Structural Changes of a Doubly Spin‐Labeled Chemically Driven Molecular Shuttle Probed by PELDOR Spectroscopy

Gaining detailed information on the structural rearrangements associated with stimuli‐induced molecular movements is of utmost importance for understanding the operation of molecular machines. Pulsed electron–electron double resonance (PELDOR) was employed to monitor the geometrical changes arising upon chemical switching of a [2]rotaxane that behaves as an acid–base‐controlled molecular shuttle. To this aim, the rotaxane was endowed with stable nitroxide radical units in both the ring and axle components. The combination of PELDOR data and molecular dynamic calculations indicates that in the investigated rotaxane, the ring displacement along the axle, caused by the addition of a base, does not alter significantly the distance between the nitroxide labels, but it is accompanied by a profound change in the geometry adopted by the macrocycle.     

Synthesis of a pH‐Sensitive Hetero[4]Rotaxane Molecular Machine that Combines [c2]Daisy and [2]Rotaxane Arrangements

The synthesis of a novel pH‐sensitive hetero[4]rotaxane molecular machine through a self‐sorting strategy is reported. The original tetra‐interlocked molecular architecture combines a [c2]daisy chain scaffold linked to two [2]rotaxane units. Actuation of the system through pH variation is possible thanks to the specific interactions of the dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8) macrocycles for ammonium, anilinium, and triazolium molecular stations. Selective deprotonation of the anilinium moieties triggers shuttling of the unsubstituted DB24C8 along the [2]rotaxane units.     

3]rotaxane synthesized via covalent bond formation can recognize cations forming a sandwich structure

A novel [3]rotaxane composed of two 25-membered crownophanes and one axle molecule having two anthryl end groups was successfully synthesized via covalent bond formation followed by aminolysis, and can incorporate caesium ion into the space between the two macrocycles as a 1 : 1 sandwich-type complex, whereas it makes a 1 : 2 complex with lithium ion.     

Synthesis of [3]Rotaxanes that Utilize the Catalytic Activity of a Macrocyclic Phenanthroline–Cu Complex: Remarkable Effect of the Length of the Axle Precursor

[3]Rotaxanes, which consist of one macrocyclic phenanthroline compound and two axle components, were prepared by the oxidative dimerization of an alkyne compound with bulky tris[4′‐cyclohexyl‐(1,1′‐biphenyl)‐4‐yl]methyl blocking group. The catalytic activity of a macrocyclic phenanthroline–Cu complex was utilized to thread the two axle components inside the ring. The alkyne compound with chain of 15 or 20 methylene groups gave [3]rotaxanes in high yields, whereas the axle with a chain of six methylene groups afforded a [3]rotaxane in very poor yield. We also examined the effect of the ring size on the synthesis of [3]rotaxanes. [3]Rotaxanes were not isolated when a macrocyclic phenanthroline compound with a smaller ring size was used.     

A Chiral Halogen‐Bonding [3]Rotaxane for the Recognition and Sensing of Biologically Relevant Dicarboxylate Anions

The unprecedented application of a chiral halogen‐bonding [3]rotaxane host system for the discrimination of stereo‐ and E/Z geometric isomers of a dicarboxylate anion guest is described. Synthesised by a chloride anion templation strategy, the [3]rotaxane host recognises dicarboxylates through the formation of 1:1 stoichiometric sandwich complexes. This process was analysed by molecular dynamics simulations, which revealed the critical synergy of halogen and hydrogen bonding interactions in anion discrimination. In addition, the centrally located chiral (S)‐BINOL motif of the [3]rotaxane axle component facilitates the complexed dicarboxylate species to be sensed via a fluorescence response.     

Self-assembly, binding, and dynamic properties of heterodimeric porphyrin macrocycles

A series of heterodimeric tetralactam macrocycles have been self-assembled using two kinetically labile zinc porphyrin-pyridine interactions. The stability constants have been determined by UV-vis titrations in CHCl3. The stability constants depend on the degree of preorganization of the linker units connecting the interacting groups. The ability of the self-assembled macrocycles to bind a terephthalamide guest was also investigated. One of the macrocycles was used for the construction of a [2]rotaxane. The dynamic properties of this system provide insight into the exchange mechanisms that operate in complex noncovalent assemblies.     

