Diphenylanthracene macrocylces from reductive zirconocene coupling: on the edge of steric overload

Trimeric diphenylanthracene macrocycles were synthesized via the zirconocene-mediated coupling of 9,10-bis-[4-trimethylsilyl(ethynyl)phenyl]anthracene. The macrocycles feature a strained architecture due to orientation of the anthracene units into the plane of the macrocycle. The demetalated cyclophane exhibits a considerably higher flexibility in solution, while the zirconocene-containing macrocycle is quite rigid.     

A tubular macrocycle from covalently linked anthracenes and meta-phenylene spacers

A novel tubular macrocycle containing four anthracene panels covalently linked by meta-phenylene spacers was synthesized. The tube is approximately 1 nm long with anthracene panels delimiting a columnar cavity with a diameter of ~1 nm and exhibits strong blue fluorescence.     

Static and Dynamic Nanosheets from Selective Assembly of Geometric Macrocycle Isomers

In contrast to the significant advances that have been made in the construction of two‐dimensional (2D) nanostructures, the rational modification from static to dynamic 2D sheets remains a great challenge. Static and dynamic sheets formed from selective self‐assembly of geometric macrocycle isomers based on anthracene units are presented. The self‐assembly of the cis isomer generates static planar sheets, whereas the trans isomer forms dynamic rolled sheets which are reversibly unrolled upon stimulation by a thermal signal. Furthermore, the mixed solution of the two isomers exhibits self‐sorting behavior, generating the coexistence of the two independent self‐assembled structures, the planar sheets and the folded scrolls. The self‐sorted supramolecular objects with considerable shape and size differences are able to be readily separated, one isomer from the other.     

Fluorescence enhancement of a signaling system in the simultaneous presence of transition and alkali metal ions: a potential AND logic gate

Attachment of a laterally non-symmetric cryptand and a macrocycle at the 9- and 10-positions of anthracene leads to a fluorescent signaling system L1 which gives fluorescence enhancement in the simultaneous presence of alkali and transition metal ions.     

Enantiopure anthrylene-ethynylene cyclic tetramer and racemization via rotation of anthracene unit about acetylenic axes

Four anthracene and four acetylene units are used to construct a chiral pi-conjugate macrocycle, the chirality of which is due to the restricted rotation about acetylenic axes. Enantiomers were readily resolved by chiral HPLC and racemized slowly even at 70 degrees C.     

π-Stacking Stopper-Macrocycle Stabilized Dynamically Interlocked [2]Rotaxanes

The synthesis of mechanically interlocked molecules is valuable due to their unique topologies. With π-stacking intercomponent interaction, e.g., phenanthroline and anthracene, novel [2]rotaxanes have been synthesized by dynamic imine clipping reaction. Their X-ray crystal structures indicate the π-stackings between the anthracene moiety (stopper) on the thread and the (hetero)aromatic rings at the macrocycle of the rotaxanes. Moreover, the length of glycol chains affects the extra π-stacking intercomponent interactions between the phenyl groups and the dimethoxy phenyl groups on the thread. Dynamic combinatorial library has shown at best 84% distribution of anthracene-threaded phenanthroline-based rotaxane, coinciding with the crystallography in that the additional π-stacking intercomponent interactions could increase the thermodynamic stability and selectivity of the rotaxanes.     

Anthracene-based macrocyclic fluorescent chemosensor for selective sensing of dicarboxylate

An anthracene-based macrocyclic receptor has been designed and synthesized for selective recognition of 1,4-phenylenediacetate (K_a = 3.34 × 10⁵ M^?1). The macrocycle binds 1,4-phenylenediacetate selectively at the charged sites of the receptor with a concomitant increase in fluorescence of anthracene. The interaction properties of the macrocycle were evaluated by ¹H NMR, UV–vis and fluorescence spectroscopic methods.     

