explore various sophisticated assemblies based on native proteins.     

Fabrication of Pascal-triangle Lattice of Proteins by Inducing Ligand Strategy

A protein Pascal triangle has been constructed as new type of supramolecular architecture by using the inducing ligand strategy that we previously developed for protein assemblies. Although mathematical studies on this famous geometry have a long history, no work on such Pascal triangles fabricated from native proteins has been reported so far due to their structural complexity. In this work, by carefully tuning the specific interactions between the native protein building block WGA and the inducing ligand R-SL , a 2D Pascal-triangle lattice with three types of triangular voids has been assembled. Moreover, a 3D crystal structure was obtained based on the 2D Pascal triangles. The distinctive carbohydrate binding sites of WGA and the intralayer as well as interlayer dimerization of RhB was the key to facilitate nanofabrication in solution. This strategy may be applied to prepare and explore various sophisticated assemblies based on native proteins.     

Self-assembly of supramolecular platinum complexes with bis-4-pyridyl cavitands

The design and self-assembly of six new supramolecular complexes (four triangles and two 2+2 assemblies) are described. These assemblies incorporate two new bispyridyl cavitand building blocks and were prepared in excellent yields (85-95%). The assemblies and building blocks were characterized with multinuclear NMR spectroscopy, electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, and elemental analysis. Isotopically resolved mass spectrometry along with NMR data confirms the existence of the six assemblies.     

Highly Stable Triangular Single-Layer 2D Assemblies: Synthesis and Their Stimuli-Responsive Elastic and Anisotropic Curling

Synthesis of highly stable two-dimensional single-layer assemblies (SLAs) is a key challenge in supramolecular science, especially those with long-range molecular order and well-defined morphology. Here, thin (thickness <2 nm) triangular Au^I-thiolate SLAs with high thermo-, solvato- and mechano- stability have been synthesized via a double-ligand co-assembly strategy. Furthermore, the SLAs show assembly-level elastic and anisotropic deformation responses to external stimuli as a result of the long-range anisotropic molecular packing, which provides SLAs with new application potentials in bio-mimic nanomechanics.     

In Situ Controlled Construction of a Hierarchical Supramolecular Chiral Liquid-Crystalline Polymer Assembly

Hierarchical supramolecular chiral liquid-crystalline (LC) polymer assemblies are challenging to construct in situ in a controlled manner. Now, polymerization-induced chiral self-assembly (PICSA) is reported. Hierarchical supramolecular chiral azobenzene-containing block copolymer (Azo-BCP) assemblies were constructed with π–π stacking interactions occurring in the layered structure of Azo smectic phases. The evolution of chirality from terminal alkyl chain to Azo mesogen building blocks and further induction of supramolecular chirality in LC BCP assemblies during PICSA is achieved. Morphologies such as spheres, worms, helical fibers, lamellae, and vesicles were observed. The morphological transition had a crucial effect on the chiral expression of Azo-BCP assemblies. The supramolecular chirality of Azo-BCP assemblies destroyed by 365 nm UV irradiation can be recovered by heating–cooling treatment; this dynamic reversible achiral–chiral switching can be repeated at least five times.     

In Situ Controlled Construction of a Hierarchical Supramolecular Chiral Liquid‐Crystalline Polymer Assembly

Hierarchical supramolecular chiral liquid‐crystalline (LC) polymer assemblies are challenging to construct in situ in a controlled manner. Now, polymerization‐induced chiral self‐assembly (PICSA) is reported. Hierarchical supramolecular chiral azobenzene‐containing block copolymer (Azo‐BCP) assemblies were constructed with π–π stacking interactions occurring in the layered structure of Azo smectic phases. The evolution of chirality from terminal alkyl chain to Azo mesogen building blocks and further induction of supramolecular chirality in LC BCP assemblies during PICSA is achieved. Morphologies such as spheres, worms, helical fibers, lamellae, and vesicles were observed. The morphological transition had a crucial effect on the chiral expression of Azo‐BCP assemblies. The supramolecular chirality of Azo‐BCP assemblies destroyed by 365 nm UV irradiation can be recovered by heating–cooling treatment; this dynamic reversible achiral–chiral switching can be repeated at least five times.     