The Effect of Incorporating Fréchet Dendrons into Rotaxanes and Molecular Shuttles Containing the 1,2‐Bis(pyridinium)ethane⊂[24]Crown‐8 Templating Motif

Fréchet‐type dendrons (G0–G3) were added as both axle stoppering units and cyclic wheel appendages in a series of [2]rotaxanes, [3]rotaxanes, and molecular shuttles that employ 1,2‐bis(pyridinium)ethane axles and 24‐membered crown ethers wheels. The addition of dendrimer wedges as stoppering units dramatically increased the solubility of simple [2]rotaxanes in nonpolar solvents. The X‐ray structure of a G1‐stoppered [2]rotaxane shows how the dendritic units affect the structure of the interlocked components. Increased solubility allows observation of how the interaction of dendritic units on separate components in interlocked molecules influences switching properties and molecular size. In a series of [2]rotaxane molecular shuttles incorporating two recognition sites, it was demonstrated that an increase in generation on either the stoppering unit or cyclic wheel could influence both the rate of shuttling and the site preference of the wheel on the axle.     

Effects of Axle‐Core,Macrocycle, and Side‐Station Structures on the Threading and Hydrolysis Processes of Imine‐Bridged Rotaxanes

Imine‐bridged rotaxanes are a new type of rotaxane in which the axle and macrocyclic ring are connected by imine bonds. We have previously reported that in imine‐bridged rotaxane 5 , the shuttling motion of the macrocycle could be controlled by changing the temperature. In this study, we investigated how the axle and macrocycle structures affect the construction of the imine‐bridged rotaxane as well as the dynamic equilibrium between imine‐bridged rotaxane 5 and [2]rotaxane 7 by using various combinations of axles ( 1 A , B ), macrocycles ( 2 a – e ), and side‐stations (XYL and TEG). In the threading process, the flexibility of the macrocycle and the substituent groups at the para position of the aniline moieties affect the preparation of the threaded imines. The size of the imine‐bridging station and the macrocyclic tether affects the hydrolysis of the imine bonds under acidic conditions.     

Acid‐Base Switchable [2]‐ and [3]Rotaxane Molecular Shuttles with Benzimidazolium and Bis(pyridinium) Recognition Sites

For the purpose of developing higher level mechanically interlocked molecules (MIMs), such as molecular switches and machines, a new rotaxane system was designed in which both the 1,2‐bis(pyridinium)ethane and benzimidazolium recognition templating motifs were combined. These two very different recognition sites were successfully incorporated into [2]rotaxane and [3]rotaxane molecular shuttles which were fully characterized by ¹H NMR, 2D EXSY, single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction and VT NMR analysis. By utilizing benzimidazolium as both a recognition site and stoppering group it was possible to create not only an acid/base switchable [2]rotaxane molecular shuttle (energy barrier 20.9 kcal?mol^?1) but also a [3]rotaxane molecular shuttle that displays unique dynamic behavior involving the simultaneous motion of two macrocyclic wheels on a single dumbbell. This study provides new insights into the design of switchable molecular shuttles. Due to the unique properties of benzimidazoles, such as fluorescence and metal coordination, this new type of molecular shuttle may find further applications in developing functional molecular machines and materials.     

Use of Cleavable Coordinating Rings as Protective Groups in the Synthesis of a Rotaxane with an Axis that Incorporates More Chelating Groups Than Threaded Macrocycles

A new methodology allowing preparation of a linear “unsaturated” [3]rotaxane consisting of an axis incorporating more coordination sites than threaded rings was developed. It was based on the preliminary synthesis of a “saturated” [5]rotaxane consisting of a four‐chelating site axis threaded through four macrocyclic components, two of them being cleavable rings incorporating a lactone function and the two others being “secure” non‐cleavable rings. The stoppering reaction was based on click chemistry. Subsequently, cleavage and removal of the two lactone‐containing macrocycles from the [5]rotaxane in basic medium afforded the desired “unsaturated” [3]rotaxane in quantitative yield.     

Molecular dynamics study of 2rotaxanes: influence of solvation and cation on co-conformation

The conformational preference of a [2]rotaxane system has been examined by molecular dynamics simulations. The rotaxane wheel consists of two bridged binding components: a cis-dibenzo-18-crown-6 ether and a 1,3-phenyldicarboxamide, and the penetrating axle consists of a central isophthaloyl unit with phenyltrityl capping groups. The influence of solvation on the co-conformation of the [2]rotaxane was evaluated by comparing the conformational flexibility in two solvents: chloroform and dimethyl sulfoxide. Attention was also paid to the effect of cation binding on the dynamical properties of the [2]rotaxane. The conformational stability of the [2]rotaxane was calculated using a MM/PB-SA strategy, and the occurrence of specific motions was examined by essential dynamics analysis. The changes in the co-conformational properties in the two solvents and upon cation binding are discussed in light of the available NMR data. The results indicate that in chloroform solution the [2]rotaxane system exists as a mixture of co-conformational states including some that have hydrogen bonds between axle C=O and wheel NH groups. Analysis of the simulations allow us to hypothesize that the [2]rotaxane's circumrotation motion can occur as the result of a dynamic process that combines a preliminary axle sliding step that breaks these hydrogen bonds and a conformational change in the ester group more distant from the wheel. In contrast, no hydrogen-bonded co-conformation was found in dimethyl sulfoxide, which appears to be due to the preferential formation of hydrogen bonds between the wheel NH groups with solvent molecules. Moreover, the axle experiences notable changes in anisotropic shielding, which would explain why the NMR signals are broadened in this solvent. Insertion of a sodium cation into the crown ether reduces co-conformational flexibility due to an interaction of the axle with the cation. Overall, the results reveal how both solvent and ionic atmosphere can influence the co-conformational preferences of rotaxanes.     