Three-photon absorption in anthracene-porphyrin-anthracene triads: a quantum-chemical study

We have applied correlated quantum-chemical methods to investigate the three-photon absorption (3PA) response of a porphyrin triad derivative, where the central macrocycle is linked in mesopositions to two anthracene units via acetylenic bridges. The 3PA frequency-dependent spectrum of this derivative is dominated by a single resonance feature in the transparent region, associated with charge-transfer states between porphyrin and anthracene. The calculations indicate a two order of magnitude enhancement in the 3PA cross section in the triad molecule with respect to the individual entities, which is attributed to close one-, two-, and three-photon resonances together with strong electronic couplings among the units.     

Dynamic Control of Chiral Space Through Local Symmetry Breaking in a Rotaxane Organocatalyst

We report on a switchable rotaxane molecular shuttle that features a pseudo‐meso 2,5‐disubstituted pyrrolidine catalytic unit on the axle whose local symmetry is broken according to the position of a threaded benzylic amide macrocycle. The macrocycle can be selectively switched (with light in one direction; with catalytic acid in the other) with high fidelity between binding sites located to either side of the pyrrolidine unit. The position of the macrocycle dictates the facial bias of the rotaxane‐catalyzed conjugate addition of aldehydes to vinyl sulfones. The pseudo‐meso non‐interlocked thread does not afford significant selectivity as a catalyst (2–14 % ee), whereas the rotaxane affords selectivities of up to 40 % ee with switching of the position of the macrocycle changing the handedness of the product formed (up to 60 % Δee).     

Phenylene‐Bridged Core‐Modified Planar Aromatic Octaphyrin: Aromaticity,Photophysical and Anion Receptor Properties

The synthesis of a planar expanded meso porphyrin with an intramolecular para‐phenylene‐bridged core is reported. The planarity of the octaphyrin macrocycle was confirmed by single‐crystal X‐ray structural analysis, in which the bridged para‐phenylene unit deviated by 27° from the mean macrocyclic plane. Spectroscopic analyses and theoretical calculations suggested that the macrocycle was Hückel aromatic and followed a major [34 π] single‐conjugation pathway, which indicated that the bridging para‐phenylene unit was not involved in the macrocyclic conjugation. Analysis of the photophysical properties of this system by steady‐state absorption/fluorescence spectroscopy and transient absorption spectroscopy revealed moderate enhancement in the parameters of the octaphyrin as compared to its non‐bridged octaphyrin congeners, which was attributed to the planarity and rigidity of the macrocycle as imposed by the bridging para‐phenylene unit. Preliminary anion‐binding studies revealed that the protonated macrocycle bound selectively with chloride ions through N?H???Cl hydrogen‐bonding interactions.     

A Macrocyclic Peptide Library with a Structurally Constrained Cyclopropane‐containing Building Block Leads to Thiol‐independent Inhibitors of Phosphoglycerate Mutase

Here we report the construction of an mRNA‐encoded library of thioether‐closed macrocyclic peptides by using an N‐chloroacetyl‐cyclopropane‐containing exotic initiator whose structure is more constrained than the ordinary N‐chloroacetyl‐α‐amino acid initiators. The use of such an initiator has led to a macrocycle library with significantly suppressed population of lariat‐shaped species compared with the conventional libraries. We previously used a conventional library and identified a small lariat thioether‐macrocycle with a tail peptide with a C‐terminal free Cys whose sidechain plays an essential role in potent inhibitory activity against a parasitic model enzyme, phosphoglycerate mutase. On the other hand, the cyclopropane‐containing macrocycle library has yielded a larger thioether‐macrocycle lacking a free Cys residue, which exhibits potent inhibitory activity to the same enzyme with a different mode of action. This result indicates that such a cyclopropane‐containing macrocycle library would allow us to access mechanistically distinct macrocycles.     

