Cucurbit[n]uril formation proceeds by step-growth cyclo-oligomerization

In contrast to the high yield formation of cucurbit[n]uril (CB[n]) from a 1:2 ratio of glycoluril to formaldehyde, the condensation of glycoluril with less than 2 equiv of formaldehyde delivers a reaction mixture that contains glycoluril oligomers (2-6) and CB[n] compounds that lack one or more methylene bridges known as nor-seco-cucurbit[n]urils (ns-CB[n]). In this paper we report the chromatographic purification of C-shaped glycoluril oligomers (dimer-hexamer), their characterization in solution, and their X-ray crystal structures. Quite interestingly, despite being acyclic glycoluril pentamer 5 and hexamer 6 retain the ability to bind to guests typical of CB[6] but are also able to expand their cavity to accommodate larger guests like cationic adamantane derivatives. We performed product resubmission experiments with glycoluril oligomers 2-6 and found preferences for the formation of specific ring sizes during CB[n] formation. A comprehensive mechanistic scheme is proposed that accounts for the observed formation of 2-6 and ns-CB[n]. Overall, the experiments establish that a step-growth cyclo-oligomerization process operates during CB[n] formation.     

Synthesis of a symmetrical octamethyl-substituted cucurbituril with a dimethyl-substituted glycoluril dimer

A symmetrical octamethyl-substituted cucurbituril has been synthesized in a controlled manner by using a dimer of dimethyl-substituted glycoluril, which was in turn synthesized under formaldehyde-deficient conditions. The dimer of dimethyl-substituted glycoluril and the symmetrical octamethyl-substituted cucurbituril have been characterized by NMR spectrometry, ESI mass spectrometry and single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The structure of the dimer of dimethyl-substituted glycoluril is notable because it constitutes a useful new building block that could permit the formation of such cucurbit[n]urils with substituents in certain positions or with limited numbers of methine groups on their backbones.     

A water soluble tetramethyl-substituted cucurbit[8]uril obtained from larger intermediates?

A new water soluble tetramethyl-substituted cucurbit[8]uril (Me₄Q[8]) was easily isolated from cucurbit[n]uril product mixture which was synthesized by using the dimer of glycoluril and diether of dimethyl substituted glycoluril. Crystal structure analysis shows that Me₄Q[8] is constructed of building blocks: three dimmers and two dimethyl glycolurils, the two dimethyl glycolurils are separated by a dimer of glycoluril. It is speculated that Me₄Q[8] is degraded by a larger hexamethyl substituted Q[9] or larger intermediates.     

New phosphorylated glycoluril derivatives

The N-acylation of glycoluril with 1-haloacetyl halides was studied. The optimal conditions and reaction regioselectivity, as well as the effect of reagent molar ratios, base nature, temperature, and reaction time on the yield of the target product were established. It was shown that the chemical modification of the synthesized bis(bromoacetyl) derivative of glycoluril by phosphorylation by the classical Arbuzov reaction gave a previously unknown bis(diethylphosphonoacetyl) derivative of glycoluril. The consecutive silylation and hydrolysis of the latter derivative gave the corresponding bis(phosphonoacetyl) derivative which presents interest as a potentially biologically active compound.     

Methylene-bridged glycoluril dimers: synthetic methods

Methylene-bridged glycoluril dimers are the fundamental building blocks of cucurbituril (CB[6]), its homologues (CB[n]), and its derivatives. This paper describes three complementary methods for the synthesis of C- and S-shaped methylene-bridged glycoluril dimers (29-34 and 37-44). For this purpose, we prepared glycoluril derivatives (1a-d) bearing diverse functionalities on their convex face. These glycoluril derivatives were alkylated under basic conditions (DMSO, t-BuOK) with 1,2-bis(halomethyl)aromatics 6-15 to yield 4a-d and 16-24, which contain a single aromatic o-xylylene ring and potentially nucleophilic ureidyl NH groups. Glycoluril derivatives bearing potentially electrophilic cyclic ether groups (5a-f) and 25-28 were prepared by various methods including condensation reactions in refluxing TFA containing paraformaldehyde. The condensation reactions of 4a-d and 16-24 with paraformaldehyde under anhydrous acidic conditions (PTSA, ClCH(2)CH(2)Cl, reflux) give, in most cases, the C-shaped and S-shaped methylene-bridged glycoluril in good to excellent yields. In many cases, the C-shaped compound is formed preferentially with high diastereoselectivity. Cyclic ethers 5a,d-f and 25-26 undergo highly diastereoselective dimerization reactions to yield methylene-bridged glycoluril dimers with the formal extrusion of formaldehyde. Last, it is possible to perform selective heterodimerization reactions using both cyclic ethers and glycoluril derivatives bearing ureidyl NH groups. These reactions deliver the desired C- and S-shaped heterodimers with low to moderate diastereoselectivities. This heterodimerization route is the method of choice in cases where the homodimerization reactions fail. The formation of side products (+/-)-35b and (+/-)-35d helps clarify the electronic requirements for a successful CB[n] synthesis. The X-ray structures of 30C, 38C, and 38S allow for a discussion of the structural features of this class of compounds.     