A Strategy Utilizing a Recyclable Macrocycle Transporter for the Efficient Synthesis of a Triazolium‐Based [2]Rotaxane

A general synthesis of triazolium‐containing [2]rotaxanes, which could not be accessed by other methods, is reported. It is based on a sequential strategy starting from a well‐designed macrocycle transporter which contains a template for dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 and a N‐hydroxysuccinimide (NHS) moiety. The sequence is: 1) synthesis by slippage of a [2]rotaxane building‐block; 2) its elongation at its NHS end; 3) the delivery of the macrocycle to the elongated part of the axle by an induced translational motion; 4) the contraction process to yield the targeted [2]rotaxane and recycle the initial transporter.     

Main‐Chain Linear Polyrotaxanes: Synthesis,Characterization, and Conformational Modulation

Two functional main‐chain linear polyrotaxanes, one a covalent polymeric chain that threads through many macrocycles ( P1 ) and the other a poly[n]rotaxane chain that is composed of many repeating rotaxane units ( P2 ), were synthesized by employing strong crown‐ether/ammonium‐based ( DB24C8 / DBA ) host–guest interactions and click chemistry. Energy transfer between the wheel and axle units in both polyrotaxanes was used to provide insight into the conformational information of their resulting polyrotaxanes. Steady‐state and time‐resolved spectroscopy were performed to understand the conformation differences between polymers P1 and P2 in solution. Additional investigations by using dynamic/static light scattering and atomic force microscopy illustrated that polymer P1 was unbending and had a rigid rod‐like structure, whilst polymer P2 was curved and flexible. This flexible topology facilitated the self‐assembly of polymer P2 into relatively large ball‐shaped particles. In addition, the energy transfer between the wheel and axle units was controlled by the addition of specific anions or base. The anion‐induced energy enhancement was attributed to a change in electrostatic interactions between the polymer chains. The base‐driven molecular shuttle broke the DB24C8 / DBA host–guest interactions. These results confirm that both intra‐ and intermolecular electrostatic interactions are crucial for modulating conformational topology, which determines the assembly of polyrotaxanes in solution.     

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.     

A self-threaded "molecular 8"

A new type of [1]rotaxanes containing two aliphatic bridges between axle and wheel is obtained in 39% yield in a one-step synthesis starting from a [2]rotaxane which contained one sulfonamide group each in both the wheel and the axle. Temperature controlled chemoselective substitution reactions first at these sulfonamide nitrogens and then subsequently at the various other carboxamide nitrogens in the wheel and axle give rise to the formation of an isomeric mixture of three double-bridged [1]rotaxanes which could be separated by HPLC. Structure determination of the main product 3a was possible by NMR experiments supported by molecular modeling calculations. Using different reaction conditions, a double-substituted but not yet bridged [2]rotaxane 4 could be isolated as an intermediate giving further evidence for the assigned structure of 3a and the way of its formation. The shape of this double-bridged [1]rotaxane 3a reminds of a self-intertwining chiral "molecular 8", in which any possible racemization due to deslipping is hindered by the two stoppers originating from the former rotaxane axle. Hence, to the best of our knowledge this is the first example of a molecule in which both concepts, cycloenantiomerism and helical chirality, are realised in one structure. Enantiomer separation of the main product was possible by further HPLC using chiral stationary phases. The Cotton effects of the circular dichrograms are different to those of the already synthesized [1]rotaxanes bearing just one aliphatic bridge between axle and wheel.     

Anion recognition and cation-induced molecular motion in a heteroditopic [2]rotaxane

A heteroditopic [2]rotaxane consisting of a calix[4]diquinone–isophthalamide macrocycle and 3,5‐bis‐amide pyridinium axle components with the capability of switching between two positional isomers in response to barium cation recognition is synthesised. The anion binding properties of the rotaxane’s interlocked cavity together with Na⁺, K⁺, NH₄⁺ and Ba²⁺ cation recognition capabilities are elucidated by ¹H NMR and UV‐visible spectroscopic titration experiments. Upon binding of Ba²⁺, molecular displacement of the axle’s positively charged pyridinium group from the rotaxane’s macrocyclic cavity occurs, whereas the monovalent cations Na⁺, K⁺ and NH₄⁺ are bound without causing significant co‐conformational change. The barium cation induced shuttling motion can be reversed on addition of tetrabutylammonium sulfate.     