Meso-Carbon Atom Nucleophilic Attack Susceptibility in the Sterically Strained Antiaromatic Bis-BODIPY Macrocycle and Extended Electron-Deficient BODIPY Precursor**

A sterically strained 32π-electron antiaromatic bis-BODIPY macrocycle in which two BODIPY fragments are linked by p-divinylbenzene groups was prepared and characterized. Unlike regular BODIPYs, the fluorescence in this macrocycle is quenched. The broad signals in the NMR spectra of the macrocycle were explained by the vibronic freedom of the p-divinylbenzene fragments. The possible diradicaloid nature of the macrocycle was excluded on the basis of variable-temperature EPR spectra in solution and in solid state, which is indicative of its closed-shell quinoidal structure. The meso-C−H bond in the macrocycle and its precursor BODIPY dialdehyde 3 forms a weak hydrogen bond with THF and is susceptible for the nucleophilic attack by organic amines and cyanide anion. The reaction products of such a nucleophilic attack have meso-sp³ carbon atoms and were characterized by NMR, mass spectrometry and, in one case, X-ray crystallography. Unlike the initial bis-BODIPY macrocycle, the adducts have strong fluorescence in the 400 nm region. The electronic structure and spectroscopic properties of new chromophores were probed by density functional theory (DFT) and time-dependent DFT (TDDFT) calculations and correlate well with the experimental data.     

A generic basis for some simple light-operated mechanical molecular machines

A novel type of mechanical switch is described in which light-induced translation of a macrocycle in a [2]rotaxane quenches anthracene fluorescence. Features of the system include the remarkable 200:1 difference in fluorescence intensity between the two positional states of the molecule ( approximately 85:1 between one isomer and the photostationary state). In principle the same concept could be used for mechanically switching virtually any property that can be influenced by functional group proximity effects.     

Controlled Dynamic Helicity of a Folded Macrocycle Based on a Bisterephthalamide with a Twofold Z‐Shaped Structure

Dynamic helicity in a folded macrocycle and control of the helical preference are described. We designed macrocycle 1 with a dual mode of folding through the integration of two flexible units that are arranged twice to form a cyclic structure. As a folding unit, we used a terephthalamide skeleton and a Z‐shaped hydrocarbon: the former acted as a control unit to induce a preference of a particular sense of dynamic helicity and the latter was just a spacer. A terephthalamide unit provided a binding site for capturing a ditopic hydrogen‐bonding guest when it adopted helically folded syn forms (M/P). Thus, only the terephthalamide unit controlled the helical sense of dynamic helicity in a folded macrocycle through the supramolecular transmission of chirality upon complexation with a chiral ditopic guest. In addition, chirality on a host could also contribute to the control of the helical preference in a folded macrocycle, which led to exceptionally enhanced chiroptical signals.     

New methodology for the synthesis of benzoazacrown ethers by transformation of the macrocycle of benzocrown ethers

The review summarizes the results of studies aimed at constructing new promising macrocyclic ligands that bind metal and ammonium ions. A new approach to the synthesis of formyl and nitro derivatives of 1-aza-2,3-benzocrown ethers possessing considerable synthetic potential is described. The review presents a radically new methodology for the synthesis of such benzoazacrown ethers based on stepwise transformations of the macrocycle of readily accessible benzocrown ethers. The main structural factors and necessary conditions enabling stepwise transformations of the macrocycle of crown ethers into azacrown ethers were revealed. For the first time, the ability of N-methylbenzoazacrown ethers to form complexes was found, which is much superior to that of widely used N-phenylazacrown ethers and benzocrown ethers with the same size of the macrocycle.     

A Molecular Shuttle Driven by Fullerene Radical‐Anion Recognition

We describe a electrochemically driven molecular shuttle, in which shuttling takes place by means of fullerene radical‐anion recognition that results in a very low operation potential (E_1/2=?0.580 V vs. decamethylferrocene). This has been achieved by introducing positive charges on the macrocycle, which strengthen the existing π–π interactions between the macrocycle and the electrogenerated fullerene radical anion by means of an electrostatic component. In addition, the synthesis of such a molecular shuttle has been accomplished by developing a new synthetic approach that exploits the controlled translocation of the macrocycle as a selective protecting group.     