The HETTAP approach: self-assembly and metal ion sensing of dumbbell-shaped molecules and clip molecules

The pentacoordinated terpyridine-phenanthroline zinc(II) complex motif, conceived along the HETTAP concept, allows the preparation of a set of multicomponent supramolecular dumbbell and clip assemblies from various bisterpyridines. All assemblies show a notable luminescence at 350-400 nm. The formation of dumbbell [Zn2(1b)2(2b)]4+ is convincingly demonstrated from the X-ray crystal structure analysis. Both dumbbell [Zn2(1b)2(2b)]4+ and clip [Zn2(1d)(2b)]4+ allow the monitoring of Hg2+ ions due to highly selective quenching of the emission that is driven by a Zn2+ --> Hg2+ exchange process, while the more-strained clip [Zn2(1d)(2c)]4+ does not undergo such metal exchange and does not show quenching of the luminescence. Consequently, these assemblies exhibit a highly selective response due solely to supramolecular effects.     

X-ray diffraction and DOSY NMR characterization of self-assembled supramolecular metallocyclic species in solution

Wide-angle X-ray scattering and diffusion NMR techniques have been used to obtain structural information on three self-assembled metallacyclic supramolecular complexes in solution: a rectangle, a triangle, and a three-diminsional cage. The low-angle region of the measured diffraction patterns and hydrodynamic radii calculations, determined from DOSY NMR experiments, suggest that the supramolecular assemblies retain their shape when dissolved in nitromethane. The experimental structure functions for the large-angle region have been analyzed, and the intramolecular contributions of the platinum-platinum interactions are discussed. These scattering measurements provide evidence that the supramolecular assemblies are not as rigid in solution as they are in the single crystal. Finally, by analysis of the radial distribution functions of the solutions, direct structural information (e.g., platinum-platinum intramolecular distances and coordination number) about the supramolecular assemblies has been obtained.     

1′-碘代二茂铁甲醛肟酯的设计与合成

以含多功能团的1′-碘代二茂铁甲醛为起始原料,设计合成了4种1′-碘代二茂铁甲醛肟酯类化合物3a～3d,并用IR,1H NMR,MS和元素分析对其结构进行了确认,其中化合物3a的单晶结构经X射线单晶衍射确证其属单斜晶系(Monoclinic),P2(1)/n空间群,晶胞参数:a=0.6328(3)nm,b=1.0634(7)nm,c=2.3815(13)nm,α=90°,β=93.546(19)°,γ=90°,Z=4,μ=2.883mm-1,Dc=1.910g/cm3,F(000)=896.晶胞堆积图证明化合物3a的分子之间通过电子的授受作用、π-π堆积和氢键等弱相互作用组装成三维四方形管状空穴结构.这种空穴结构可以选择性地对客体分子进行识别.     

Isolated supramolecules on surfaces studied with scanning tunneling microscopy

To date, supramolecular chemistry is an ever growing research field owing to its crucial role in molecular catalysis, recognition, medicine, data storage and processing as well as artificial photosynthetic devices.Different isolated supramolecules were prepared by molecular self-assembly on surfaces. This review mainly focuses on supramolecular aggregations on noble metal surfaces studied by scanning tunneling microscopy, including dimers, trimers, tetramers, pentamers, wire-like assemblies and Sierpin′ ski triangular fractals. The variety of self-assembled structures reflects the subtle balance between intermolecular and molecule–substrate interactions, which to some extent may be controlled by molecules, substrates and the molecular coverage. The comparative study of different architectures helps identifying the operative mechanisms that lead to the structural motifs. The application of these mechanisms may lead to novel assemblies with tailored physicochemical properties.     

