Self-assembly organometallic squares with terpyridyl metal complexes as bridging ligands

A series of novel heterometallic square complexes with the general molecular formulas [fac-Br(CO)(3)Re[mu-(pyterpy)(2)M]](4)(PF(6))(8) and [(dppf)Pd[mu-(pyterpy)(2)Ru]](4)(PF(6))(8)(OTf(8) (4), where M = Fe (1), Ru (2), or Os (3), pyterpy is 4'-(4' "-pyridyl)-2,2':6',2' '-terpyridine, dppf = 1,1'-bis(diphenylphosphino)ferrocene and OTf is trifluoromethanesulfonate, were prepared by self-assembly between BrRe(CO)(5) or (dppf)Pd(H(2)O)(2)(OTf)(2) and (pyterpy)(2)M(PF(6))(2). The obtained NMR spectra, IR spectra, electrospray ionization mass spectra, and elemental analyses are all consistent with the proposed square structures incorporating terpyridyl metal complexes as bridging ligands. Multiple redox processes were observed in all square complexes. All four complexes display strong visible absorptions in the region 400-600 nm, which are assigned as metal (Fe, Ru, or Os)-to-ligand (pyterpy) charge transfer (MLCT) bands. Square 3 exhibits an additional weak band at 676 nm, which is assigned to an Os-based (3)MLCT band. For each complex, the bands centered between 279 and 377 nm are assigned as pyterpy-based pi-pi bands and the Re-based MLCT band. Square 3 is luminescent in room-temperature solution, while squares 1, 2, and 4 do not have any detectable luminescence under identical experimental conditions.     

Self-assembly of molecular squares based on easy-to-prepare multidentate Schiff base ligands

The choice of ligands with different spacer length and coordination orientation leads to size, shape and packing differences between two self-assembled molecular squares [Zn4H8L1(4)][PF6]5[NO3]3.S (1) and [Zn4H8L2(4)][PF6]6[NO3]2.S (2) (S = solvent), formed from Zn(NO3)2 and two easy-to-prepare bistridentate Schiff-base ligands.     

Elite new anion ligands: polythioamide macrocycles

Prototypes for a new class of polythioamide-based macrocycles have been synthesized and anion-binding capabilities assessed. Results indicate higher anion binding for H(2)PO(4)(-), HSO(4)(-), and F(-) for monocycles, but somewhat lessened binding capabilities for bicycles compared with amide corollaries.     

Self-assembly of ferrocene-functionalized perylene bisimide bridging ligands with PtII corner to electrochemically active molecular squares

Ferrocenyl-substituted N,N'-di(4-pyridyl)perylene bisimide ligands have been synthesized by the coupling reaction of hydroxyphenoxy-perylene bisimides with ferrocenyl carboxylic acids. By means of metallosupramolecular self-assembly, hitherto unprecedented multiredox active dendritic molecular squares with 16 ferrocene groups positioned in the bridging ligands are prepared from the perylene bispyridyl imide ligands and [Pt(dppp)][(OTf)(2)] (dppp = 1,3-bis(diphenylphosphano)propane; OTf = trifluoromethanesulfonate) corner in high yield. The isolated metallosupramolecular squares were characterized by elemental analysis, (1)H, (31)P[(1)H] NMR, and UV/vis spectroscopy. The electrochemical properties of the ligands and squares are investigated by cyclic voltammetry as well as spectroelectrochemistry. The results obtained show that the redox behavior of ferrocene units is influenced by the square superstructure. Furthermore, redox titration of free ligand and corresponding molecular square with the one-electron oxidant thianthrenium pentachloroantimonate reveals that ferrocene groups in these structures may be oxidized completely by this oxidant, and highly charged species generated through oxidation of ferrocenyl groups in molecular square cause decomposition of the assembly due to pronounced Coulombic repulsion.     

