Kinetic versus thermodynamic control during the formation of [2]rotaxanes by a dynamic template-directed clipping process

A template-directed dynamic clipping procedure has generated a library of nine [2]rotaxanes that have been formed from three dialkylammonium salts-acting as the dumbbell-shaped components-and three dynamic, imino bond-containing, [24]crown-8-like macrocycles-acting as the ring-shaped components-which are themselves assembled from three dialdehydes and one diamine. The rates of formation of these [2]rotaxanes differ dramatically, from minutes to days depending on the choice of dialkylammonium ion and dialdehyde, as do their thermodynamic stabilities. Generally, [2]rotaxanes formed by using 2,6-diformylpyridine as the dialdehyde component, or bis(3,5-bis(trifluoromethyl)benzyl)ammonium hexafluorophosphate as the dumbbell-shaped component, assembled the most rapidly. Those rotaxanes containing this particular electron-deficient dumbbell-shaped unit, or 2,5-diformylfuran units in the macroring, were the most stable thermodynamically. The relative thermodynamic stabilities of all nine of the [2]rotaxanes were determined by competition experiments that were monitored by (1)H NMR spectroscopy.     

Highly effective and reversible control of the rocking rates of rotaxanes by changes to the size of stimulus-responsive ring components

We have designed and synthesized rotaxanes whose rates of rocking motion (pendular motion) were switched reversibly through changes to the size of the ring component in response to external stimuli. The ring molecules of the rotaxanes incorporate a metaphenylene unit, which swings like a pendulum, and a dianthrylethane unit, which undergoes reversible isomerization in response to photo- and thermal stimuli and changes the size of the ring component. The rocking rates were estimated quantitatively by variable-temperature (VT) NMR spectroscopy and saturation transfer experiments, which revealed substantial changes in the rates between the open and closed forms, particularly in the case of rotaxanes with an isopropoxy group attached to a phenylene unit.     

A perylene diimide rotaxane: synthesis, structure and electrochemically driven de-threading

The first example of a [2]-rotaxane in which a perylene diimide acts as a recognition site has been synthesised and characterised. The interlocked nature of the compound has been verified by both NMR studies and an X-ray structure determination. Electrochemical investigations confirm that the nature of the redox processes associated with the perylene diimide are modified by the complexation process and that it is possible to mono-reduce the [2]-rotaxane to give a radical anion based rotaxane. Further reduction of the compound leads to de-threading of the macrocycle from the reduced PTCDI recognition site. Our synthetic strategies confirm the potential of PTCDI-based rotaxanes as viable targets for the preparation of complex interlocked species.     

A rational design for the directed helicity change of polyacetylene using dynamic rotaxane mobility by means of through-space chirality transfer

Directed helicity control of a polyacetylene dynamic helix was achieved by hybridization with a rotaxane skeleton placed on the side chain. Rotaxane-tethering phenylacetylene monomers were synthesized in good yields by the ester end-capping of pseudorotaxanes that consisted of optically active crown ethers and sec-ammonium salts with an ethynyl benzoic acid. The monomers were polymerized with [{RhCl(nbd)}(2)] (nbd=norbornadiene) to give the corresponding polyacetylenes in high yields. Polymers with optically active wheel components that are far from the main chain show no Cotton effect, thereby indicating the formation of racemic helices. Our proposal that N-acylative neutralization of the sec-ammonium moieties of the side-chain rotaxane moieties enables asymmetric induction of a one-handed helix as the wheel components approach the main chain is strongly supported by observation of the Cotton effect around the main-chain absorption region. A polyacetylene with a side-chain rotaxane that has a shorter axle component shows a Cotton effect despite the ammonium structure of the side-chain rotaxane moiety, thereby suggesting the importance of proximity between the wheel and the main chain for the formation of a one-handed helix. Through-space chirality induction in the present systems proved to be as powerful as through-bond chirality induction for formation of a one-handed helix, as demonstrated in an experiment using non-rotaxane-based polyacetylene that had an optically active binaphthyl group. The present protocol for controlling the helical structure of polyacetylene therefore provides the basis for the rational design of one-handed helical polyacetylenes.     