Reversible CO2-, Photo- and Thermo- Triple Responsive Supramolecular Chirality of Azo-containing Block Copolymer Assemblies Prepared by Polymerization-induced Chiral Self-assembly

Polymerization-induced chiral self-assembly(PICSA)is an efficient strategy that not only allows the construction of the supramolecular chiral assemblies in a controlled manner but also can regulate the morphology in situ.Herein,a series of azobenzene-containing block copolymer(Azo-BCP)assemblies with tunable morphologies and supramolecular chirality were obtained through the PICSA strategy.The supramolecular chirality of Azo-BCP assemblies could be regulated by carbon dioxide(CO₂)stimulus,and completely recovered by bubbling with Ar.A reversible morphology transformation and chiroptical switching process could also be achieved by the alternative 365 nm UV light irradiation and heatingcooling treatment.Moreover,the supramolecular chirality is thermo-responsive and a reversible chiral-achiral switching was successfully realized,which can be reversibly repeated for at least five times.This work provides a feasible strategy for constructing triple stimuli-responsive supramolecular chiral nano-objects in situ.     

Characterization and purification of supramolecular metal complexes using gel-permeation chromatography

Gel-permeation chromatography (GPC) has been used to analyze transition-metal-based squares, triangles, and related supramolecular complexes. Using rhenium-containing molecular squares of different sizes, a linear calibration curve has been established, which was used for confirming the relative sizes of other assemblies. GPC can also discriminate cyclic trimers and tetramers of a dirhodium building block. Preparative GPC has been used to resolve macroscopic samples of a rhenium-based supramolecular mixture into pure syn and anti isomers. A mixture of "triangle" and "square" has also been successfully separated.     

Synthesis of triangular metallodendrimers via coordination-driven self-assembly

A new family of 60° dendritic di-Pt(II) acceptor tectons have been successfully designed and synthesized, from which a series of novel "three-component" triangular metallodendrimers were prepared via [3 + 3] coordination-driven self-assembly. The structures of newly designed triangular metallodendrimers are characterized by multinuclear NMR ((1)H and (31)P), (1)H DOSY NMR, mass spectrometry (CSI-TOF-MS), and elemental analysis. The shape and size of all supramolecular dendritic triangles were investigated with PM6 semiempirical molecular orbital methods.     

Supramolecular triangular and linear arrays of metal-radical solids using pyrazolato-silver(I) motifs

New chelating radical ligands pzNNH, pzINH, and pzbisINH (3-pyrazolyl nitronyl nitroxide, 3-pyrazolyl imino nitroxide, and pyrazole-3,5-diyl bis(imino nitroxide), respectively) were prepared. Complexation of these ligands with Ag+ gave [Ag(pzNN)]n, [Ag(pzIN)]6, and [Ag(pzbisIN)]n containing the corresponding anionic forms of the ligands. From the X-ray crystal structure analysis, [Ag(pzIN)]6 was characterized as a dimer of almost planar triangular moieties where the pyrazolate worked as a bridge, and metal-metal bonds brought about dimerization of triangles. [Ag(pzbisIN)]n was characterized as a uniform zigzag chain consisting of pyrazolate bridges and Ag ions with a cis-Npz-Ag-Npz coordination structure. Antiferromagnetic interactions observed could be analyzed based on the structures determined for both compounds. Ferromagnetic coupling was observed in [Ag(pzNN)]n, and a polymeric structure was assumed although the crystal structure could not be determined. Novel supramolecular architectures using pyrazolate-substituted imino nitroxides have been developed, using the unique coordinative versatility of the pyrazolate derivatives     

Transformation of Dipeptide‐Based Organogels into Chiral Crystals by Cryogenic Treatment

Controlled molecular assembly is an important approach for the synthesis of single‐component materials with diverse functions. Unlike traditional heat treatment or solvent modulation, cryogenic treatment at 77 K enabled the tunable transition of a self‐assembled diphenylalanine organogel into a hexagonal crystal. Under these conditions, the assembled molecules undergo an internal rearrangement in the solid state to form a well‐defined chiral crystal structure. Moreover, these assemblies exhibit enhanced emission. This strategy for the synthesis of single‐component supramolecular assemblies can create new functions by manipulating phase transitions.     