Supramolecular chemistry: Self-assembly of titanium based molecular squares

The interaction of Cp₂TiCl₂ with LiC₅H₅N and LiC₁₁H₈N provides Cp₂Ti(Cl)(C₅H₅N) and Cp₂Ti(Cl)(C₁₁H₈N), respectively. Reaction of these species with AgOSO₂CF₃ results in self-assembly of the respective cationic, tetranuclear molecular squares where the required 90° bond angles, demanded by a rectangle, is provided by the distorted tetrahedral bond angles of the coordinated Ti.     

Self-assembly of highly luminescent lanthanide complexes promoted by pyridine-tetrazolate ligands

Two tridentate pyridine-tetrazolate ligands (H(2)pytz and H(2)pytzc), analogues of the well-known dipicolinate (H(2)dpa) ligand, have been synthesized in a straightforward manner and used for lanthanide(III) coordination. The structures of the resulting tris-ligand complexes were determined in solution ((1)H-NMR), where they remain undissociated, as well as in the solid state (X-ray diffraction). The solubility of these anionic complexes can be easily tuned by changing the countercation. The bis-tetrazolate-pyridine ligand H(2)pytz sensitizes very efficiently both the visible and near-IR emission of the lanthanides, with unusually high luminescence quantum yields in solid state (61% and 65% for Eu and Tb, respectively, and 0.21% for Nd) and in water (63% for Tb and 18% for Eu). Furthermore, the absorption window of the complexes is significantly extended towards the visible region up to 330 nm. The results show that the bis-tetrazolate-pyridine ligand provides a very attractive alternative to the classic dipicolinate ligand.     

Oxazole-based peptide macrocycles: a new class of G-quadruplex binding ligands

Herein we report on the synthesis and DNA binding properties of a new class of water soluble oxazole-based peptide macrocycles that bind selectively to quadruplex DNA, with no detectable binding to duplex DNA. We have recently identified one quadruplex in the proto-oncogene c-kit that is suspected to act as a regulatory element for the expression of the c-kit gene. Here we provide the first example of a ligand binding to and stabilizing the c-kit quadruplex. Moreover, we show that these macrocycles show a preference for the c-kit quadruplex as compared to the human telomeric quadruplex.     

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.     

Equipping metallo-supramolecular macrocycles with functional groups: assemblies of pyridine-substituted urea ligands

A series of di-(m-pyridyl)-urea ligands were prepared and characterized with respect to their conformations by NOESY experiments and crystallography. Methyl substitution in different positions of the pyridine rings provides control over the position of the pyridine N atoms relative to the urea carbonyl group. The ligands were used to self-assemble metallo-supramolecular M(2)L(2) and M(3)L(3) macrocycles which are generated in a finely balanced equilibrium in DMSO and DMF according to DOSY NMR experiments and ESI FTICR mass spectrometry. Again, crystallography was used to characterize the assemblies. Methyl substitution in positions next to the pyridine nitrogen prevents coordination, while the other ligands form small metallo-supramolecular macrocycles. The incorporated urea carbonyl groups provide hydrogen bonding sites which converge towards the center of the assemblies.     

First examples of hypervalent enhancement of photoallylation by allylsilicon compounds via photoinduced electron transfer

Hypervalency (pentacoordination) of silicon atom enhanced photoallylation of 1,2-diketones with allylsilicon reagents, while normal tetracoordinated ones could not. This reaction seems to proceed via photoinduced electron transfer from the silicon reagent to the photoexcited ketone judged from its reactivity and selectivity.     

Carbon nanotubes with covalently linked porphyrin antennae: photoinduced electron transfer

Single- and multiwalled carbon nanotubes have been covalently functionalized with free-base porphyrin. The quantity of porphyrin linked to the surface was determined from thermogravimetric and UV-vis analysis. A reversible protonation equilibrium between the attached porphyrin and the residual acid groups of the carbon nanotubes has been identified. Steady-state fluorescence emission spectrum of the solutions of porphyrin-linked carbon nanotubes shows that the porphyrins act as energy absorbing and electron transferring antennae, and the carbon nanotubes act as efficient electron acceptors. The porphyrin-linked carbon nanotubes show 95-100% emission quenching, indicating a fast photoinduced electron transfer.     