Dynamic covalent approach to [2]- and [3]roxtanes by utilizing a reversible thiol-disulfide interchange reaction

A dynamic covalent approach to disulfide-containing [2]- and [3]rotaxanes is described. Symmetrical dumbbell-shaped compounds with two secondary ammonium centers and a central located disulfide bond were synthesized as components of rotaxanes. The rotaxanes were synthesized from the dumbbell-shaped compounds and dibenzo-[24]crown-8 (DB24C8) with catalysis by benzenethiol. The yields of isolated rotaxanes reached about 90 % under optimized conditions. A kinetic study on the reaction forming [2]rotaxane 2 a and [3]rotaxane 3 a suggested a plausible reaction mechanism comprising several steps, including 1) initiation, 2) [2]rotaxane formation, and 3) [3]rotaxane formation. The whole reaction was found to be reversible in the presence of thiols, and thermodynamic control over product distribution was thus possible by varying the temperature, solvent, initial ratio of substrates, and concentration. The steric bulk of the end-capping groups had almost no influence on rotaxane yields, but the structure of the thiol was crucial for reaction rates. Amines and phosphines were also effective as catalysts. The structural characterization of the rotaxanes included an X-ray crystallographic study on [3]rotaxane 3 a.     

Cooperative recognition of C60-ammonium substrates by a ditopic oligophenylenevinylene/crown ether host

A new fullerene derivative with an ammonium subunit has been prepared. Its ability to form supramolecular complexes with oligophenylenevinylene derivatives bearing one or two crown ether moieties has been evidenced by electrospray mass spectrometry, and UV-visible and luminescence spectroscopy experiments. Interestingly, the assembly of the C60-ammonium cation with the oligophenylenevinylene derivative bearing two crown ether moieties leads to the cooperative formation of the 2:1 complex owing to intramolecular fullerene-fullerene interactions.     

A new fluorescent calix crown ether: synthesis and complex formation with alkali metal ions

We synthesised a new N-benzylaza-21-crown-7 ether 5 with a dihydroxy coumarin as a fluorescence sensor and investigated the binding behaviour towards alkali metal cations in methanol by fluorescence titrations. The association constants are within one order of magnitude, with the exception of sodium. Potassium is the preferred binding partner (K(Na)=330 M(-1); K(K)=8600 M(-1); K(Rb)=8200 M(-1); K(Cs)=4400 M(-1)). The corresponding aza-21-crown-7 ether (6) was attached by a methylene unit to a resorcarene to give fluorescent calix crown ether 12. The binding abilities of the calix crown ether towards alkali metal ions in methanol have also been investigated, and an increasing complex stability, distinct for potassium and rubidium in comparison with 5, was found: K(Na)=440 M(-1); K(K)=110,000 M(-1); K(Rb)=63,000 M(-1); K(Cs)=20,000 M(-1). Like bis(crown ether)s, a cooperative complexation of the crown ether and the cavitand scaffold can be assumed. The proposed complex geometry is supported by Kohn-Sham DFT calculations for the potassium and caesium complexes.     

Studies on the synthesis and properties of open-chain and macrocyclic crown compounds

Eight new open-chain crown compounds (1–8) and two new macrocyclic crown ethers (9 and10) were synthesized from 1,5-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-3-oxapentane (15) and 1,8-bis(2-aminophenoxy)-3,6-dioxaoctane (16) which were prepared by the catalytic hydrogenation of the corresponding bis(2-nitrophenoxy) derivatives13 and14. The fluorescent property investigation of two open-chain crown ethers (7 and8) indicated that they exhibit complexing effects on Ag⁺ and Mn²⁺ cations and can be used as fluorescent reagents for the microanalysis of the metal cations. The pyrolysis kinetics measurement for compounds5 and6 in nitrogen and air was carried out, and their reaction orders and activation energy were obtained. They are one-step and two-step pyrolysis reactions in nitrogen and air, respectively.     