A New Anion Receptor with a Glycoluril Molecular Scaffold

The rational design and synthesis of a new anion receptor containing a glycoluril molecular scaffold are reported. This new receptor utilizes four amide hydrogen bonds arranged at the corner of the glycoluril unit. This new anion receptor binds spherically shaped halide ions in a 1:1 stoichiometry and has a high affinity for fluoride.     

Synthesis of disubstituted cucurbit[6]uril and its rotaxane derivative

Synthesis of diphenyl cucurbit[6]uril (CB[6]) has been achieved via co-oligomerization of diphenyl glycoluril and unsubstituted glycoluril. The unsymmetrically substituted CB[6], Ph(2)CB[6], was further converted to a rotaxane incorporating bis(dinitrophenyl)spermine. [reaction: see text]     

Synthesis of Heat-resistant Polymers by Thiol–Ene Reaction of N-Allylmaleimide Copolymers Using Glycoluril Crosslinkers with Rigid Molecular Structures

We carried out the thermal curing of the copolymers of N-allylmaleimide (AMI) and 2-ethylhexyl acrylate (2EHA) using 1,3,4,6-tetra(2-mercaproethyl)glycoluril ( G1 ), 1,3,4,6-tetra(3-mercaptopropyl)glycoluril ( G2 ), 1,3,4,6-tetraallylglycoluril ( G3 ), triallylisocyanurate (TAIC), and pentaerythritol tetrakis(3-mercaptobutyrate) (PEMB) as the crosslinkers. Based on the results for the analysis of thiol–ene reactions monitored by IR spectroscopy, it was confirmed that the curing rate significantly depended on the combination of the used crosslinkers. The insoluble fraction after curing was more than 90% for the systems using the glycoluril crosslinkers, while the conversion of the allyl groups was suppressed due to the rigid structure of these crosslinkers. The heat resistance and the mechanical properties of the crosslinked polymers were investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, differential scanning calorimetry, dynamic mechanical analysis, and mechanical tensile tests. For the products cured using the glycoluril crosslinkers, the glass transition temperature (T_g) and the maximum temperature of thermal decomposition (T_max) were 54–59 °C and 395–409 °C, respectively, being higher than those for the cured product prepared with PEMB and TAIC as the conventional crosslinkers. The elasticity (75–139 MPa), the maximum strength (3.0–4.1 MPa), and the adhesion strength (6.7–10.7 MPa) for the polymers cured with the glycoluril crosslinkers, determined by the mechanical tensile and single lap-shear adhesion tests, were higher than those for cured materials produced with PEMB. Thus, the thermal and mechanical properties of the maleimide copolymers were efficiently enhanced by crosslinking using the rigid glycoluril compounds. © 2020 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci. 2020 , 58, 923–931     

Avidin and streptavidin ligands based on the glycoluril bicyclic system

Glycoluril derivatives with a carboxylic acid side chain have been synthesized and shown to bind to both avidin and streptavidin. Introduction of a valerate side chain in glycoluril led to an increased binding to both proteins only when the valerate group was bound to a N atom and with the proper stereochemistry [(+)-enantiomer]. On the other hand, introduction of the valerate side chain either on the bridgehead carbon or on the N atom with the opposite stereochemistry [(-)-enantiomer] led to a decrease in binding constant compared with unsubstituted glycoluril. Direct spectrophotometric competitive titration of each protein with a racemic ligand allowed measurement of the enantioselectivity of the ligand-protein complexation, together with the binding constant of the two enantiomers. In the case of the N-substituted glycoluril, the extension of the side chain by one methylene group, from valerate to caproate, led to an increase in the binding constant to both proteins. Docking studies using AutoDock 3.05 have been performed in order to predict the binding modes of these ligands to streptavidin. The effect of the stereochemistry and the position of the side chain on the binding constant to streptavidin is discussed in view of the predicted binding modes.     

Synthesis and X-ray Crystal Structure of a Methylene-bridged Glycoluril Dimer

The synthesis and X-ray crystal structure of a methylene-bridged glycoluril dimer 2 was reported.The methylene-bridged glycoluril dimer 2(C38H36Br4N8O12,Mr=1116.35) crystallizes in space group P1 with a=10.5802(6),b=16.8469(9),c=24.7673(14) ,α=98.00,β=96.263(1),γ=101.606(1)o,V=4239.3(4)3,Z=4,Dc=1.749 g/cm3,μ=3.869 mm-1 and F(000)=2224.It crystallizes in an S-shaped conformation that displays two ethoxycarbonyl groups on each face of the molecule.     