Calix[4]arene‐Based Rotaxane Host Systems for Anion Recognition

The synthesis, structure and anion binding properties of the first calix[4]arene‐based [2]rotaxane anion host systems are described. Rotaxanes 9? Cl and 12? Cl, consisting of a calix[4]arene functionalised macrocycle wheel and different pyridinium axle components, are prepared via adaption of an anion templated synthetic strategy to investigate the effect of preorganisation of the interlocked host’s binding cavity on anion binding. Rotaxane 12? Cl contains a conformationally flexible pyridinium axle, whereas rotaxane 9? Cl incorporates a more preorganised pyridinium axle component. The X‐ray crystal structure of 9? Cl and solution phase ¹H NMR spectroscopy demonstrate the successful interlocking of the calix[4]arene macrocycle and pyridinium axle components in the rotaxane structures. Following removal of the chloride anion template, anion binding studies on the resulting rotaxanes 9? PF₆ and 12? PF₆ reveal the importance of preorganisation of the host binding cavity on anion binding. The more preorganised rotaxane 9? PF₆ is the superior anion host system. The interlocked host cavity is selective for chloride in 1:1 CDCl₃/CD₃OD and remains selective for chloride and bromide in 10 % aqueous media over the more basic oxoanions. Rotaxane 12? PF₆ with a relatively conformationally flexible binding cavity is a less effective and discriminating anion host system although the rotaxane still binds halide anions in preference to oxoanions.     

Integrative Self‐Sorting: One‐Pot Synthesis of a Hetero[4]rotaxane from a Daisy‐Chain‐Containing Hetero[4]pseudorotaxane

The structural complexity of mechanically interlocked molecules are very attractive to chemists owing to the challenges they present. In this article, novel mechanically interlocked molecules with a daisy‐chain‐containing hetero[4]rotaxane motif were efficiently synthesized. In addition, a novel integrative self‐sorting strategy is demonstrated, involving an ABB‐type (A for host, dibenzo‐24‐crown‐8 (DB24C8), and B for guest, ammonium salt sites) monomer and a macrocycle host, benzo‐21‐crown‐7 (B21C7), in which the assembled species in hydrogen‐bonding‐supported solvent only includes a novel daisy‐chain‐containing hetero[4]pseudorotaxane. The found self‐sorting process involves the integrative recognition between B21C7 macrocycles and carefully designed components simultaneously containing two types of secondary ammonium ions and a host molecule, DB24C8 crown ether. The self‐sorting strategy is integrative to undertake self‐recognition behavior to form one single species of pseudorotaxane compared with the previous report. This self‐sorting system can be used for the efficient one‐pot synthesis of a daisy‐chain‐containing hetero[4]rotaxane in a good yield. The structure of hetero[4]rotaxane was confirmed by ¹H NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution electrospray ionization (HR‐ESI) mass spectrometry.     

Hydroxy Groups Enhance [2]Rotaxane Anion Binding Selectivity

We report the synthesis of two [2]rotaxanes containing an interlocked three dimensional binding cavity formed from a pyridinium bis(amide) axle component containing two phenol donors, and an isophthalamide based macrocycle. In the competitive solvent mixture 1 : 1 CDCl₃ : CD₃OD, one of the receptors exhibits a much higher selectivity preference for chloride than an analogous rotaxane without the hydroxy groups. X-ray crystal structures reveal the chloride anion guest encapsulated within the interlocked binding cavity, though not all of the hydrogen bond donors are utilised. Computational semi-empirical simulations indicate that secondary intermolecular interactions occur between the axle hydroxy hydrogen bond donors and the [2]rotaxane macrocycle components, contributing to a more preorganised binding pocket, which may be responsible for the observed enhanced selectivity.     

Pseudo[n,m]rotaxanes of Cucurbit[7/8]uril and Viologen‐Naphthalene Derivative: A Precise Definition of Rotaxane

Rotaxane is a kind of classic supramolecule, which is usually constructed from a number of macrocycles and one axis molecule. Herein, we have expanded the supramolecular structure of [n]rotaxane to offer a precise definition of (pseudo)[n,m]rotaxane for accurately describing the two kinds of (pseudo)rotaxanes structures, which are self‐assembled from cucurbit[7/8]uril (CB[7/8]) and viologen‐naphthalene derivative, respectively. Furthermore, these CB‐based pseudorotaxanes exhibit varied photophysical properties, stimuli‐responsive behavior triggered by competitive guest, and self‐sorting behavior.