Quantitative conformational study of redox-active [2]rotaxanes, part 1: Methodology and application to a model [2]rotaxane

This paper reports a novel methodology for the conformational analysis of [2]rotaxanes. It combines NMR spectroscopic (COSY, NOESY and the recently reported paramagnetic line-broadening and suppression technique) and electrochemical techniques to enable a quantitative analysis of the co-conformations of interlocked molecules and the conformations of their components. This methodology was used to study a model [2]rotaxane in solution. This [2]rotaxane consists of an axle that incorporates an electron-poor, doubly positively charged viologen that threads an electron-rich crown ether. It has been shown that the axle of the [2]rotaxane in its dicationic state adopts a folded conformation in solution and the crown ether is localised at the viologen moiety. Following a one-electron reduction of viologen, the paramagnetic radical cation of the [2]rotaxane retains its folded conformation in solution. The data also demonstrate that in the radical cation the crown ether remains localised at the viologen, despite its reduced affinity for the singly reduced viologen. The combined quantitative NMR spectroscopic and electrochemical characterisation of the electromechanical function of the model [2]rotaxane in solution provides an important reference point for the study of switching in structurally related bistable [2]rotaxanes, which is the subject of the second part of this work.     

Synthesis of fullerodendrons with an ammonium unit at the focal point and their cooperative self-assembly on a fluorescent ditopic crown ether receptor

Dendritic branches with 1, 2, or 4 peripheral fullerene subunits and an ammonium function at the focal point have been prepared. Their ability to form self-assembled dendritic structures with oligophenylenevinylene receptors bearing one or two crown ether moieties has been evidenced by ES-MS studies for the first time. These supramolecular complexes are multicomponent photoactive devices in which the emission of the central receptor is dramatically quenched by the fullerene units. This new property resulting from the association of the different molecular subunits allowed detailed investigations of the self-assembly process by means of fluorescence titrations. The binding studies have revealed positive cooperative effects for the assembly of the fullerodendrimers with the ditopic receptor. Interestingly, the stability of the supramolecular 2:1 structures increases as the size of the dendritic unit increases. This positive dendritic effect has been explained by the larger number of possible intramolecular fullerene-fullerene interactions between the two dendritic guests when the number of fullerene subunits is increased.     

Interplay of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and crown ethers en route to molecular capsules and "Russian dolls"

Diffusion-ordered (1)H NMR spectroscopy techniques have been used to determine the binding strength of p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene (SO(3)[4]) towards a number of charged crown ether species in aqueous conditions. For several (doubly) charged (di)azacrown ethers, all were bound by SO(3)[4] either well or very well with binding constants between 5.1 x 10(2)-9.9 x 10(5) M(-1). These results correlate with, and thus explain the phenomenon of rapid capture of azacrown ethers in molecular capsules based on p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and lanthanide metals. Similarly, the formation of "Russian doll" superanions in the solution phase is also elucidated. These superanions have been shown to selectively crystallise particular polynuclear aquated metal ions from mixtures in the aqueous phase. Neutral [18]crown-6 is not bound by p-sulfonatocalix[4]arene and displays a binding constant of 0 M(-1). When sodium [18]crown-6 is examined in a similar fashion, binding by SO(3)[4] is observed in solution with K(a) approximately 3.1 x 10(3) M(-1).     

Face-selective [2]- and [3]rotaxanes: kinetic control of the threading direction of cyclodextrins

New [2]- and [3]pseudorotaxanes containing alpha-cyclodextrin (alpha-CDs) molecules as rotors and alkyl pyridinium derivatives as axles were prepared by a slipping process. The inclusion behavior of these rotaxanes was investigated by using one- and two-dimensional NMR spectroscopy. The methyl group at the 2-position of the pyridinium moiety at the end of each axle molecule was found to control the rates of threading of the alpha-CD onto the axle molecules. alpha-CD can approach axle molecules from a particular direction to form inclusion complexes. Axle molecules that contain a 2-methylpyridinium moiety at one end and a bulky stopper at the other end can regulate the direction of approach to give a [2]pseudorotaxane such as 2 b-alpha-CD. A [3]pseudorotaxane in which two alpha-CD molecules are arranged facing in the same direction at two stations of the tetracationic axle molecule was also obtained. These face-selective behaviors are dominated by kinetic processes rather than thermodynamic processes.     