The new synthesis of sulfuryl-bridged triazinane and its selective recognition to SO42−

Research on Chemical Intermediates - A new method has been developed for the synthesis of a cage-like sulfuryl-bridged triazinane molecule HEXS by acidic condensation of a glycoluril analog with...     

Unexpected formation of novel two-component gels comprising of glycoluril carboxylic acid amides and imidazole: Synthesis and morphology

New gelling agents have been discovered: glycoluril carboxylic acid amides, giving two-component gels with imidazole. First, the one-pot, two step reaction of glycoluril carboxylic acids, CDI and various amines was investigated for the preparation of gels and it was found that the reaction mixtures were gelled in dry DMF during the preparation of some amides. The conditions of the gel-sol-gel transitions were found. The morphology of the xerogels was studied by SEM. The structure of the xerogels is constructed from interlocked rods or from interlaced curved fibres. Self-organization in the co-crystals of amides with H₂O or imidazole was detected. The molecules of the co-crystals of amides with H₂O are self-assembled into homochiral tapes.     

The inverted cucurbit[n]uril family

We report the isolation, characterization, and recognition behavior of iCB[6] and iCB[7], which are diastereomers of CB[6] and CB[7], respectively, containing a single inverted glycoluril unit. Product resubmission experiments establish that these inverted CB[n] are intermediates in the mechanism of CB[n] formation. As a consequence of the inverted glycoluril ring, these inverted cucurbiturils possess a permanent dipole moment, are slightly smaller than their diastereomers, show distinctive selectivity in their recognition behavior, and report directly on the contents of their hydrophobic cavity.     

New supramolecular organization for a glycoluril: chiral hydrogen-bonded ribbons

A series of substituted glycoluril molecules exhibits a substantial twist of the fused five-membered rings and assembles exclusively chiral hydrogen-bonded ribbons in the solid-state.     

"Flexiball" toolkit: a modular approach to self-assembling capsules.

We report the synthesis and characterization of new, self-assembling molecular capsules. The modular strategy makes use of glycoluril building blocks available in multigram amounts combined with aromatic spacer elements. The lengthy syntheses encountered with earlier generations of capsules are avoided, and several capsules of nanometer dimensions are now accessible. Single bond attachments between spacers and glycoluril modules result in monomers as dimeric capsules that are less rigid than their earlier counterparts. The host-guest properties of the homo- and heterodimeric capsules were studied using a combination of NMR and ESI-mass spectrometry. They show a less pronounced selectivity for guests of different sizes, and their increased flexibility prevents self-assembly when no rigidifying elements are present on the central spacer unit. Some of the new capsules bear inwardly directed, secondary amide N-H protons. These can be further functionalized, as shown by their methylation to give tertiary analogues. The structures hold broader implications for the placement of functional groups on concave molecular surfaces.     

Nootropic activity of N-(2-acetylaminoethyl)glycolurils

Russian Chemical Bulletin - The neurotropic activity of N-(2-acetylaminoethyl)glycoluril derivatives and their analgesic effect were studied. The nootropic activity of glycolurils was investigated...     

A novel dansyl-appended glycoluril-based fluorescence sensor for silver ions

Tetra-dansylated diphenyl glycoluril has been synthesized and evaluated for ionic recognition. The synthesized molecular receptor shows selective response to silver ions as determined through the enhancement of fluorescence intensity.     

Anion receptor with four imidazolium rings on the glycoluril

We have synthesized a new anion receptor with four imidazolium groups attached on the glycoluril. The receptor binds halide and acetate in 1:2 stoichiometry and acetate has the highest affinity for this new receptor among the anions we investigated.     

Acyclic cucurbiturils and their applications

Journal of Inclusion Phenomena and Macrocyclic Chemistry - Acyclic cucurbit[n]urils are a novel type of cucurbituril derivatives, consisting of a central glycoluril tetramer skeleton, two...     

4,5-Dihydroxyimidazolidin-2-ones in an α-ureidoalkylation reaction of N-(carboxyalkyl)-, N-(hydroxyalkyl)-, and N-(aminoalkyl)ureas 3. α-Ureidoalkylation of N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]urea

α-Ureidoalkylation of N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]urea with 1,3-unsubstituted, 1,3-dialkyl-, and 1,3-dimethyl-4,5-diphenyl-4,5-dihydroxyimidazolidin-2-ones(thiones) was systematically studied. Hitherto unknown N-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]glycolurils and their hydrochlorides were synthesized. The yields of the target glycoluril hydrochlorides decreased on going from 1,3-H₂- to 1,3-dialkyl-4,5-dihydroxyimidazolidin-2-ones and increased with the introduction of phenyl groups at the positions 4 and 5 of the starting 4,5-dihydroxyimidazolidin-2-one. X-ray diffraction study showed that 2-[2-(dimethylamino)ethyl]glycoluril crystallizes in the form of a conglomerate.