Organic hydrogen-bonded assembly of asymmetric phenol amide molecules

The significant involvement of weak intermolecular interactions and steric and/or symmetry-related packing features was assessed with supramolecular arrays of 4-hydroxyphenyl amides in the crystal structure. The one-dimensional chain is observed in the aryl substituted 4-hydroxyphenyl amides, while alkyl analogs generate 2D or 3D arrays. A comparison of supramolecular assemblies in the similar 4-hydroxyphenyl amide compounds in the Cambridge Structural Database has been presented. It is correlated with the different steric constraints of aryl and alkyl groups to create chains, 2D sheets and 3D-interpenetrated networks in the asymmetric 4-hydroxyphenyl amides. A comprehensive analysis of crystal packing and energy features of the selected 4-hydroxyphenyl amide derivatives is reported.     

Four-arm oligonucleotide Ni(II)-cyclam-centered complexes as precursors for the generation of supramolecular periodic assemblies

The development of a multiarm metal-centered DNA building block as a precursor for the construction of supramolecular assemblies has relied upon the preparation of a Ni(II)-1,4,8,11-tetrazacyclotetradecane ligand (cyclam) functionalized with four linkers. This complex can be incorporated into a support-bound DNA sequence and the remaining three linkers can then be elongated by DNA synthesis. The result is a Ni(II)-cyclam complex tethering four 20-mer DNA strands. This building block, designed to be tetrahedral in nature, can in principle be used to form tetrahedral assemblies. These assemblies can be designed to be of known size and composition or permitted to grow into complexes of essentially infinite size, ideally the macroscopic version of a crystal.     

Macrocycle-Based Crystalline Supramolecular Assemblies Built with Intermolecular Charge-Transfer Interactions

Synthetic macrocycles have served as principal tools for supramolecular chemistry, have greatly extended the scope of organic charge transfer (CT) complexes, and have proved to be of great practical value in the solid state during the past few years. In this Minireview, we summarize the research progress on the macrocycle-based crystalline supramolecular assemblies primarily driven by intermolecular CT interactions (a.k.a. macrocycle-based crystalline CT assemblies, MCCAs for short), which are classified by their donor–acceptor (D-A) constituent elements, including simplex macrocyclic hosts, heterogeneous macrocyclic hosts, and host–guest D-A pairs. Particular attention will be focused on their diverse functions and applications, as well as the underlying CT mechanisms from the perspective of crystal engineering. Finally, the remaining challenges and prospects are outlined.     

Measurement platforms fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly of crown ether functionalized gold nanoclusters

Mixed-ligand monolayer-protected gold nanoclusters (MPCs) with crown ether (CE) and carboxylate functionalities were synthesized and used as components of layer-by-layer (LBL) electrostatic assemblies on gold and indium tin oxide (ITO) electrodes. The purpose of using MPCs was to provide a supramolecular anchor for a functionality, CEs, of interest to sensor and solid-phase extraction design; the carboxylate provided the charged sites needed for electrostatic assembly. With 15-crown-5 as the CE, the capture of 2.8×10^-10 mol Pb^II cm^-2 per monolayer of MPC was demonstrated by voltammetry and by electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance measurements. The diffusion of ferrocene through these LBL assemblies was investigated. The presence of MPCs and/or generation-4 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers allowed facile transport of ferrocene to the underlying electrode, presumably because these supramolecular assemblies provided a quasi-porous structure.     

Oligo- and polymeric Pd(II) and Pt(II) using pyridyl carboxylate spacers for topology control

An array of Pd(II) and Pt(II) supramolecular assemblies have been constructed using pyridyl carboxylates as spacers and phosphines [(C5H4PPh2)2Fe (dppf) and PPh3)] as supporting ligands. Different molecular topologies such as squares, triangles, rectangles, and polymers can be controlled by the spatial and directional character of the spacer. A change of the denticity of the phosphine does not affect the topological outcome. Significant differences, however, are observed for the congeneric analogues, with Pd(II) showing a more pronounced tendency toward coordination polymer formation and its attached carboxyl a higher affinity toward Ag(+). The ability of these assemblies to capture cations, such as Na(+) in [Pt3Na(3-NC5H4CO2)3(OTf)3(PPh3)6](+) through hydrogen bonding or Ag(+) in [PdAg(2-NC5H4CO2)(OTf)2(dppf)] through dative bonding, is described and compared. All of the complexes are structurally characterized by single-crystal X-ray crystallography.