Strategies and tactics for the metal-directed synthesis of rotaxanes, knots, catenanes, and higher order links

More than a quarter of a century after the first metal template synthesis of a [2]catenane in Strasbourg, there now exists a plethora of strategies available for the construction of mechanically bonded and entwined molecular level structures. Catenanes, rotaxanes, knots and Borromean rings have all been successfully accessed by methods in which metal ions play a pivotal role. Originally metal ions were used solely for their coordination chemistry; acting either to gather and position the building blocks such that subsequent reactions generated the interlocked products or by being an integral part of the rings or "stoppers" of the interlocked assembly. Recently the role of the metal has evolved to encompass catalysis: the metal ions not only organize the building blocks in an entwined or threaded arrangement but also actively promote the reaction that covalently captures the interlocked structure. This Review outlines the diverse strategies that currently exist for forming mechanically bonded molecular structures with metal ions and details the tactics that the chemist can utilize for creating cross-over points, maximizing the yield of interlocked over non-interlocked products, and the reactions-of-choice for the covalent capture of threaded and entwined intermediates.     

Introducing negative charges into bis-p-phenylene crown ethers: a study of bipyridinium-based [2]pseudorotaxanes and [2]rotaxanes

This paper describes novel host-guest systems comprising viologen cations (guests) and the derivatives of bis-para-phenylene-34-crown-10 (hosts) with anionic groups COO(-) or SO(3)(-). The structure of the resulting charge-compensated host-guest complexes, their association constants and their electrochemical behaviour have been studied. In the solid state, the viologen cations thread the negatively charged crown ethers forming electroneutral zwitterion-like [2]pseudorotaxane salts; in solution this threaded geometry is preserved. The association constants of [2]pseudorotaxane salts incorporating the 1,1'-diethylviologen moiety in solution are significantly higher than those of previously reported analogues. The extrapolated association free energies in non-aqueous media exceed -40 kJ mol(-1) at 25 degrees C. This significant increase of the interaction free energy makes these compounds stable even in aqueous solutions. The association constants of [2]pseudorotaxane salts incorporating sterically more hindered 1,1'-diethyl-3,3'-dimethylviologen moieties are significantly lower. Structurally related [2]rotaxane salts, in which the oppositely charged ionic components are mechanically interlocked, have been prepared in good yields. It has been shown that [2]rotaxane salts incorporating anti-isomers of bisfunctionalised crown ethers are cycloenantiomeric. In both [2]pseudorotaxane and [2]rotaxane salts, the electrostatic interactions between the viologen moieties and the negatively charged crown ethers lead to very significant negative shifts of viologen reduction potentials up to 450 mV. The findings of the present study are valuable for the design of nanoscale molecular electronic devices.     

Controlling the conformation and interplay of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene as lanthanide crown ether complexes

Control over the conformational flexibility of p-sulfonatocalix[6]arene in the solid state is possible in the presence of varied stoichiometric amounts of [18]crown-6 and selected lanthanide(III) chlorides. Complexes 1 and 2 have the calixarene in the elusive up-up double cone conformation, whilst complex 3 has the calixarene in the centrosymmetric up-down double partial cone conformation, whereby it acts as a divergent receptor. Complex 1 has a double molecular capsule arrangement which is composed of two p-sulfonatocalix[6]arenes shrouding two [18]crown-6 molecules, also with both coordinated and homoleptic aquated lanthanide ions around the hydrophilic sulfonate rims of the calixarenes. Complex 2 has a ferris wheel arrangement with one lanthanide metal centre coordinated to a sulfonate group and another coordinated to the crown ether whilst tethered to a sulfonate group of the calixarene. Complex 3 forms from a solution with large excess of [18]crown-6, and possesses a crown ether molecule in each of the partial cones and has homoleptic aquated lanthanide ions involved in a complicated hydrogen-bonding regime within the extended structure.