(5‐tert‐Butylporphyrinato)copper(II), a nonplanar porphyrin with only one sterically demanding meso residue

The title compound, [Cu(C₂₄H₂₀N₄)], is a rare example of a porphyrin carrying only one substituent. Its crystal structure exhibits two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The bulky meso tert‐butyl residue gives rise to a nonplanar macrocycle with significant ruf and sad distortions. As a result of the position of the substituent, the conformational effects are unsymmetric and to a significant extent localized in the affected quadrant of the macrocycle. In line with results for highly substituted nonplanar porphyrins, comparison with a free base and a nickel(II) complex shows that the conformation of the macrocycle is modulated via additional metal effects.     

Systematic Investigation of Molecular Arrangements and Solid‐State Fluorescence Properties on Salts of Anthracene‐2,6‐disulfonic Acid with Aliphatic Primary Amines

Organic salts of anthracene‐2,6‐disulfonic acid (ADS) with a wide variety of primary amines have been fabricated, and their arrangements of anthracene molecules and solid‐state fluorescence properties investigated. Single‐crystal X‐ray studies reveal that the salts show seven types of crystal forms and corresponding molecular arrangements of anthracene moieties depending on the amine, while anthracene shows only one form and arrangement in the solid state. Depending on the molecular arrangements, the ADS salts exhibit various solid‐state fluorescence properties: spectral shift (30 nm) and suppression and enhancement of the fluorescence intensity. Especially the ADS salt with n‐heptylamine (nHepA), which shows discrete anthracene moieties in the crystal, exhibits the highest quantum yield (Φ_F=46.1±0.2 %) in the series of ADS salts, which exceeds that of anthracene crystal (Φ_F=42.9±0.2 %). From these systematic investigations on the arrangements and the solid‐state properties, the following factors are essential for high fluorescence quantum yield in the solid state: prevention of contact between π planes of anthracene moieties and immobilization of anthracene rings. In addition, such organic salts have potential as a system for modulating the molecular arrangements of fluorophores and the concomitant solid‐state properties. Thus, systematic investigation of this system constructs a library of arrangements and properties, and the library leads to remarkable strategies for the development of organic solid materials.     

蒽与苯甲酸及其衍生物之间的作用机理研究

用紫外差光谱、红外光谱法和荧光猝灭法研究了典型多环芳烃蒽与苯甲酸及其羟基取代衍生物邻羟基苯甲酸和对羟基苯甲酸之间的作用机理。实验结果表明,在此芳香羧酸与蒽之间存在定向的、特异性的作用,其作用方式受到反应物结构和环境酸度的影响。对苯甲酸和邻羟基苯甲酸而言,当pH<pKa时,二者之间以蒽离域大π电子与羧基质子之间的π-H氢键作用为主,pH>pKa时,π-π电子给体受体作用逐渐成为主要结合方式。邻位羟基的存在使得苯甲酸与蒽的作用强度明显降低。对羟基苯甲酸特殊的D-π-A型分子结构使得它在溶液中形成平面多分子聚集体,这种多分子聚集体的生成使得对羟基苯甲酸与蒽的结合方式不随酸度变化,在pH2.0~10.0的范围内均以π-π电子给体受体作用相结合,且结合强度大于苯甲酸和邻羟基苯甲酸。     

Fluorescent Alteration on a Bistable Molecular Shuttle

Solvent driven molecular shuttles containing a pyrene‐connected macrocycle and an intramolecular charge‐transfer (ICT) chromophore stopper are constructed. In one of the molecular shuttles, a long C‐10 chain is introduced in the thread to separate the peptide station and the ICT stopper. The macrocycle stays in the peptide station in apolar solvents and moves to the C10‐chain station in highly polar solvents. This moving process alters the electronic interaction between the pyrene unit in the macrocycle and the ICT stopper, which induces the change of the pyrene fluorescence emission. The molecular shuttle exhibits stronger emission when the macrocycle is adjacent to the ICT stopper.