Self-assembly of chemically linked rod-disc mesogenic liquid crystals

A series of new molecular discs (RDn, here n is the number of carbon atoms between the rod and disc mesogens) was synthesized via the chemical attachment of six cyanobiphenyl calamitic (rod) mesogens (R) linked to the triphenyl discotic (disc) mesogen (D) with a series of six alkyl chain linkages (n = 6-12). In this study, phase structures, transitions, and liquid crystalline (LC) behavior of the RD12 compound with 12 carbon atoms in each alkyl chain linkage between the rod and disc mesogens were investigated. Differential scanning calorimetry, polarized light microscopy, wide-angle X-ray diffraction (WAXD), and selected area electron diffraction (SAED) allowed us to identify three ordered phases below the isotropization temperature: nematic (N) LC and K1 and K2 crystalline phases. On the basis of the structural results obtained via 2D WAXD experiments on oriented samples and SAED experiments on single crystals, the K1 crystalline unit cell was determined to be triclinic with the dimensions of a = 1.36 nm, b = 1.45 nm, c = 2.11 nm, alpha = 85 degrees, beta = 100 degrees, and gamma = 50 degrees. The K2 phase was metastable with respect to the K1 phase. It also possessed a triclinic unit cell with a = 1.40 nm, b = 1.51 nm, c = 1.92 nm, alpha = 87 degrees, beta = 117 degrees, and gamma = 62 degrees. Molecular packing models for the crystalline phases were proposed on the basis of the diffraction results. In the whole range of ordered structures, it was found that RD12 molecular discs are intercalated. Both triphenyl discotic mesogens and cyanobiphenyl calamitic mesogens are completely interdigitated.     

Binding of zinc(II) macrocycles toward carboxylate ligands

Three new zinc(II) complexes, Zn(L1)(NO₃)₂ (1), {[Zn(L1)(fumarate)]·2H₂O} _n (2) and {[Zn(L2)(fumarate)]·DMF} _n (3) (L = 3,14-dimethyl-2,6,13,17-tetraazatricyclo [14,4,0^1.18,0^7.12]docosane) have been synthesized and characterized by analytical, spectroscopic, thermal and X-ray diffraction methods. The structure of the discrete neutral complex (1) shows that the central zinc(II) ion is coordinated axially by two nitrate ligands. In the structures (2) and (3), the carboxylate groups of the bridging fumarate ligands are coordinated to zinc(II) macrocycles, resulting in the formation of 1D coordination polymers. Apart from the fairly strong Zn–O bonds in (2) and (3), it is observed that the hydrogen bonds between the pre-organized N–H groups of the macrocycle and axial ligands appear to be important for the design and development of metal complexes having a strong Zn–O bond.     

DNA cleavage photoinduced by new water-soluble zinc porphyrins linked to 9-methoxyellipticine.

Two hybrid molecules based on a water-soluble zinc porphyrin covalently linked to 9-methoxyellipticine, 1 and 2, were studied as photoactivable DNA cleavers. The behaviour and efficiency of these photosensitizers were compared with the constitutive units of the hybrid molecules: meso-tetrakis(4-N-methylpyridiniumyl)porphyrinato-zinc(II) tetraacetate (ZnTMPyP, 3) and 9-methoxy-N2methylellipticinium acetate (9-OMe-NME, 4). On irradiation at 436 nm, the efficiency of these hybrids is similar to that of ZnTMPyP and 50-fold greater than that of haematoporphyrin derivative (HPD). This photoinduced DNA cleavage is markedly reduced in the absence of oxygen and also depends on the DNA base pair to porphyrin ratio. It is inhibited by N-acetylhistidine and sodium azide, unaffected by mannitol and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and enhanced when changing H2O for D2O. The same scavenger effects are observed on irradiation at 514 nm. At 313 nm, the efficiency of hybrids 1 and 2 is intermediate between those of ZnTMPyP and 9-OMe-NME. In these conditions, a slight inhibitory effect of mannitol is observed, suggesting the participation of radicals probably derived from partial decomposition of the porphyrins. At these three wavelengths, singlet oxygen seems to be the main species responsible for DNA cleavage. In contrast with expectation, the great affinity of these molecules for DNA does not enhance their efficiency as DNA cleavers. This effect is discussed taking into account the long lifetime of singlet oxygen which may be generated far from the target. These molecules which are only photoactivable in the presence of DNA appear to be an efficient "molecular light switch".     

Self-assembly of chiral coordination polymers and macrocycles: a metal template effect on the polymer-macrocycle equilibrium

The self-assembly of racemic and enantiopure binaphthyl-bis(amidopyridyl) ligands 1,1'-C(20)H(12){NHC(=O)-4-C(5)H(4)N}(2), 1, and 1,1'-C(20)H(12){NHC(=O)-3-C(5)H(4)N}(2), 2, with mercury(II) halides (HgX(2); X = Cl, Br, I) to form extended metal-containing arrays is described. It is shown that the self-assembly can lead to homochiral or heterochiral polymers or macrocycles, through self-recognition or self-discrimination of the ligand units, and the primary materials can further self-assemble through hydrogen bonding between amide substituents. In addition, the formation of macrocycles or polymers can be influenced by the presence or absence of excess mercury(II) halide, through a template effect, and mercury(II) halide inclusion complexes may be formed. In one case, an unusual polymeric compound was obtained, with 1 guest HgX(2) molecule for every 12 mercury halide units in the polymer.     

Phosphoramidate-mediated conversion of carbonyl ligands into isocyanide ligands: a new approach to chiral isocyanide ligands

Metal isocyanides have been used and studied by organometallic chemists for many years and, as a result, they have a rich and interesting chemistry. The nature of metal-free isocyanides and the methods of making isocyanide complexes, however, has resulted in the vast majority of studies to date being performed with structurally simple isocyanides. We report here a new approach to the synthesis of isocyanide ligands that involves the reaction of a metal carbonyl ligand with the anion of a phosphoramidate. As phosphoramidates can be synthesised in one step from amines, our method means that the structural diversity of readily available amines, particularly chiral amines, can now be incorporated into isocyanide ligands.     

Self-assembly of bidentate ligands for combinatorial homogeneous catalysis: asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed hydrogenation

The first chiral ligand library based on self-assembly through complementary hydrogen-bonding was realized. From a 10 x 4 ligand library, catalysts that show excellent activity and enantioselectivity for the asymmetric rhodium-catalyzed hydrogenation have been identified.     

Open layers based on metal-oxide chains linked by cyclohexanedicarboxylate ligands

Three layered metal-oxide organic compounds, In(OH)(1,4-chdc), (1), Cr(OH)(1,4-chdc), (2), and In(OH)(1,2-chdc), (3), (H₂chdc = cyclohexanedicarboxylic acid) were synthesized and characterized by thermogravimetric analysis, infrared spectroscopy, and X-ray diffraction. All three structures are formed by stacking electro- neutral layers in a simple AA sequence. The layers are built by cross-linking –OH–M–OH–M– chains with the chdc anions. Unlike the flat 1,4-benzenedicarboxylate ligand which was previously shown to connect similar metal-oxide chains into porous 3D frameworks, the bent chdc ligands link the chains to form open layers with narrow intra-layer channels. From a mixture of cis- and trans- conformations of 1,4-chdc, only the e,a-cis conformation is incorporated in 1 and 2.     

Transfer of chirality from ligands to metal centers: recent examples

Recent examples of "chiral at metal" complexes and assemblies that are produced by chirality transfer of information from enantiopure ligands to metal ions are reported. They highlight the new progress that has been made in this area in the last two years and the new tendencies that such a topic is following. Besides the fundamental aspects related to the stereoselective synthesis of chiral complexes, the progress in diverse classes of chiral complexes for applications in materials science (chiral switches and molecular machines, biological mimics, CPL probes, etc.) is reported.